2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · CU58 FOP

This seventeen-year-old Ford Focus presents a commendable history of roadworthiness across the available DVSA test record, with a clean pass documented on 3 March 2024 supported by two further passes in February 2022 and February 2023, all free of recorded defects or advisories. The only blemish on file is a fail entry logged on the same date as the 2022 pass, which indicates a straightforward first-attempt failure that was rectified and re-presented successfully the same day, rather than a persistent mechanical concern. The absence of any advisories across three consecutive passes is unusual for a vehicle of this age and suggests that the structural, braking, and suspension components inspected at test have remained within the required tolerances, although it should be noted that the DVSA record begins only in early 2022, leaving the majority of the vehicle's working life undocumented in the official test history. With 174,312 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years of service, the Focus has averaged around 10,254 miles annually, which sits squarely within the expected band for a car of this vintage and usage profile. There are no extended lay-up periods evident in the test record, no sudden gaps in annual mileage, and no obvious signs of clock irregularities, indicating a vehicle that has been in regular service rather than left dormant for long stretches. From a mechanical standpoint, this consistent pattern of use is generally favourable, as steady mileage accumulation tends to keep seals, drivetrain components, and suspension linkages working rather than allowing them to seize or deteriorate through stagnation, although at this odometer reading significant wear on clutches, dual-mass flywheels, timing chain stretch, and engine oil consumption should still be anticipated. Given the high overall mileage, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection focused on the areas most likely to have reached the end of their service life on a petrol or diesel Focus of this generation. On a road test, listen carefully for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly indicative of worn lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and front strut top mounts, while also checking for uneven tyre wear that would suggest tired springs or geometry misalignment. Inspect the underside carefully for any signs of corrosion on the rear axle beam, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe unions, as these are known weakness areas on later-model Foci of this era, and verify that the brake pedal feels firm without sponginess or excessive travel. Further checks should include a careful examination for any oil leaks from the engine sump, cam cover, and turbo oil feed pipes if diesel-fitted, as well as blue smoke from the exhaust on overrun which would indicate worn valve stem seals or piston ring blow-by. With the gearbox in operation, ensure that all gears engage cleanly without crunching or excessive notchiness, particularly on a cold first-to-second change, and confirm that the clutch bite point is consistent without slipping under hard acceleration in higher gears. Finally, verify the service history stamps and ensure that the cam belt or timing chain replacement interval has been respected according to manufacturer schedule, as a neglected timing drive on an interference engine at this mileage would represent a significant and costly impending failure.