2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · DA02 YRJ

The 2002 Ford Focus presents a stable and reassuring maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT conducted on 20 September 2025 at 120,421 miles passing cleanly with zero defects recorded. This marks the fourth consecutive clean pass in the DVSA record, following a clean pass on 5 August 2023 at 113,499 miles, a clean pass on 5 August 2022 at 109,379 miles, and a clean pass on 27 July 2024 at 117,691 miles. The single failed entry on 5 August 2023 at 113,499 miles shows no defects recorded, suggesting a procedural or administrative retest rather than a mechanical failure. The trajectory is clearly stable, with no recurring advisories or failures to indicate any worsening mechanical condition. The mileage accumulation tells a consistent story of gentle use. Between the August 2022 test at 109,379 miles and the July 2024 test at 117,691 miles, the vehicle covered 8,312 miles over approximately 23 months, averaging roughly 361 miles per month. The jump from July 2024 at 117,691 miles to September 2025 at 120,421 miles adds just 2,730 miles over 14 months, indicating the car has seen even lighter use in the most recent period. Over its 24-year lifespan, the recorded 120,421 miles equate to roughly 5,018 miles per year, which is substantially below the UK average. The record is clean and consistent, with no anomalous mileage reversals or suspiciously large annual jumps to raise concern. Despite the clean MOT history, a buyer should approach a 24-year-old vehicle with appropriate diligence. The low annual mileage and long intervals between tests suggest the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which can cause brake calipers to seize, tyre sidewalls to perish, and fuel system components to degrade. A thorough inspection of the underside for structural corrosion is essential, as the vehicle predates modern galvanising standards common on later Ford models. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers should be examined for age-related deterioration rather than wear alone. Brake discs and pads may appear serviceable on paper but could exhibit surface corrosion from prolonged inactivity. The exhaust system, rubber hoses, and fluid seals all warrant close visual inspection given the vehicle's age, regardless of the clean test record.