2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · EA53 KWT

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a worsening trend regarding structural and fluid-related corrosion. The most recent test in April 2026 at 90,664 miles flagged a high volume of advisories that mirror or escalate upon issues from previous years. While the car passed, the persistence of corroded brake lines and deteriorating suspension components indicates that the owner is performing only the minimum required to pass inspections rather than addressing underlying age-related degradation. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 90,664 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 4,100 miles per year. The data shows consistent but low-intensity usage, with only 285 miles driven between the April 2025 and April 2026 tests. However, this low mileage correlates with the physical deterioration of rubber components, such as the badly perishing rear tyres noted in 2024 at 89,579 miles. The vehicle likely sits for long periods, leading to accelerated oxidation and dry rot rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire braking system and lower suspension assembly. The record consistently notes corrosion on all four brake pipes, which are currently covered in grease, likely an attempt to mask the extent of the rust from the tester. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover has been flagged as severely deteriorated since at least 2024, posing a risk of imminent joint failure if not replaced. Additionally, the rear coil springs and suspension arms show significant surface corrosion that requires close monitoring to ensure the structural integrity of the metal has not been compromised.