2004 Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel · EN54 AEF

With a fully clean advisory record across all recorded tests, this 2004 Ford Focus presents a roadworthy track record free of any documented component defects, advisories, or test failures. The most recent assessment on 2 May 2023 returned a pass with no defects recorded, consistent with the 2022 test outcome on 11 April 2022 which also produced a clean pass. It is worth noting that both 2022 and 2023 each show a paired fail and pass on the same day, which is a common pattern indicating minor items were identified and rectified before the vehicle was re-submitted and subsequently passed. While the absence of advisories is reassuring, a 2004 Focus at this age has components that typically begin to deteriorate regardless of whether they were flagged, so physical inspection remains essential. The mileage accumulation of 139,211 miles over a 22-year lifespan equates to roughly 6,328 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests regular but moderate usage. This rate is high enough that consumable wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components will have been replaced multiple times, yet low enough to suggest the vehicle has not been subjected to the constant short-trip, high-rpm wear associated with very high annual mileages. The lack of recorded testing gaps or mileage inconsistencies indicates continuous use, which generally favours mechanical longevity over vehicles that have been laid up for extended periods where seals, hoses, and electrical systems tend to deteriorate from disuse. For a prospective buyer, the test drive should focus on the areas most prone to wear on a Focus of this age and mileage, particularly the front suspension which is well known for early failure of wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and front springs. Listen for knocking or clonking noises over uneven surfaces, pay attention to any vagueness or wandering from the steering, and check for uneven front tyre wear which often indicates worn suspension geometry components. The rear suspension trailing arm bushes and coil springs should also be inspected for cracking or sagging, as these are common age-related failures on this model. The braking system deserves particular attention given the mileage, even though no defects were recorded. On the test drive, check for any pulling to one side under braking, a spongy or low pedal, or vibration through the pedal which would suggest warped front discs. Inspect the brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion or cracking, especially given the vehicle's exposure to winter road conditions over two decades. Finally, examine the exhaust system for signs of corrosion around the joints, mounting rubbers, and heat shields, and listen for any blowing or rattling from underneath which would indicate a deteriorated silencer or flexi-joint. A compression test or oil analysis would also be prudent to gauge internal engine wear at this mileage, as high-mileage Focus engines can develop timing chain stretch, oil leaks from the cam cover, and bottom-end wear without any of these issues being flagged during an MOT.