2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · EX02 HSD

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 84,350 miles was a pass, it flagged persistent corrosion on the rear sub-frame and suspension components. This corrosion has been noted since 2024 and followed a structural failure regarding excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension mounting area. Although the vehicle currently passes, the recurring nature of these advisories indicates the rust process is active rather than resolving. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. Between August 2022 at 80,446 miles and August 2025 at 84,350 miles, the car covered only 3,904 miles. Such low usage often suggests the vehicle sits for long periods, which frequently correlates with the observed corrosion on the chassis and suspension. Lack of regular movement can lead to brake fluid degradation and the accelerated accumulation of rust on rubber and metal components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points to assess the depth of the corrosion. The 2023 failure for structural strength reduction in the sill area suggests the integrity of the chassis is at risk, and the tester should check for thinning metal or perforation that the MOT may have missed. The 2025 advisory regarding an offside front tyre worn on the edge also indicates that basic maintenance is occasionally neglected despite the low mileage. The brake fluid should also be tested for moisture content, as the record flagged low levels in 2023.