2009 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · FD09 GBV

A pattern of intermittent component failures and recurring tyre wear advisories defines the mechanical history of this Ford Focus, with the most recent test on 08 December 2025 resulting in a failure due to a non-functional windscreen washer and incorrect nearside headlamp aim. While the vehicle has secured passes in the intervening years, the presence of a defective rear exhaust mounting and a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit as advisories in the latest test suggests a tendency for peripheral components to reach the end of their service life between inspections. The record shows a fluctuating trend of roadworthiness, moving from clean passes in 2023 and 2024 back to a failure in late 2025. The recorded mileage of 96,541 miles over a seventeen-year lifespan equates to an average annual accumulation of approximately 5,679 miles. This represents a low-mileage usage profile for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, such low annual distance can mean less frequent wear on heavy drivetrain components, but it can also lead to specific issues such as the pitting and scoring of brake discs noted in the 2020 and 2021 records. When a vehicle is driven infrequently, brake components are less likely to be cleared of surface oxidation through regular friction, which may contribute to the uneven wear and surface degradation observed in the earlier MOT history. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking and suspension systems during a test drive, given the previous major failure regarding excessive brake fluctuation on the offside front and a serious fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber in 2022. On the road, listen for any rhythmic knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or failing dampers. Additionally, monitor the brake pedal for any pulsation or judder under deceleration, which would be consistent with the historical issues regarding brake disc condition and uneven braking performance. The recurring advisories regarding tyre wear, specifically on the nearside rear, necessitate a physical inspection of the current tread depth and the condition of the sidewalls across all four tyres. Ensure that the tyre wear is even; uneven wear on the edges can indicate underlying issues with wheel alignment or worn suspension geometry. Furthermore, since a defective exhaust mounting was flagged in the most recent test, check the vehicle for excessive vibration or a loud, rattling exhaust note while the engine is idling or under load, as this would confirm the mounting is not providing adequate structural support.