2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · FH02 LRN

The current roadworthiness status of this 2002 Ford Focus is unsatisfactory, as the vehicle failed its most recent MOT on 13 May 2024 at 162,729 miles and lacks a valid certificate as of July 2026. The maintenance trend appears unstable, characterized by an alternating pattern of failures and passes over the past three years. Notably, despite the recorded failures, no specific mechanical or structural defects are documented in the DVSA record for any of the tests. This strongly suggests the failures resulted from an inability to complete the inspection, such as presenting the vehicle in a dangerous condition, insufficient fluid levels for emissions testing, or an abandoned test, rather than logged component failures. The mileage accumulation indicates very light recent use, averaging roughly 6,780 miles per year over its twenty-four-year lifespan. Between the 2022 tests at 159,405 miles and the 2023 tests at 161,815 miles, the Focus covered approximately 2,400 miles. However, mileage accrual slowed significantly thereafter, traveling just 910 miles between May 2023 and the May 2024 failure. The recorded mileage has remained static at 162,729 miles since the last test, pointing to the vehicle being parked up or taken off the road following the failure. A buyer must approach this vehicle with caution due to its prolonged period without a valid MOT and the ambiguous nature of its test failures. Because the record lacks specific defect codes, a thorough physical inspection is essential to determine why the tester refused to issue a certificate. Focus heavily on structural integrity, particularly the condition of the sills, floor pan, and suspension mounting points, as corrosion is a primary killer of older Focus models. Inspect the braking system for seized calipers or binding handbrake components, and check the condition of all rubber bushes and coil springs for deterioration. Given the vehicle has likely stood for over two years, assess the fuel system for degraded petrol, check the condition of the tyres for flat spots and perishing, and examine the exhaust for deterioration caused by standing moisture.