2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · FM53 CWD

This 2004 Ford Focus presents a largely clean MOT history over its documented testing life, with only one outright failure recorded in March 2023 and that failure being attributable to relatively minor lighting defects rather than any structural or mechanical concern. The most recent test on 7 March 2023 failed on both front headlamp aim projections, a non-functioning offside rear fog lamp, and incorrect colour front position lamps, none of which would typically raise questions about the integrity of the vehicle's running gear, suspension, or powertrain. Across the earlier tests from 2017 through 2022 the vehicle passed consistently, with the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 tests recording no advisories at all. The 2021 test history is slightly unusual in that two entries appear on the same date, with a fail on a single nearside stop lamp followed by a pass with no defects recorded, suggesting a quick rectification between the two inspections. The advisory items that do appear, namely front brake imbalance in 2017, wiper and front brake pad wear along with nearside front tyre wear and CV boot grease in 2022, are typical age-related observations rather than symptoms of any recurring underlying fault. Taken as a whole, the test record is consistent with a vehicle that has remained roadworthy without any pattern of chronic defects or repeat failure items. With 111,998 miles recorded over 22 years of age, this Focus has averaged approximately 5,091 miles per year, which sits well below the typical mileage band for a car of this vintage. The MOT history covers annual testing from 2017 through 2023 without any obvious extended gaps, indicating the vehicle has been kept in active use and on the road throughout this period rather than laid up for long stretches. A lower annual mileage figure such as this generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components like the clutch, engine internals, and gearbox, but it can also accelerate degradation in areas sensitive to prolonged standing, including brake discs corroding on the friction surface, brake caliper sliding pins seizing, suspension bushes drying out, and rubber components perishing. The 2017 advisory noting slight front brake imbalance may be consistent with light corrosion build-up on the discs from low-speed urban use, and buyers should expect to see some surface corrosion on exposed braking components given the usage profile. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items should focus on the components previously flagged rather than speculative concerns. The front brake pads flagged as wearing thin in 2022 warrant close attention, so check the inner pad condition through the wheel spokes and look for any scoring or lipping on the front discs, as uneven pad wear often points to a sticking caliper slider rather than simple pad consumption. The nearside front outer CV boot advisory from the same test means the grease condition should be visually inspected for any splits, tears, or fresh grease fling on the surrounding suspension arm, and on the test drive listen for any rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front corners when turning on full lock which would indicate a failing joint. The inner-edge tyre wear noted on both front tyres in 2022 is also worth re-examining, as one-sided wear typically suggests tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, so inspect the front tyres carefully for feathering or uneven shoulder wear and pay attention to any steering pull or wandering at motorway speeds during the road test. Finally, given the lighting-related failure in 2023, a straightforward functional check of every exterior lamp including headlamp main and dipped beams, front and rear position lamps, both rear fog lamps, and all stop lamps should be carried out, as these items are simple to verify but are commonly missed on older vehicles with brittle bulb holders and corroded earth connections. The front headlamp aim failure in particular can sometimes be traced to worn adjusters or a slightly sagging headlamp mounting bracket, so observe whether the beam pattern sits level and to the correct side of the road during a brief static check. Beyond these previously recorded items, the test drive should include firm braking from around 40 mph to confirm no pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel, a slow pass over speed humps to detect any clonks or knocks from the front suspension, and a tight figure-of-eight to reveal any clonking from the CV joints or excessive steering play. The overall mechanical picture from the MOT record is favourable, with no structural corrosion, exhaust, or major brake or suspension failures recorded across the testing period, though as with any 22-year-old vehicle a thorough physical inspection on a ramp remains advisable before purchase.