2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · GF09 RBY

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a history of significant structural degradation and recurring suspension failures. While it passed its last test in November 2023 at 94,901 miles, this followed a comprehensive failure involving multiple mechanical and safety deplets including wipers and suspension components. The maintenance trend appears unstable, as the car consistently fails on worn rubber components like ball joint boots and track rod ends, suggesting a reactive approach to repairs where faults are only addressed after a test failure rather than through preventative maintenance. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 94,901 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 5,582 miles per year. However, this low usage has not prevented the accelerated aging of the vehicle's lower sections. Between September 2021 and October 2022, the car covered roughly 5,500 miles, yet it suffered a critical structural corrosion failure on the sill during this period. This indicates that the vehicle suffers from environmental damage or poor storage despite the low annual mileage. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the sills and underbody. The October 2022 failure specifically flagged corrosion that significantly reduced the rigidity of the assembly, which is a major safety concern for a vehicle of this age. Furthermore, the record shows a persistent pattern of front suspension wear, with ball joints, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages flagged across three consecutive years. The tester should verify that the previous repairs to the sill were structurally sound rather than merely cosmetic, and check the rear trailing arm bushes for the signs of play or tearing noted in the 2021 report.