2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · GL09 VGK

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, although the same date carries a Fail entry arising from an offside front headlamp aim that was too high. This is a straightforward adjustment item rather than a structural or mechanical defect, and the immediate same-day re-test would have resolved it once the headlamp was correctly set. Looking back across the recorded history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but not improving. The 2024 pass was almost entirely clean apart from a minor plate deterioration, whereas the 2025 and 2026 tests both surfaced a growing cluster of advisories concentrated around the rear suspension and underbody. The recurring nature of the rear sub-frame corrosion, anti-roll bar corrosion, and rear coil spring corrosion advisories suggests progressive deterioration rather than isolated incidents, which is typical of a vehicle of this age operating in the UK climate and should be monitored closely. With 148,611 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, this Focus has covered around 8,742 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and points to consistent, ordinary use rather than long-term standing or aggressive high-mileage work. The mileage progression appears steady, and there are no obvious gaps that would suggest extended periods of inactivity, which reduces the likelihood of severe standing-related corrosion in the braking system or seized calipers. Even so, at this odometer reading, the mechanical consumables such as clutches, engine mountings, and wheel bearings have clearly completed multiple duty cycles, and routine wear should be assumed even where the MOT does not flag specific component failures. The repeated advisories relating to the rear sub-frame and rear anti-roll bar corrosion are worth prioritising during a physical inspection. Although the examiner judged them not seriously weakened at the time of test, corrosion of this nature is progressive, and by the next examination there is a realistic chance one or more components will tip into a fail category. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the rear under load, particularly over broken surfaces or when changing direction at low speed, as these would indicate advanced bush and pivot wear. The advisories on both rear coil springs suggest surface corrosion is established, which can precede spring failure and a sudden drop in ride height; visually inspect the springs for any broken coils or sagging and check that the car sits level at the rear. The 2025 advisory on the nearside rear trailing arm pin or bush is also significant, as continued wear in this area will lead to uneven rear tyre wear and imprecise handling, so a check of the inner shoulders of the rear tyres is advisable. Beyond the recorded advisories, a buyer should pay attention to several age- and mileage-related items that fall outside the MOT scope. The minor exhaust leak noted in 2025 should be re-examined by listening for ticking or whistling from the exhaust on start-up and confirming there are no stronger signs of blowing. Tyres should be checked not only for wear depth but also for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on vehicles of this age regardless of mileage. Given the odometer reading, the 12V battery health should be verified, as a failing battery will stress the alternator; brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges on the outer edges, particularly if the car has had periods of light use; and it is worth confirming that coolant, brake fluid, and the timing belt or chain service history have been attended to in line with manufacturer schedules, since the MOT history alone cannot evidence these calendar-based maintenance items.