2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · HV59 XRW

The 2009 Ford Focus presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by intermittent failures rather than consistent reliability, with the most recent MOT on 2023-08-11 returning a pass despite carrying several active advisories. While the 2023 test confirmed the vehicle remained roadworthy under examination, it also documented ongoing deterioration across critical systems including worn front lower suspension arms, a corroded front coil spring, and a rear anti-roll bar showing early signs of fatigue. The same 2023 assessment identified a dangerous condition—bulging rear tyres indicating structural damage—and a previous failed test in 2020 revealed a fractured front coil spring and oil contamination around the power steering system, suggesting underlying mechanical stress that may have progressed since then. This pattern of alternating pass/fail results with recurring component weaknesses suggests the vehicle has experienced significant operational stress over its lifecycle, even if it remains technically roadworthy at present. At 125,341 miles on its 17-year lifespan, the car accumulates approximately 7,373 miles annually, which aligns with expected consumption patterns for its age and usage level. The near-continuous presence of minor and major advisories across three separate test cycles indicates that while the engine and drivetrain have held up reasonably well, the suspension, braking, and exhaust systems have shown progressive degradation. Notably, there is a substantial gap of nearly three years between the 2020 and 2023 MOT dates with no intermediate testing, and the most recent failure occurred just months before today. This extended lay-up period combined with the repeated identification of worn suspension components and corroded anti-roll bar raises questions about how consistently the vehicle was maintained during its earlier years, potentially allowing small issues to accumulate and manifest later when the parts reached their critical limits. The specific components requiring attention begin with the front lower suspension assembly, where worn pins and bushes have been flagged twice—once as merely worn and again as contributing to a failed test. On a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking over bumps, particularly at speed, as the deteriorating bushings can transmit vibrations through the chassis. The front coil spring, now corroded, should be inspected visually for cracks or loss of elasticity; if the suspension feels stiff or has reduced travel, this could indicate further degradation. The rear anti-roll bar showing corrosion warrants checking for play or looseness, which may affect handling balance and cornering stability. Both the front and rear lower tyres have shown bulging, a sign of structural compromise that often precedes complete tread separation—a condition that requires immediate replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Additionally, the oil residue found around the rocker cover and power steering pipe area suggests potential seepage that could lead to coolant or hydraulic fluid contamination if left unaddressed. Buyers should conduct a thorough visual and tactile inspection before committing, starting with the suspension components by checking for visible wear on the lower arms, bushings, and spring mounts, and listening for abnormal noises during acceleration and cornering. The corroded anti-roll bar should be examined for any movement at the joints, and the rear tyres must be pressed to confirm they are not structurally compromised—these should deflate easily upon pressure application. The oil-related findings around the power steering system and rocker cover demand a detailed check of the power steering pump seals and the rocker box gasket for leaks; any dampness or milky fluid underneath would indicate a serious cooling system or hydraulic line issue. Given the history of both a failed test and current bullet-point warnings, it is prudent to request a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers the suspension, coils, exhaust joints, and oil passages, and to verify that any previously replaced parts (such as the coil spring or anti-roll bar) have been properly reconditioned and installed correctly. If the vehicle was driven extensively during its earlier years, the accumulated wear on these components makes the purchase decision particularly sensitive to the condition of the repair work performed.