2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Petrol · J70 EAP

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 16 January 2026 recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories noted, which is the most favourable outcome for a prospective buyer. The preceding test on 24 January 2025 also resulted in a PASS with no recorded defects, indicating a stable and consistent maintenance trend across the most recent examinations. An earlier entry on the same date in 2025 shows a FAILED result, though no specific defect categories were captured within the record provided; the immediate re-test pass on the same day suggests any issues identified were rectified promptly at the time. With four consecutive years of unblemished MOT outcomes from 2023 through 2026 and no advisories logged in the recent history, the vehicle presents a tidy administrative record. For a 2009 Skoda Roomster of this age, the absence of advisories relating to suspension components, brake wear, or exhaust corrosion across multiple tests is a notably positive indicator of the vehicle's ongoing mechanical upkeep. The recorded mileage of 69,296 miles against the vehicle's 17-year age equates to an annual average of approximately 4,076 miles, which is considerably below typical usage for a car of this vintage. This low-mileage profile is consistent with either predominantly short urban journeys, light weekend use, or extended periods of standing between drives. While low mileage can preserve mechanical components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox internals, it also introduces specific concerns associated with vehicles that are not exercised regularly. Components that suffer more from disuse than from wear, including brake discs corroding on the face, callipers seizing in their bores, and rubber components perishing through age rather than use, become the primary areas of attention. The MOT history does not show any significant mileage gaps or rapid accumulation that would suggest inconsistent recording, lending credibility to the odometer reading. Given the sparse DVSA record and the age of the vehicle, several physical inspections become particularly important during a pre-purchase evaluation. Begin by carefully examining all four tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing, and checking the DOT date code, as rubber older than six years becomes brittle regardless of tread depth; budget for a full set of replacements if perishing is evident. Inspect the brake discs for visible rust ridges around the outer edge and lip corrosion, and during the test drive listen for any grinding or pulsing through the pedal that may indicate a binding or seized calliper. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as a 17-year-old original unit will almost certainly be nearing the end of its service life even if the vehicle has been starting reliably. Verify when the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil were last replaced, as these degrade on a calendar basis and should ideally be refreshed every two years irrespective of mileage. During the road test, pay close attention to the suspension behaviour, as low mileage does not exempt the Roomster from age-related wear to coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and rubber bushes. Listen for clonks or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that may indicate perished bushes or weak springs. Examine the underbody and wheel arches for surface corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, jacking points, and exhaust hangers, as the steel bodywork can corrode from road salt exposure over many winters even with limited mileage. Inspect all fluid levels and condition, looking for any signs of emulsion on the oil cap suggesting head gasket concerns, and check for green or pink staining on the coolant expansion tank indicating inadequate antifreeze concentration. Finally, confirm the service book stamps correspond to the indicated mileage and consider obtaining a full vehicle history check to verify the recorded MOT mileage progression, ensuring there are no discrepancies in the odometer reading across the years of recorded tests.