2009 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · JB09 DKB

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, which is the expected outcome for a vehicle of this vintage and supports a broadly stable maintenance picture. However, reviewing the full sequence of tests reveals a pattern that has fluctuated rather than consistently improved. The 2025 pass carried a minor defect for an inoperative nearside registration plate lamp alongside a tyre wear advisory, while the prior pass in November 2024 listed advisories for a non-excessive oil leak, a nearside rear tyre worn to the limit, and nearside front brake pads wearing thin. Importantly, the vehicle failed on 14 November 2024 due to both headlamps having an obviously incorrect beam pattern, suggesting either a bulb replacement error or a previously disturbed alignment that has since been corrected. A earlier failure in December 2022 cited an insecure nearside front anti-roll bar linkage, a faulty front direction indicator, and a brake linkage with restricted free movement on the offside rear, items that are consistent with the gradual loosening of suspension components and seized adjusters typical of a chassis of this age. Taken together, the trend points to a car that is being maintained passably but with recurring advisories clustering around consumables, lighting, and suspension hardware. The recorded mileage of 90,498 miles on a 2009 Ford Focus equates to an annualised usage of roughly 5,323 miles, which is notably below the national average for a car of this age. This low figure is consistent with either predominantly urban motoring, weekend use, or significant periods of standing. Such low annual mileage brings specific mechanical considerations: brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion and binding from infrequent operation, rubber components such as tyres, coolant hoses, and suspension bushes are susceptible to age-related perishing regardless of wear, and the 12V battery is highly likely to be in a weakened state if it has stood for prolonged periods without being kept on a conditioning charger. Although the engine and gearbox internals have accumulated fewer thermal and rotational cycles than a higher-mileage equivalent, the calendar age of the lubricants, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid should be treated as a priority, and the condition of the timing belt and auxiliary drive belts must be verified through the service history. Given the recurring advisories on front brake pads and rear tyre wear from the 2024 test, a prospective buyer should conduct a measured inspection and test drive to assess whether these items have been addressed. The front brake pads should be examined through the wheel for remaining friction material, and the discs checked for lipping or scoring. On the road, listen for any binding or pulling from the front calipers after a few stops, which is a common issue where the slider pins seize from infrequent use. The tyres should be inspected for both legal tread depth and for signs of sidewall cracking or perishing, as the original advisory referenced a nearside rear tyre worn on the edge, which can indicate a tracking or suspension geometry concern. The oil leak noted as not excessive in 2024 warrants a visual check of the engine and sump area for fresh seepage, and the dipstick should be checked for level and condition, with attention to any milky residue suggesting head gasket concerns. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the previous anti-roll bar linkage failure and the general age of the rubber bushes indicate that further deterioration is plausible. The steering should be checked for vagueness or wandering, which could point to worn wishbone bushes or track rod ends, and the rear axle should be inspected for play or noise suggesting compliance bushes or shock absorber wear. Lighting and electrical functions should be verified comprehensively, as multiple recent advisories have involved lamps and indicators. Beyond these specific items, given the low mileage and long calendar life, the buyer should confirm the timing belt or chain replacement schedule according to Ford's service intervals, check the age of the battery and all fluid services, and inspect the underside for surface corrosion. Even though the MOT record shows no structural corrosion advisories, a 17-year-old vehicle with low use is best assessed with a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp to evaluate components that the MOT does not cover, such as the clutch, gearbox mounts, exhaust internals, and the condition of the catalytic converter.