2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · KD04 WRF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 November 2025, was a pass but recorded two advisories – a minor front‑exhaust leak and a near‑side steering‑rack gaiter that is damaged but still preventing dirt ingress. Looking back through the last three years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring minor wear items (exhaust leak, suspension‑arm bush wear) together with a serious safety failure recorded in November 2024 (excessive play in the off‑side track‑rod end ball joint, together with headlamp and fog‑lamp faults). The failure appears to have been rectified, as the subsequent 2025 test shows no repeat of the ball‑joint defect. Overall the maintenance trend is cautiously improving; the major fault has been addressed, but the persistence of exhaust and suspension advisories indicates that wear items are not being fully resolved and will likely require attention soon. At 116 324 mi the Focus averages just over 5 000 mi per year, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi for a vehicle of this age. The low annual usage suggests the car has spent considerable periods idle, which can be as detrimental as high mileage for certain components. Prolonged standing accelerates rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of brake discs and suspension bushings, while also allowing moisture to settle in electronic connectors. Conversely, the modest mileage means the engine, transmission and major drivetrain parts have not been subjected to the high‑stress cycles that would normally drive wear, but they should still be inspected for signs of oil leakage, coolant condition and any abnormal noises that can develop from age‑related seal deterioration. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the front‑exhaust system – a small leak may manifest as a faint ticking or a faint exhaust smell at the cabin edge, and can lead to increased emissions and rust on the manifold if left untreated. The near‑side steering‑rack gaiter should be examined for cracks or fraying; a compromised gaiter can allow dirt into the rack and cause premature wear, which may be felt as a vague looseness or occasional clunk when turning at low speed. The rear‑suspension arm bushes have been flagged on both sides for wear; check for any looseness or knocking when the rear wheels are rocked, and listen for a hollow thump over bumps, which would indicate that the bushings are nearing the end of service life and should be replaced. Although the off‑side track‑rod end was recorded as faulty in 2024, confirm that the steering feels tight and that there is no excessive play when the wheel is rocked at the 9‑and‑3‑o’clock positions – any wandering or vague steering feedback would merit a fresh inspection of the ball joints and tie‑rod ends. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile appraisal of age‑related items is essential. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that can arise from prolonged storage; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of tread depth. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for swollen cases or sluggish cranking, and have its cranking amps tested if possible. Check the brake discs for surface rust, especially if the car has sat for long periods, and verify that the pads are not glazed and that the calipers move freely without binding. Look under the chassis for rust on the sub‑frame, suspension mounts and exhaust hangers, and ensure that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid) are topped up and free from contamination, as fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven. A complete service history with regular oil changes and timed‑belt or chain checks will further reassure you of the car’s mechanical soundness before purchase.