2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · KE52 FCC

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by recurring corrosion and mechanical wear. While the most recent test on 5 December 2025 at 89,995 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged corroded nearside and offside front brake pipes. This follows a significant failure just eight days earlier on 27 November 2025, where the vehicle failed on multiple counts including a worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, excessive corrosion on all four brake pipes, and an exhaust shield issue. The persistence of brake pipe corrosion suggests that while repairs are being attempted, the underlying issue of age-related degradation is not being fully resolved. The mileage profile indicates very low usage for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,750 miles per year. The data shows a steady but slow accumulation, moving from 77,697 miles in November 2022 to 89,995 miles in December 2025. This low annual mileage often correlates with the rubber perishing and metal components corroding due to infrequent use and exposure to moisture rather than mechanical fatigue from high-speed driving. The gap between the 2021 and 2022 tests also suggests periods of extended storage or irregular usage patterns. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the chassis and braking system. The record shows a long-standing issue with brake pipe corrosion dating back to at least November 2022, and the 2022 test specifically noted a corroded rear sub-frame. Although the sub-frame was not seriously weakened at that time, the recurring brake pipe failures suggest the vehicle is susceptible to significant rust. The presence of power steering seepage at the rack, first noted in August 2020 and again in November 2022, warrants a close check for leaks or steering heaviness. Suspension components also require scrutiny. The failure of the nearside front ball joint in late 2025 and the worn offside rear anti-roll bar drop link bushes in 2022 indicate that rubber and joint components are reaching the end of their service life. Given the history of pitted brake discs and fluctuating service brakes seen in the 2022 and 2023 tests, the entire braking assembly should be examined for thickness, surface condition, and caliper function to ensure the recent repairs are comprehensive.