2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · LC52 AGU

The 2002 Ford Focus has a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance record, with the most recent MOT test occurring over four years ago on 8 November 2021. The vehicle passed its final inspection at 58,396 miles without any recorded defects, though it failed a test just two months prior on 30 September 2021—without any defects noted on that occasion either. This lack of specific fault details makes it impossible to determine whether the failure was procedural or indicative of underlying issues. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the available record suggests no obvious pattern of neglect, but the prolonged gap since the last test—now over 48 months—raises immediate concerns about unchecked wear on critical components. A vehicle of this age, even with low mileage, demands regular scrutiny of suspension integrity, brake system health, and structural corrosion. The recorded mileage of 58,396 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 2,433 miles per year, a rate that is unusually low for a car of this vintage. This suggests either limited usage or extended periods of inactivity, both of which can accelerate deterioration in areas like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers due to static load stress. The gap between the failed and passed MOT tests—just 59 days—is unusually short for a vehicle that would typically require more frequent checks, particularly if it had been driven regularly. Without intermediate service records, it is impossible to confirm whether maintenance was consistently applied, but the sparse MOT history implies a lack of proactive care. Given the prolonged period since the last MOT, a prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension system, particularly the condition of the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, which are prone to failure in older Focus models. The braking system warrants thorough testing, including a check for uneven wear on discs and binding calipers, as repeated failures on this component would have been expected to appear in the MOT record if present. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, should be examined closely, as this is a common failure point in vehicles of this age. The absence of advisories in the MOT history does not guarantee these areas are sound, but it does indicate no prior tester identified obvious risks. Tyre condition, while not reflected in the MOT record, should be verified, as failing twice on tread depth suggests basic upkeep may have been inconsistent.