2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · LG09 BWN

With seventeen years on the road and only one major advisory on file, this Ford Focus presents a generally stable roadworthiness picture, though a closer look at the failure history reveals a recurring electrical pattern. The most recent test on 14 July 2026 was a clean pass with no defects recorded, continuing a trend of uneventful annual examinations since 2022 aside from two isolated retest scenarios. Both recorded failures stemmed from the same root cause: lighting and visibility electrical items rather than mechanical wear. On 16 July 2025, the vehicle failed for a non-functioning windscreen washer and an inoperative offside rear fog lamp, before passing later the same day once rectified. Earlier, on 27 June 2023, a windscreen washer issue resulted in another failure, and on 5 May 2022, the rear fog lamp was again flagged. These are minor electrical faults rather than structural or mechanical concerns, but their repetition across four separate test dates suggests an underlying electrical gremlin or connector issue that a buyer should not dismiss lightly. At 88,774 miles over seventeen years, the Focus has accumulated roughly 5,200 miles annually, which is well below the typical mileage bracket for a vehicle of this age. Such low usage can mean reduced wear on major drivetrain and suspension components, but it also raises the possibility of extended periods of standing, which can bring their own issues with seized brake calipers, perished rubber components, and dried-out lubricant in linkages and bearings. The mileage progression between tests is gradual and consistent, with no sudden jumps or anomalies, and there are no significant gaps in testing that would imply the vehicle was laid up off the road for prolonged periods. A buyer should be aware that low-mileage examples of this age often present with dry-rotted suspension bushes and corroded brake lines, even when the MOT record appears largely unremarkable. The mechanical focus for any test drive should therefore centre on the areas that low annual mileage tends to affect most acutely on a Focus of this generation. Pay particular attention to the rear brake calipers for binding or sticking, as uneven handbrake pull or a reluctance for the car to roll freely on a level surface would indicate seized mechanisms. Listen for clonks or thuds from the rear suspension over speed humps and rougher tarmac, which could indicate perished anti-roll bar bushes or top mounts, common failure points on the Focus platform. Inspect the underside for any signs of corrosion around the rear subframe mounting points, brake pipe unions, and the fuel filter housing, as corrosion in these areas can develop silently between tests. Given the repeated electrical faults, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should include checking the operation of the rear fog lamp, all other exterior lighting, and the windscreen washer system before any viewings. Verify that the washer fluid reservoir is filled and that the pump delivers fluid to the front screen, as intermittent electrical faults can reappear after passing tests. Inspect the offside rear tyre closely for cracking, perishing, or sidewall damage consistent with the advisory recorded at the 2025 test, and ensure any replacement tyre matches the required specification. Finally, request a clear demonstration of all dashboard warning lights at ignition, and confirm the cooling fan operation, as Focus models of this vintage are known for cooling system weaknesses that may not surface in a standard MOT but warrant attention given the vehicle's age.