2004 Ford Focus C-MAX 1.8L Petrol · LM53 YZL

The 2004 Ford Focus C-Max presents a stable mechanical trend, though its recent testing history contains anomalies requiring scrutiny. The most recent test on 2025-08-04 at 151,146 miles shows both a pass and a fail recorded on the same day with no defects listed for either outcome. This pattern repeats from the previous year, where a failure on 2024-07-24 at 142,791 miles preceded a pass on 2024-07-27 at 142,793 miles, again with zero defects logged. Such entries typically indicate a retest following an initial failure, yet the absence of recorded defects on the failed attempts suggests either minor issues rectified immediately or administrative logging errors. Regardless, the vehicle consistently achieves a passing standard, demonstrating baseline roadworthiness at the time of testing. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle's age, reflecting typical usage rather than prolonged standing or excessive wear. Between the August 2023 test at 133,700 miles and the July 2024 test at 142,791 miles, the car covered 9,091 miles. The subsequent year saw a slight reduction, accumulating 8,353 miles to reach the current 151,146 miles by August 2025. This translates to roughly 8,500 miles annually, sitting comfortably within the expected range for a 22-year-old vehicle. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer readings, indicating consistent, regular use without extended periods of inactivity that often lead to deterioration of perishable components like brake calipers and tyres. Despite the clean pass certificates, the repeated failures prior to passing warrant a thorough physical inspection. A buyer should closely examine the braking system for signs of binding calipers or uneven disc wear, as these are common failure points that might have triggered the initial 2024 and 2025 test rejections. Suspension components, particularly the coil springs and trailing arm bushes, require checking for corrosion and play, given the vehicle's age. The exhaust system and its emissions output also demand attention, as marginal failures here often necessitate retests. Finally, inspect the structural integrity of the sills and subframes for corrosion, a critical concern for vehicles of this era. Since the current MOT certificate approaches its expiry date in August 2026, a fresh test will be due shortly, offering a timely opportunity to verify the vehicle's current condition against modern standards.