2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · LR54 PGK

The 2004 Ford Focus presents a stable and currently sound roadworthiness position following its most recent MOT on 30 December 2025 at 66,770 miles, where it passed with zero defects. This clean result marks a notable improvement from earlier years, suggesting recent maintenance has addressed previous issues. The maintenance trend appears to be resolving, particularly regarding suspension and exhaust components that were flagged in prior tests. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use. Accumulating just 3,555 miles between the January 2025 test and the December 2025 test, following a longer period of roughly 3,000 to 4,000 miles annually in preceding years, indicates this vehicle has been sparingly driven. The low annual mileage of approximately 3,035 miles over its 22-year life is well below typical usage. Such light use generally reduces wear on drivetrain and braking components, though prolonged periods of standing can introduce its own concerns around seized brakes, perished rubber bushes, and fuel system degradation that mileage alone does not reveal. The recurring theme across the 2023 and 2024 tests was front suspension ball joint wear, with both nearside and offside lower suspension arm ball joints flagged for slight or excessive play. The January 2023 failure specifically cited an excessively worn offside front lower ball joint, which was subsequently rectified before the January 2023 retest passed. A buyer should physically inspect these joints for any renewed play, as well as the condition of the front suspension bushes and coil springs, which on a vehicle of this age may have deteriorated through age-related cracking rather than mileage-related wear. The exhaust system also warrants close attention. Advisories for a worn front exhaust flex appeared in both January 2023 tests, and a minor exhaust gas leak at the front flex was recorded in January 2025. Although the December 2025 test cleared the exhaust, the repeated flagging of this component suggests it remains a known weak point. A buyer should check the full exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at flex joints and mounting points, and verify there are no gas leaks under load. Tyre wear patterns noted in 2024 suggest possible alignment or suspension geometry issues that should be verified with a four-wheel alignment check before purchase.