2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · LW51 CXT

The 2002 Ford Focus has maintained a clean MOT history since its most recent test on 2025-07-22, passing without any defects at 107,281 miles. This suggests the vehicle has avoided major mechanical failures or safety-critical issues during the past 12 months, though the record does include an anomalous double entry for the 2024 test—one pass and one fail at the same mileage (99,674). The absence of advisories or recurring faults implies that while the car has not been subjected to rigorous scrutiny beyond basic MOT requirements, there is no evidence of persistent problems such as suspension wear, brake binding, or structural corrosion. However, the lack of defects does not preclude gradual deterioration in components like coil springs, suspension bushes, or brake calipers, which are not routinely inspected in depth during an MOT. The recorded mileage of 107,281 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 4,470 miles annually, a figure significantly lower than the UK average for vehicles of this age. This suggests the car has either seen very light use or has spent extended periods stationary, which could mitigate some wear but also introduces risks such as flat-spotted tyres, seized suspension joints, or degraded fuel system components. The most notable gap in the record is between the 2022 and 2023 tests, where mileage increased by 9,150 miles in just under a year—a relatively rapid accumulation for a vehicle of this age. This period warrants closer scrutiny, particularly for signs of accelerated wear in high-stress areas like the drivetrain or exhaust system. Given the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension components, including coil springs for fatigue cracks and rubber bushes for perishing. The brakes, though not flagged in the MOT, should be assessed for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for prolonged periods. Corrosion is another critical factor; the underbody, wheel arches, and sills should be examined for rust penetration, particularly around the subframe and rear axle mounts, which are common failure points in this model. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, and visual inspection is essential to confirm structural integrity. Additionally, the double MOT entry in 2024—one pass and one fail at identical mileage—raises curiosity; verifying whether this was a clerical error or an attempt to bypass inspection could provide insight into the vehicle’s maintenance history.