2005 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · ML05 EHR
2005 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2005. Recorded mileage 88,461 miles. MOT expired on 19 Apr 2025.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Apr 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (17 Mar 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 88,461 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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ML05 EHR Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/04/2024
- 88,461 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ML05 EHR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Ford Focus (ML05 EHR) between March 2022 and April 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 April 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (9 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
ML05 EHR Mileage History
- 30/03/202284,358 mi
- 21/03/202385,879 mi+1,521 mi
- 03/04/202488,461 mi+2,582 mi
- 04/04/202488,461 mi
Average of roughly 2,037 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to recurring co
When viewing this vehicle, your primary focus should be on the underside of the car. The MOT history explicitly mentions corrosion on rear suspension components and inner sills (both offside and nearside) across 2023 and 2024. You should ask the seller for evidence of any rust treatment or welding that may have been carried out to address these specific advisories.
Furthermore, check the service history for evidence of suspension maintenance. The nearside front suspension arm ball joint has been flagged for wear or 'slight play' in both 2022 and 2024. Ensure that any recent repairs to the suspension or sills are documented with receipts to confirm the work was completed to a professional standard.
As a 1.6L petrol model, running costs are generally moderate. Fuel economy for a 2005 Focus typically sits in the mid-to-high 30s MPG, depending on driving style. Tax and insurance groups for this era of Focus are usually manageable, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious drivers.
However, maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the specific issues identified in the MOT records. You should budget for potential upcoming repairs related to suspension components or further corrosion management, which are common themes for this vehicle's recent history.
A thorough inspection of the chassis and sills is essential. The MOT history for ML05EHR has repeatedly flagged corrosion on the rear suspension mounting areas and the inner sills. You should look for signs of bubbling paint or surface rust on the sills and check if the corrosion mentioned in the 2024 MOT has been addressed or if it is progressing.
Additionally, inspect the front suspension. The ball joint on the nearside front arm has been a recurring issue. Check for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces, which could indicate that the suspension components are nearing the end of their service life again. Finally, check the condition of all tyres, as the 2022 MOT noted perishing on the offside front tyre.
This 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol presents with 88,461 miles, which is significantly lower than the model average of 6,869 miles per year for its age. However, the MOT history shows a pattern of suspension wear and, most notably, recurring corrosion on rear suspension components and inner sills. While it passed its most recent test in April 2024, the underlying issues have been noted in multiple consecutive years.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 79.1%, with corrosion and tyres being common failure reasons.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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