2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · ML09 KFT

A recurring theme of oil seeping from the engine, along with progressively worsening front suspension wear, defines the mechanical history of this 2009 Ford Focus. The most recent test on 21 October 2025 was a pass, but it carried advisories for an oil leak (noted as not excessive), a defective rear exhaust mounting, and slight damage or perishing on the nearside front tyre. This pattern of oil leaks has appeared at three of the last four tests, suggesting a persistent seep from a gasket or seal that has not yet reached a severity to fail but warrants close inspection. More significantly, the suspension story has escalated: in November 2020, both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes and the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage were flagged as worn with slight play; by October 2021, both front lower arms and the offside rear anti-roll bar ball joint had deteriorated to major defect status, causing a failure before the vehicle was subsequently presented and passed the following day. A coolant leak was also noted in 2023, coinciding with a failed test for a non-functioning offside front position lamp. The overall trajectory indicates a vehicle with known wear points that have either been addressed or are still pending attention, particularly around the front suspension geometry. Recorded mileage stands at 118,877 miles across approximately seventeen years of use, equating to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,993 miles per year. This rate sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, suggesting consistent road use rather than extended periods of standing or unusually heavy motorway mileage. There are no large gaps in the testing record to imply long-term off-road status that might have accelerated deterioration of rubber components or the 12V battery, nor are there any sudden mileage jumps that would suggest inconsistent odometer readings or rapid accumulation between tests. The continuous testing pattern combined with the moderate annual mileage means wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, and tyres should be proportionate to the recorded miles, with the advisories already raised in MOT tests largely reflecting that steady accumulation rather than any abnormal usage stress. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the engine oil and coolant sealing, the rear exhaust mounting, and the entire front suspension assembly. On a cold start, observe whether drips appear beneath the engine bay and check the coolant expansion tank level, as both fluid losses have been recurrent advisories and could indicate failing gaskets or hose joints. Inspect the rear exhaust section for looseness or audible rattles over bumps, given the noted defective mounting, and examine the nearside front tyre for cracking, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that might point to the advisory damage or to misalignment from worn suspension components. With the front lower arms and anti-roll bar linkages having previously failed, carry out a thorough test drive paying particular attention to clonks, knocks, or vague steering response over uneven surfaces, and place weight on each front corner by rocking the car to detect any residual play in the bushes or anti-roll bar joints. Check that the rear fog lamp lens is intact and that all position lamps illuminate correctly, as lighting defects have caused prior failures. Finally, inspect the registration plate lamps for secure housing and verify there are no fresh oil or coolant deposits on the driveway during a viewing.