2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · ML09 KWT

A clean two-year DVSA record defines this 2009 Ford Focus, with the most recent test on 5 March 2026 returning a pass and no advisories or defects recorded, and the prior pass on 26 February 2025 equally clean. The two failures listed in the history, dated 25 February 2025 and 1 March 2024, both show no defects recorded against the vehicle, which strongly suggests they were administrative refusals or documentation issues (such as a missing or unroadworthy previous test certificate or tyre-related issues logged under a different category) rather than mechanical roadworthiness failures, particularly given that a pass followed each one within days or a year respectively. The overall trajectory is therefore one of consistent legal roadworthiness with no pattern of structural corrosion, suspension wear, brake deterioration or exhaust concerns appearing in the advisory history. For a 17-year-old Focus with this mileage, a clean record is a credible indicator that the consumable and structural items have been kept within acceptable condition. With 150,863 miles recorded against 17 years on the road, the Focus has averaged roughly 8,874 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment, sitting comfortably between the lower-use and high‑mileage extremes. There are no lengthy testing gaps in the supplied DVSA history that would indicate prolonged standing, and the regularity of annual tests suggests continuous use. Mechanically, an annual accumulation in this range tends to produce steady wear on the usual Focus consumables rather than the heavy corrosion or component fatigue associated with either very low use and short journeys (which can accelerate rust and degrade oil) or extreme high mileage. Routine items such as brake pads and discs, tyres, engine and gearbox mounts, and suspension bushes will have been worked consistently, and at this odometer reading the clutch, dual‑mass flywheel (if diesel), alternator, starter motor, water pump and timing belt service interval should be considered key wear items regardless of what the MOT history shows. Because the advisory history is entirely clear, a prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the components most commonly found worn or corroded on a high‑mileage Mk2/Mk3 Focus of this vintage, rather than chasing items already flagged. On the front suspension, the most likely candidates are the lower wishbone rear bushes, anti-roll bar drop links and the front coil springs, so listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over uneven roads and feel for vagueness through the steering on a test drive. At the rear, check the trailing arm bushes and axle bushes for cracking or sagging, which typically presents as a vague, wandering feel at speed or uneven rear tyre wear. The rear brake drums and shoes on entry-level Focuses can seize gradually, leading to one-sided drag and pulling under braking, while the front calipers are known for sticking pistons that produce a pulling sensation and uneven disc wear. The body and underside of a 17-year-old Focus warrant a careful look even with a clean MOT record, particularly the rear wheel arches, sill seams, floor pans and the front subframe mounting points where corrosion can begin long before it appears as a test failure. Inspect for damp carpets, which can indicate blocked sunroof drains or scuttle panel debris build-up, a known Focus issue that eventually leads to electrical gremlins in the cabin. On the road, check for a slipping clutch (rising pedal, engine revs climbing without matching speed), any timing chain rattle on cold start (more common on the 1.6 and 2.0 petrol units), and excessive blue smoke from the exhaust, all of which would suggest internal engine wear consistent with this mileage. Finally, verify that the cooling system has been refreshed, as the plastic coolant elbows and thermostat housings on this model are prone to splitting, and confirm the timing belt or chain service schedule has been followed according to the engine type, as a missed interval on a 150,000-mile car is the single most consequential omission.