2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · ML59 RTO

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 9 October 2025 resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that at the time of examination the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness standards across all inspected categories including brakes, tyres, suspension, exhaust emissions, lighting, and structural integrity. However, it is worth noting that on the very same date an earlier test on 9 October 2025 was recorded as a failure, which likely represents a retest scenario where the initial assessment identified issues that were subsequently rectified to enable the vehicle to pass later that same day. Looking back further, a similar pattern is evident from 28 and 29 October 2024, where a failure was followed immediately by a pass the next day, suggesting that any defects identified have historically been minor and promptly addressed. The presence of a clean pass on 18 October 2023 with no recorded defects points towards a generally stable maintenance profile, with the owner evidently maintaining the vehicle adequately between tests. Overall, the maintenance trend appears reasonably stable rather than deteriorating, provided the intervening failures were for straightforward items that have since been properly resolved. The recorded mileage of 173,791 miles across approximately seventeen years of service equates to an annual average of around 10,223 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with regular daily use rather than excessive commercial or long-distance motorway running. This moderate annual mileage suggests the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components have experienced steady working cycles rather than the additional stress associated with very high-mileage operation, while simultaneously avoiding the particular problems that affect vehicles left standing for prolonged periods. The progression between MOT tests, from October 2023 through to October 2025, indicates the vehicle has continued to accumulate mileage at a consistent rate, with no significant gaps in usage that might raise concerns about seized components, perished rubber, or degraded fluids from inactivity. For a 2009 Ford Focus now approaching the end of its production era relevance, this mileage level is within the expected range for a well-used but maintained example, though certain consumable and wear items will inevitably be approaching or past their typical service intervals. Given that the official MOT history is essentially clean of recorded advisories and defects, a prospective buyer should focus their attention on age-and-mileage-related deterioration that may not be flagged during a standard MOT inspection but warrants careful physical examination. The tyres should be scrutinised closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a seventeen-year-old vehicle may have tyres that look adequately treaded but are compromised by ozone damage and flex cracking. Equally, the braking system should be examined for surface corrosion on the discs, particularly if the vehicle has been subject to any periods of standing, and the calipers should be checked for binding or seized slide pins which can cause uneven pad wear, pulling under braking, or a characteristic brake shudder. The 12-volt battery is likely to have been replaced multiple times but should be tested for cranking performance, and all fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be assessed for age-related degradation, with brake fluid in particular being hygroscopic and requiring replacement every two to three years to prevent internal corrosion of the brake system. During a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension system, listening for any clonks, knocks, or rattles from the front and rear bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs, all of which are prone to wear at this mileage and may not have produced visible defects at the time of MOT inspection. The steering should feel precise without excessive play, and any wandering or vagueness on a straight road could indicate worn track rod ends or wishbone bushes. The clutch operation should be assessed for slipping under load, any juddering on take-up, or noise from the release bearing, as clutch replacement at this mileage is common on a manual Ford Focus. The cooling system should be monitored for steady temperature with no excessive fan operation, and the exhaust should be checked for any blowing gases, rattling heat shields, or blowing around the manifold gasket, which is a known weak point on the Focus. Finally, verifying a complete and consistent service history with stamps or invoices at appropriate intervals, confirming the cambelt and water pump replacement schedule has been adhered to given the engine's interference design, and ensuring there is no evidence of fluid leaks from the engine or transmission sump will provide further confidence that this vehicle has been cared for appropriately for its age and mileage.