2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · N19 NNR

The most recent MOT test on August 20, 2025, confirms the Chevrolet Captiva remains roadworthy at 160,003 miles, though the immediate preceding test on August 6, 2025—just 14 days earlier—resulted in a failure without recorded defects. This abrupt reversal suggests either an administrative oversight or a last-minute correction, as no technical issues were logged. The pattern over the past two years shows consistent failures and passes clustered within days of each other in August 2024 and 2025, implying potential test centre inconsistencies rather than genuine mechanical trends. The December 2023 pass at 118,564 miles breaks this cycle, indicating a stable period before the recent fluctuations. Without explicit faults, the vehicle’s roadworthiness cannot be definitively judged beyond its last pass, but the irregular testing timeline warrants scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 160,003 miles over 16 years aligns with an average of roughly 10,000 miles annually, a rate that suggests moderate use without extreme wear. There are no gaps longer than 12 months between tests, which is unusual given the vehicle’s age, and the rapid accumulation of 1,700 miles between the August 2024 failure and pass—followed by another 1,700 miles before the 2025 failure—implies either rushed maintenance or repeated test attempts. The lack of defects in any test suggests no major recurring issues were formally identified, though the absence of advisory notes means potential problems may have gone unrecorded. The most concerning observation is the vehicle’s age combined with the irregular testing pattern, which could obscure underlying wear. Given the sparse MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components such as the suspension bushes and coil springs, which are prone to fatigue at this mileage. The brakes, particularly the rear calipers, should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as the repeated test failures—despite no recorded defects—could hint at intermittent issues. Structural integrity is another critical area; the frame rails and subframe should be examined for corrosion or cracks, especially given the vehicle’s age and typical exposure to road salt. The exhaust system and emissions controls should also be verified, as older models often develop leaks or catalytic converter inefficiencies over time. While the MOT history does not reveal overt failures, these components are statistically likely to require attention at this stage.