2009 Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel · NG09 XEO

A consistent record of clean MOT passes supports the basic roadworthiness picture for this seventeen year old Ford Focus, with the most recent test on 3 November 2025 recording no advisories or failures and following an unbroken run of pass results going back to 2022. The only blemish across the documented history is a single advisory issued in July 2022, which flagged wear to the rear suspension arm pin or bush on both sides but judged the movement not yet excessive. Because that advisory was logged once and has not reappeared in three subsequent tests, the wear has either remained stable within acceptable limits or has been addressed since. For a vehicle of this age and accumulated mileage, the absence of recurring brake, corrosion, exhaust, or structural advisories across four consecutive tests is a positive indicator of overall condition. Annual mileage of roughly 7,131 miles over the seventeen year lifespan is broadly typical for a car of this vintage, sitting close to the average for older used vehicles and reflecting regular but not exceptionally heavy use. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, nor any sudden spikes in mileage that might indicate long distance motorway work or towing use. This kind of steady, moderate usage pattern tends to be kinder to components that suffer from either prolonged standing or constant high loading, and it is consistent with the clean advisory history apart from the suspension note. Mechanically, this means the major drivetrain wear items should be no further advanced than expected for the odometer reading, though consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs will still be subject to age related deterioration. Given the advisory concerning the rear suspension arm pins and bushes, particular attention should be paid to the rear axle assembly during a physical inspection and test drive. On the move, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension when traversing uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, and feel for any vagueness or shudder through the rear of the car during direction changes. With the vehicle raised or viewed from underneath, check the rear trailing arm bushes for perished rubber, splitting, or visible deformation, and inspect the mounting pins for any signs of corrosion or play within the bush housings. It is also worth checking the condition of the rear brake components, handbrake operation, and the rear subframe mounting points for any corrosion, as rear suspension deterioration on Focus models of this generation can place additional stress on surrounding components. Beyond the specific suspension advisory, a prospective buyer should still carry out the usual due diligence expected of a high mileage, nearly two decade old vehicle. On a test drive, confirm that the steering remains precise without vibration or pulling to either side, that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping or judder under load, and that the gearbox selects all gears cleanly without excessive baulk. Listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start, which is a known concern on older Focus petrol and diesel units, and check for blue smoke from the exhaust on overrun. Inspect the coolant and oil for proper level and condition, examine the underside for any active fluid leaks or signs of underbody corrosion around the suspension turrets and sills, and verify that all warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminate and extinguish as expected. With these checks carried out, the documented history suggests this Focus remains a mechanically sound candidate, though budgeting for the rear suspension refurbishment flagged in 2022 would be a prudent precaution.