2005 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · NL55 ABK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its most recent MOT on 15 July 2026 at 75,931 miles. However, the maintenance trend is worsening. While the car enjoyed a clean record for many years, the last four tests show a steady increase in mechanical advisories. The latest test flagged slight play in both front outer track rod end ball joints and the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage, indicating a general degradation of the steering and suspension components. The mileage is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 3,616 miles per year. The record shows a consistent, low-volume usage pattern, such as the 4,437-mile increase between July 2023 and July 2024. This suggests the car has spent significant time stationary or has been used for very short journeys, which often accelerates the deterioration of rubber components and promotes surface corrosion. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the rear suspension and chassis. The tester flagged a corroded nearside rear coil spring in both July 2024 and July 2025, and noted a corroded rear suspension arm in July 2024. The fact that these items remained as advisories for two consecutive years suggests the owner neglected to replace them. This pattern of ignoring recurring advisories is a red flag regarding the vehicle's preventative maintenance. The presence of an oil leak noted in July 2023 and the recent play in multiple ball joints suggest the vehicle is entering a phase of age-related mechanical failure. A technician should check for active leaks and assess the tightness of all suspension bushings. Given the low mileage and the specific corrosion notes, a full underbody inspection is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the rear subframe and suspension mounting points.