2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · NU09 THK

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by escalating structural issues. While the August 2025 test at 140,860 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a significant failure just six days prior. The most recent record shows that while the owner has attempted to mitigate rust through undersealing and fitting sill covers, the underlying corrosion is becoming more pervasive. The August 2025 failure specifically flagged excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension component mounting and the outer sill, which significantly reduced structural strength. The presence of an oil leak and a poor condition exhaust flexi section in the latest pass suggests that while major structural failures were addressed to meet minimum standards, secondary mechanical issues remain unresolved. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 8,286 miles per year. The data shows steady usage, with the vehicle progressing from 47,850 miles in 2016 to 140,860 miles in 2025. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, which is beneficial as it implies the mechanical components have been regularly exercised. However, the consistent rise in mileage has coincided with a transition from minor consumable wear to serious structural degradation. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside and structural integrity. The MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of corrosion affecting the sills, subframes, and suspension mountings dating back to at least 2019. Although undersealing was applied to the subframes and rear suspension arms in August 2024, the 2025 failure indicates that the corrosion is still advancing in critical areas. The inspector should check the effectiveness of the recent undersealing and look for signs of bubbling or fresh rust around the inner and outer sills. Mechanical attention should also be directed toward the braking system and exhaust. The record shows a history of imbalanced brakes, inoperative parking brakes, and efficiency issues, particularly around 2020 and 2022. The recent report of an oil leak and a deteriorating exhaust flexi section suggests these areas require immediate scrutiny. Finally, the frequent advisories regarding worn tyres and suspension bushes indicate that while the car is being kept roadworthy, the maintenance has often been reactive rather than preventative.