2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · OV02 ODM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 1 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the last six years the car has shown a consistent pattern of passing each annual test, with the only notable deviation being a failure in late 2021 that related to the front headlamp levelling devices and a deteriorated rear registration plate. Since that incident the MOT results have been clean, suggesting that any remedial work required at that time has been effectively addressed and that the overall maintenance trend is now stable and improving. With a recorded mileage of 40 544 miles for a vehicle that is 24 years old, the average annual usage works out to roughly 1 700 miles per year – a figure well below the typical UK average. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited driving or extended storage, which can be beneficial in terms of reduced wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, but it also raises the possibility of age‑related degradation of rubber and fluid seals, battery capacity loss and tyre perishing. The mileage profile does not suggest any recent high‑stress usage that would accelerate wear, but the low annual run‑off means that consumables may have aged more than they have been used. For a prospective buyer the primary focus should be on age‑related checks rather than mileage‑driven wear. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or any signs of hardening, and verify that the tread depth is at least 1.6 mm across the width; tyres older than ten years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Examine the under‑body and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, and check the condition of the front and rear suspension bushes, coil springs and anti‑roll bar links for any signs of cracking, excessive play or audible clunks when the vehicle is pushed over bumps. The brake discs should be examined for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and the calipers should be moved by hand to confirm they are not binding; any pulsation in the pedal or uneven pad wear would merit a brake service. Verify that the headlamp levelling devices now operate correctly and that the headlamp aim is within legal limits, and confirm that the rear registration plate has been replaced with a compliant unit. The front wiper blades, flagged in the most recent advisory, should be inspected for stiffness or streaking and replaced if they no longer clear the glass effectively. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough assessment of time‑based fluids is essential. Check the colour and level of the engine oil, gearbox oil and coolant, and look for any signs of sludge or oil leaks around the valve cover, oil pan and front and rear main seals. Brake fluid should be tested for moisture content and, if it has not been changed in the last two years, a flush is advisable. The 12‑volt battery, likely to have been idle for extended periods, should be load‑tested and its terminals inspected for corrosion; a replacement may be prudent if the charge holds for less than six months under normal load. Finally, a short test drive should be used to listen for any unusual noises from the steering rack, suspension or drivetrain, to feel for any vibration or pull at speed, and to ensure that all lights, indicators and the horn function correctly before committing to purchase.