2009 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · OV59 KOX

The most recent MOT test on this 2009 Ford Focus took place on 9 December 2024 and resulted in a pass, but the record shows that the same date also carried an earlier failed attempt, indicating that remedial work was undertaken before the vehicle was re-presented and ultimately passed. Reviewing the trajectory across the available tests, the car has now recorded passes in four consecutive attempts, with the latest outcome carrying no advisories or defects. However, the intervening failed tests on 23 December 2022 and 21 December 2023 demonstrate recurring issues, particularly with the engine malfunction indicator lamp appearing on multiple occasions and a pattern of minor lamp and headlamp defects. The overall picture is one of a vehicle that is being maintained sufficiently to pass, but the repetition of diagnostic warning lamp illumination suggests an underlying fault that has not been conclusively resolved between tests, warranting closer scrutiny from a prospective buyer. With recorded mileage of 117,807 miles over approximately seventeen years, this Focus has covered around 6,900 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular but moderate daily use. There are no significant gaps in the mileage progression between recorded tests that would suggest prolonged standing, and the relatively even accumulation implies the vehicle has been in continuous service rather than laid up for extended periods. This is mechanically favourable, as low or erratic annual mileage can encourage corrosion of brake discs, sticking calipers, and deterioration of fluids and rubber components, none of which should be a particular concern here. Conversely, at this odometer reading, the engine, clutch, gearbox, and turbocharger (where fitted) will have accrued substantial wear and buyers should expect age-related servicing of cambelts, water pumps, and drivetrain mounts if these have not already been addressed. The repeated failure of the engine malfunction indicator lamp, recorded on both December 2023 and December 2024, is the most significant concern in the MOT history. This warning can indicate a broad range of issues from a faulty lambda sensor or mass airflow sensor through to ignition coil failure, vacuum leak, or catalytic converter inefficiency, and it warrants confirmation that the underlying fault has been properly diagnosed and rectified using live diagnostic data rather than simply cleared. A prospective buyer should ideally request a current read-out from an OBD-II scanner to confirm no active or pending fault codes are stored, and during a test drive should listen for irregular idling, hesitation under acceleration, or any smell of unburned fuel from the exhaust which could suggest the catalytic converter is compromised. The nearside front tyre that was previously found with ply or cords exposed is a dangerous failure and indicates the car was being driven with severely degraded rubber; any replacement tyres fitted since should be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking, as perished tyres can fail unexpectedly regardless of tread depth. Several advisories have appeared relating to the rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, noted as having slight play in late 2022, and given that these components typically deteriorate progressively, they should be physically inspected for wear by rocking the rear suspension laterally and listening for knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces. The nearside front tyre was previously flagged for sidewall damage, so careful examination of all four tyres for bulges, cracking, or uneven inner-edge wear is advisable. Given the vehicle's age, a buyer should also verify the condition of the twelve-volt battery, as units of this vintage frequently suffer reduced capacity, and check that coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid have been changed in line with calendar-based service intervals rather than purely mileage-related schedules. Finally, confirm the timing belt or chain replacement history, inspect the underside for any fresh oil or coolant leaks, and ensure the service book contains consistent stamps to corroborate the modest annual mileage claimed.