2009 Ford Focus 2.5L Petrol · PE09 KWA

The most recent MOT test on the 2009 Ford Focus was conducted on 2025-08-18, resulting in a clean pass with a single advisory regarding structural corrosion that does not compromise the vehicle’s rigidity. Despite this advisory, the overall maintenance trend over the past six years remains stable, with no repeated failures or critical issues beyond the noted structural concern and tyre wear advisories. The vehicle has passed every MOT since 2020 without major defects, indicating consistent roadworthiness up to this point, though the presence of advisories—particularly those related to suspension and tyre wear—suggests areas requiring closer attention as the vehicle ages further. The recorded mileage of 110,409 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 17 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,495 miles per year, which is typical for its class and age. This pace does not suggest excessive wear from high-mileage accumulation, though it does imply prolonged periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate issues such as standing corrosion, brake binding, or fluid degradation. The absence of recent, rapid mileage spikes does not immediately raise red flags, but the suspension advisories from 2023—particularly the dangerous condition of the offside rear trailing arm bush—highlight that the vehicle has undergone significant wear over time, warranting a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry and bushings. For the prospective buyer, the most critical immediate checks should focus on the suspension system, given the recurring advisories and failure history. Inspect the rear trailing arms for signs of detachment, excessive play, or physical damage, and listen for unusual clunking or rattling when driving over bumps or at low speeds. The nearside rear suspension arm pin or bush showing excessive wear in 2023 may have progressed, so verify alignment and roadworthiness by checking for uneven tyre wear or a sagging ride height on that side. Additionally, the structural corrosion advisory suggests thorough visual inspection of the underbody, particularly around the wheel arches, chassis rails, and subframe, for signs of pitting or delamination that could compromise integrity over time. Beyond suspension, the tyre wear advisories from multiple MOTs indicate that the front and rear tyres are approaching or have exceeded legal limits, necessitating immediate replacement to prevent hydroplaning risks or reduced traction. The nearside rear tyre worn on the edge suggests directional bias, which could stem from misaligned wheels or suspension issues—further reinforcing the need for a full suspension and alignment check. For the 12V battery, given the vehicle’s age and potential prolonged standing, test its charge capacity and terminal cleanliness, as corrosion or a failing internal state-of-charge can lead to starting difficulties or electrical system failures. Lastly, while the MOT history is clean, consider a comprehensive fluid check—including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—due to the vehicle’s age, as these fluids degrade over time even without active wear. If the vehicle has been used sparingly, verify service stamps for oil changes and fluid top-ups, as calendar-based servicing is critical for longevity in this era of vehicles.