2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · PF09 CSU

A defining feature of this Ford Focus's MOT history is a clear pattern of recurring rear suspension advisories layered on top of an otherwise broadly compliant record. The rear upper suspension arm pin or bush wear has been flagged in both 2023 and 2024, and the same components were described again at the 2024 test as worn on both trailing arms. This recurring blemish, combined with the rear coil spring corrosion advisory noted at the 2024 test, points to progressive wear in the rear axle that has not yet reached the threshold for failure but warrants close physical inspection. The 2025 test recorded a failure for a nearside front tyre below the legal 1.6mm tread limit along with a nearside rear fog lamp defect, although the vehicle subsequently passed the same date with no defects recorded, suggesting those items were rectified promptly. The most recent test on 27 August 2026 returned a pass, but noted three advisories that, while not immediate failures, are worth scrutinising: a deteriorating nearside rear exhaust heatshield, an offside front engine oil leak described as not excessive, and a child seat obscuring belt inspection at the rear. Together the record suggests a car that is fundamentally roadworthy but is accumulating the kind of age-related wear one would associate with a high-mileage Focus approaching the end of its useful life. With 144,375 miles spread across roughly seventeen years, this Focus has averaged around 8,500 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical commuter use for its age and platform. There are no unusually long gaps between tests that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than presenting any sudden spikes or extended dormant intervals. That said, the cumulative wear implied by this mileage, particularly on suspension bushes, coil springs, engine seals, clutch and dual-mass flywheel components, brake discs and pads, and exhaust mountings, should be considered the baseline expectation. The recorded advisories align well with what one would anticipate on a high-mileage Focus of this vintage: a steady drip of component degradation rather than any single catastrophic failure. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension during a physical inspection, focusing on the trailing arm bushes that have been flagged repeatedly. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and potholes, as this often indicates worn upper arm pins or bushes that have now deteriorated beyond the advisory stage. Check for uneven tyre wear across the rear axle, which can point to bush wear altering camber or toe settings, and visually inspect the rear coil springs for any signs of fracture or significant surface corrosion beyond light surface oxidation. With the vehicle raised or on a ramp, have the trailing arms manually checked for play, and confirm the rear brake pipe and flexi hose condition, as salt ingress and age often lead to corrosion in these areas on a Focus of this mileage and age. The 2026 advisory noting an offside front oil leak, while not yet excessive, is a useful indicator of engine sealing integrity on the 1.6 or 1.8 Duratec or TDCi unit that this generation Focus typically carries. Listen at idle for any irregular ticking from the timing chain area, as higher-mileage Focus engines are known for timing chain tensioner wear and stretched chains producing a rattle on cold start. During the test drive, monitor the oil pressure warning light behaviour and check the underbonnet and sump area for fresh seepage on a warm engine. Given the rear exhaust heatshield deterioration flagged at the most recent test, the buyer should also confirm the exhaust system is securely mounted and not contacting the bodywork, as a loose heatshield can rattle against the underbody at low speeds. Finally, a thorough road test should include firm braking from around 40 mph to check for any pulling to one side, judder through the pedal, or binding caliper symptoms, all of which become more probable as a Focus passes the 140,000 mile mark and approaches the upper limits of its expected service life.