2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · RO04 ADV

The most recent MOT test on 13 June 2023 at 88,574 miles returned a failure with no defects recorded by the tester. This administrative fail, combined with an earlier fail on 24 May 2022 at 85,921 miles also showing no defects, suggests clerical or presentation issues at the testing station rather than a clear mechanical fault. The vehicle then passed later the same day at 85,922 miles. The overall maintenance trend appears stable, with no advisories or recorded wear across the five-year record, though the two unexplained failures warrant scrutiny of the actual test certificates. The Ford shows low annual use for a 2004 model, averaging roughly 4,026 miles per year against the 88,574 miles recorded. Mileage moved from 73,290 in March 2020 to 79,207 by May 2021, then to 85,922 in May 2022 and 88,574 by June 2023. The gaps between tests are irregular, with a fourteen-month gap pre-2021 and roughly twelve-month gaps thereafter. The sparse, clean record gives little evidence of neglect, but long idle periods implied by low mileage raise the risk of perished rubber components and seized mechanisms. A buyer should physically inspect suspension bushes and coil springs for cracking or degradation from prolonged standing. Brake discs and calipers must be checked for corrosion and binding after the vehicle's limited recent use. Exhaust emissions and structural integrity underneath should be examined for rust, particularly around sills and subframes, given the age and intermittent running. The absence of advisories across all tests does not guarantee condition, only that testers logged nothing. Verify the reason for the 2023 and 2022 failures against DVSA paperwork before purchase, and commission a pre-sale inspection to confirm the braking and suspension systems remain serviceable.