2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · RO04 TZB

A defining characteristic of this 2004 Ford Focus is its remarkably low recorded mileage of 24,893 miles across twenty-two years, averaging approximately 1,132 miles annually. While the MOT record is dominated by passes with no defects, both recorded attempts within the past two testing cycles contain failures. The most recent test on 2026-02-19 shows a pass with no defects recorded, but it was preceded the same day by a failure listing five major defects: the offside front position lamp, both rear position lamps, and both stop lamps were all inoperative. This immediately follows a similar event on 2024-12-20, where a pass was recorded alongside a failure for both rear stop lamps not working. The repetition of brake light failures across consecutive tests indicates a chronic electrical or wiring issue affecting the rear lighting circuit that has not been conclusively resolved between tests. Beyond these lamp defects, the 2022 and 2020 tests show a stable trend, each with only minor advisories and no failures, suggesting the underlying vehicle condition is otherwise consistent and the lighting faults are isolated recurring electrical faults rather than signs of broader deterioration. The mileage profile of this vehicle demands careful mechanical consideration. A 2004 model showing under twenty-five thousand miles on the odometer after over two decades is exceptionally low, typically indicating periods of significant inactivity rather than steady light use. Extended standing periods accelerate degradation of rubber components, brake discs through corrosion, fluid seals through drying out, and can lead to flat spots on tyres. The testing history also reveals substantial gaps, with tests recorded in 2020, 2022, and 2024 but no entries between 2024 and 2026 in the same pattern, and notably an absence of recorded tests between 2020 and 2022 which could indicate SORN status or off-road storage. While the consistent pass results suggest the vehicle is fundamentally sound when presented for inspection, low-mileage examples of this age frequently suffer from perished components that have hardened through lack of use rather than wearing out through operation. Buyers should focus on the specific advisories logged in 2020 and 2022 to confirm whether remedial work has been completed. The 2020 test noted front brake pads wearing thin on both sides; given the low mileage, this suggests the brakes may have suffered from corrosion rather than friction wear, so the discs should be inspected for surface rust, lipping, or binding calipers that could cause pulling or uneven braking under test conditions. The nearside front tyre advisory in both 2020 and 2022 for cracking and perishing on the outer walls, combined with the extremely low mileage, points to age-related rubber degradation. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, checking particularly the original specification items, and verify there are no flat spots from prolonged standing that would cause vibration at speed. During a test drive, attention should be directed towards symptoms consistent with prolonged storage. Listen for suspension knocks or clonks over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front end, as bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers suffer when a vehicle remains static for extended periods. Check for brake judder or pulsing through the pedal on the first firm application, which suggests corroded discs, and verify the handbrake holds firmly on an incline as rear brake mechanisms frequently seize when idle. Given the two recorded stop lamp failures, confirm all brake lights, including the high-level third lamp, illuminate crisply without delay, and verify the position lamps and rear light clusters are fully operational, as moisture ingress into the rear light housings is a common Focus issue. Finally, request evidence of recent fluid changes for brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, as fluids degrade with time regardless of mileage, and ensure the battery holds sufficient charge without struggling on cold starts.