2005 Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0L Diesel · S5 DHU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of recurring mechanical wear and deferred preventative maintenance. While the most recent test in March 2025 at 143,222 miles passed, it recorded multiple advisories that suggest underlying issues have persisted from previous years. The overall status is stable in terms of passing, but the presence of ongoing steering and braking concerns indicates that the owner performs the minimum work required to pass an inspection rather than addressing root-cause degradation. At 21 years old, the recorded 143,222 miles average out to approximately 6,820 miles per year, which is consistent with low-intensity domestic use. The data shows steady usage patterns, with roughly 1,878 miles covered between March 2024 and March 2025, and approximately 3,444 miles in the year prior. This relatively low mileage for the age does not necessarily protect the vehicle from age-related degradation of rubber components and structural metal, which is clearly evident in the recorded faults. A buyer must specifically inspect the steering system, as play in the steering rack inner joints was a noted fault since at least April 2023 and persisted through 2024. The power steering rack also shows seepage as of the 2025 test, which often leads to a costly rack replacement if not monitored. Furthermore, the braking system showed a critical failure regarding a defective master cylinder in early 2023, and subsequent advisories for worn rear brake discs and brake pedal travel suggest the hydraulic system is nearing the end of its effective life. Structural attention is also required regarding the corrosion on the rear upper suspension arms, which was flagged in 2025 as not yet serious but present. The recurring reports of inner-edge wear on both the nearside and offside front tyres across multiple years indicate a persistent alignment issue or worn-out suspension bushings. Given the persistent oil leaks noted over three consecutive years, a thorough visual inspection of the engine and gearbox seals is necessary to determine if the leak is a minor seep or a significant seal failure.