2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · SH09 CTF

A 2009 Ford Focus presenting four consecutive clean MOT passes, the most recent being 2025-07-10 with zero advisories or defects recorded, points to a vehicle with a demonstrably stable roadworthiness profile. Across the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests, no component has been flagged as approaching failure thresholds, no corrosion advisories have been issued, and no wear items such as tyres, brake components, suspension bushes, or exhaust elements have been marked. For a 17-year-old vehicle, this is a notably tidy record, suggesting that the braking system, steering and suspension assemblies, underbody structure, and exhaust have all remained within serviceable condition through successive annual examinations. The complete absence of advisories is particularly significant given the age of the car, as even lightly used vehicles of this vintage commonly accumulate minor wear notes relating to ageing rubber components, surface corrosion, or brake disc lipping. The recorded mileage of 74,547 miles over approximately 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,385 miles, which is notably below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age and class. This low-mileage profile has mechanical implications worth weighing carefully. Lower annual mileage often reflects periods of light or infrequent use, and components that depend on regular operation, such as brake calipers, wheel bearings, driveshaft gaiters, and flexible rubber components including suspension bushes and CV joint boots, can deteriorate through age and standing rather than wear. Conversely, the low mileage means the engine, gearbox, and clutch have not been subjected to high cumulative load, which is favourable for internal mechanical longevity. The MOT history shows no gaps in testing, with annual examinations conducted consistently from 2022 onwards, confirming the vehicle has remained on the road and in use throughout. Given the clean MOT record but the age and low-mileage profile, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection and test drive on age-related deterioration that an MOT may not fully capture. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount bearings, all common wear points on a Focus of this generation that may not have been flagged if they were within tolerance at the time of test. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would suggest front disc warp, and listen for any scraping or binding sounds from the wheels indicating seized brake caliper sliders, a known issue on low-mileage vehicles that have experienced periods of light use. Check that the clutch operation feels smooth without judder on take-off and that the gearbox selects all gears cleanly, as any hesitation or roughness could suggest deterioration from infrequent use. Under the bonnet, inspect for any signs of oil seepage around the cam cover gasket, which is a common ageing issue on the Focus Zetec and Zetec-S engines fitted to this model year, and check the condition of the coolant and brake fluid reservoirs for fluid level and colour, as these items are not part of the MOT assessment. Examine the underside of the vehicle if possible, paying particular attention to the rear wheel arches, sill edges, and subframe mounting points for any bubbling or surface corrosion that may not yet have warranted an advisory but could be developing. Confirm that the tyres are of matching brand and tread depth across the axles, and verify that the spare wheel and tool kit are present, as these are often missing on older vehicles. Finally, verify that the vehicle starts promptly from cold without extended cranking, which can indicate battery health given the low annual mileage, and confirm that all electrical systems including the heater blower, central locking, and infotainment operate correctly.