Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · SP51 ACE

SP51 ACE

2004 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01/12/2004. Recorded mileage 109,049 miles. MOT valid until 19/01/2027. Taxed until 01/12/2026.

Make & Model
FORD FOCUS
Year / Origin
2004 · Dundee
MOT Status
Valid until 19/01/2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01/12/2026)
Recorded Mileage
109,049 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 19/01/2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/12/2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2004
Engine
1596cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The 2004 Ford Focus demonstrates stable roadworthiness based on its MOT history, with five consecutive annual tests from 2022 to 2026 all resulting in a pass at mileages ranging from 100,499 to 109,049 miles. No defects were recorded in the most recent 2026 test, and no advisories or failures appear in the full history. This consistent performance suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a standard meeting legal requirements, with no emerging mechanical or structural concerns flagged. The absence of recurring issues over five years indicates a lack of significant deterioration in critical systems such as brakes, suspension, or exhaust. The vehicle’s mileage of 109,049 miles at age 22 years equates to an average of 4,957 miles annually, which is notably low for its age. This suggests either infrequent use or extended periods of inactivity, which can accelerate wear on components like rubber seals, brake calipers, and suspension bushes. The MOT records show no gaps in testing, with annual checks from 2022 to 2026, but the low mileage raises questions about potential dry rot in tyres, corrosion in underbody panels, or degraded fluid systems. The lack of mileage spikes or abrupt changes implies steady, controlled usage rather than heavy wear from frequent driving. A buyer should inspect the vehicle for signs of age-related degradation, particularly in the suspension system, where worn bushes or coil springs may cause uneven tyre wear or handling issues. The brake system, including discs and calipers, should be checked for corrosion or binding, as low-mileage vehicles may develop sticking components. Structural integrity is not indicated as a concern, but rust in hidden areas such as sills, door sills, or underbody panels warrants close examination. The exhaust system, including catalytic converter function, should also be assessed, as prolonged inactivity can lead to internal corrosion. No specific advisories in the MOT history necessitate immediate repair, but the vehicle’s age and mileage pattern justify a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

SP51 ACE Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 06/01/2026
  • 109,049 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 24 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (32 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
90
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for SP51ACE

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Finance
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Write-off
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Salvage
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Imported
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Exported
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Scrapped
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Destruction
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
V5C Logbook
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Verify Outstanding Finance & Provenance Before Buying

Free DVLA records only confirm roadworthiness. Protect yourself against active finance repossession, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage fraud with an official Experian check.

✓ One-off payment (no subscription)✓ Instant on screen + PDF emailed✓ Official Experian registry✓ Apple Pay / Google Pay / Cards

Data provided by Experian

Technical Specifications

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

SP51 ACE Mileage History

  1. 13/01/2022100,499 mi
  2. 05/01/2023101,649 mi+1,150 mi
  3. 11/01/2024103,367 mi+1,718 mi
  4. 13/01/2025106,239 mi+2,872 mi
  5. 06/01/2026109,049 mi+2,810 mi

Average of roughly 2,148 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

SP51 ACE MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 27 Jul 2026, 13:55
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Ford Focus (SP51 ACE) between January 2022 and January 2026.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 92 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (32 issues), Brakes (22 issues), Lighting (9 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 92 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
60/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,250-£1,500
Mileage
At 109,049 miles, the mileage is below a...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution – the car passes its MOT but shows a pattern of corrosion and wear that will need attention. Negotiate on the price to reflect the upcoming repair work and ensure a thorough inspection before purchase.

When negotiating, factor in the cost of addressing the corrosion on both front and rear sub‑frames, as well as the many suspension arm and brake pipe repairs flagged across the last four years. A reduction of £1,500‑£2,000 from the asking price would be reasonable to cover these foreseeable expenses. Request a full service history; evidence of recent suspension or brake work would mitigate some of the identified issues.

Look for any recent component replacements – a new set of brake discs, fresh brake hoses, or replaced shock absorbers would be a strong sign the current owner has kept up with maintenance. If the car has had any rust‑proofing treatment or under‑body coating, that could extend the life of the sub‑frames. Verify that the oil leak noted in 2025 has been repaired, as untreated leaks can lead to engine wear.

Be aware that the Focus of this age can develop timing belt or chain wear, so ask for records of timing belt changes (if applicable) and inspect the engine for any unusual noises. Given the vehicle’s age, consider a warranty or an extended service contract to cover unexpected failures.

The 1.6‑litre petrol engine typically achieves around 45 mpg (imperial), meaning fuel costs will be modest – roughly £1,200‑£1,400 per year based on current fuel prices. Road tax for a 2004 Focus is usually in the £150‑£200 band, and the insurance group sits around 15, giving an annual insurance cost of £600‑£800 depending on driver profile.

Maintenance on an older Focus can be higher due to wear items such as brake pads, discs and suspension components; budgeting £300‑£400 per year for routine service and part replacement is prudent. Overall, an estimated annual running cost sits between £1,250 and £1,500, assuming no major breakdowns.

Pay particular attention to the front and rear sub‑frames, which have been noted as corroded in every MOT since 2022. Even though the corrosion was classified as "not seriously weakened", any progression could affect structural rigidity. Check for rust under the body panels and around the wheel arches, and assess whether any rust‑proofing has been applied.

Inspect the brake system thoroughly – the MOT reports show multiple brake pipes corroded and brake discs worn or pitted. Verify the condition of the brake hoses, replace them if any signs of rust or grease are present, and ensure the discs are within safe thickness limits. Also examine the shock absorbers and suspension bushings, as reduced damping and worn bushings have been repeatedly flagged.

Finally, look at the tyre condition and wheel bearings. The MOT notes indicate tyres close to the legal limit and occasional tyre damage. Confirm that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and that the wheel bearings are free of play. An oil leak was reported in 2025; check the engine for any ongoing leaks that could affect oil levels or cause further engine wear.

This 2004 blue Ford Focus 1.6L has logged 109,049 miles, well below the average mileage for its age. It has consistently passed its MOT, but each test reveals numerous corrosion items on the sub‑frames, suspension arms and brake pipes, as well as worn brake discs and reduced shock absorber performance. The vehicle is mechanically serviceable but will likely require component replacement soon. Its low mileage and recent MOT are positives, yet the corrosion risk keeps the overall value modest.

There is no aggregate MOT data available for the Ford Focus, but the model is generally regarded as reliable when well maintained; age‑related corrosion can become a concern for cars of this vintage.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns