2008 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · VE08 AEC
2008 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 15 Aug 2008. Recorded mileage 50,134 miles. MOT expired on 18 Sept 2024.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Sept 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 50,134 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
VE08 AEC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 19/09/2024
- 50,134 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VE08 AEC MOT History
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 2008 Ford Focus (VE08 AEC) between September 2022 and September 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 19 September 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
VE08 AEC Mileage History
- 02/09/202243,558 mi
- 02/09/202243,558 mi
- 19/09/202349,150 mi+5,592 mi
- 19/09/202349,150 mi
- 19/09/202450,134 mi+984 mi
Average of roughly 3,211 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to the recurring pattern of initial MOT failures, despite the low mileage. While the car has clearly been well-maintained in terms of usage, the consistent failed-then-passed MOT cycle suggests a potential lack of pre-test preparation by the owner.
When inspecting this Focus, pay close attention to the service history to see if these MOT 'failures' were due to simple items like bulbs or wipers, or something more persistent. Since the car is 18 years old, you should look for signs of age-related degradation, particularly in the rubber components and suspension bushes, which often don't show up on a basic MOT check until they become a safety issue.
Negotiate the price based on the fact that this vehicle has failed its MOT in each of the last three years. Even if the issues were minor, it indicates a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a proactive one. Ensure you take it for a thorough test drive to listen for any unusual noises from the engine or suspension that might not be captured by a standard MOT test.
As a 2008 model with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, this Focus sits in a mid-range insurance group, making it relatively affordable for most drivers. Fuel economy will be typical for a petrol engine of this era, likely averaging around 35-40 mpg depending on your driving style.
Annual maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age can be unpredictable. While parts are widely available and inexpensive for the Ford Focus, you should budget for potential repairs to ageing components such as the exhaust system, battery, and cooling hoses. Expect an estimated annual running cost of £1,200-£1,500 including tax, insurance, and routine servicing.
Given the history of MOT failures, you must inspect the vehicle for any 'advisory' items that may have been missed or ignored in previous years. Check the tyres for uneven wear and ensure the brakes feel sharp, as these are common failure points for older Fords. Inspect the bodywork, particularly the wheel arches and sills, for signs of corrosion which is common on Focus models of this vintage.
Check all electrical systems, including the air conditioning and infotainment, as these can become temperamental on an 18-year-old car. Since there are no specific defects listed in the MOT history, it is vital to perform a physical inspection of the underside to look for any oil leaks or rust that might have been overlooked during the testing process.
This 2008 Ford Focus is a remarkably low-mileage example, having covered just over 50,000 miles in 18 years. The vehicle has a peculiar MOT history where it has failed its test on three separate occasions since 2022, only to pass on the same day or shortly after. This suggests that while the car is mechanically sound enough to pass, it often requires minor interventions to meet the required safety standards.
The Ford Focus is generally regarded as a robust and dependable family hatchback, though high-age examples require diligent care.
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
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