2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · WJ04 HNX

The vehicle shows a history of recurring mechanical and structural concerns consistent with its high mileage and age. In the most recent test conducted in July 2025 at 221,440 miles, the car passed but carried several advisories that indicate ongoing maintenance is required. The tester noted a weep of oil from the steering rack and corrosion on the lower part of the nearside wing. Furthermore, both the nearside and offside front tyres were worn close to the legal limit and showed uneven edge wear, suggesting potential alignment issues or worn suspension components. The mileage progression is steady, averaging approximately 10,000 miles per year over the 22-year life of the 2004 Ford Focus. This consistent use places significant strain on the drivetrain and suspension. The failure in late July 2025 at 221,428 miles was caused by an insecure offside obligatory mirror and a deteriorated rear registration plate. While these items were addressed for the subsequent pass, the presence of a corroded offside rear coil spring and worn anti-roll bar linkage joints across multiple tests indicates that the suspension system is nearing significant degradation. The structural integrity of the vehicle is a point of concern given the repeated reports of corrosion on the nearside wing area across 2023, 2024, and 2025. A buyer should closely inspect the depth of this rust to ensure it has not progressed beyond surface damage. Additionally, the steering rack leak is a known mechanical weakness that will eventually require expensive repair or replacement. Given the high mileage and the trend of worn suspension bushes and components, this vehicle represents a high-risk investment where further failures are likely in the near future.