2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · WM09 CUX

A clear narrative of advancing chassis wear defines this 2009 Ford Focus, with suspension corrosion now a recurring thread across consecutive MOT tests. The most recent examination on 4 August 2025 resulted in a pass, but only after a near-miss five days earlier on 30 July 2025 when the vehicle was refused a certificate for a fractured offside front coil spring and a dangerous insecure offside rear anti-roll bar linkage that was impairing directional stability. The fact that both defects were rectified within days is reassuring, yet the underlying pattern of advisories for corroded suspension components, corroded lower suspension arms, and corroded rear suspension mounting areas from 2023 and 2024 suggests a chassis that is steadily oxidising rather than one that has simply suffered isolated component failures. Slight corrosion to suspension components noted in the latest test, alongside the persisting nearside front mirror damage and a damaged rear reflector, points to a vehicle that is structurally ageing in line with its years but has not yet crossed into outright structural failure. Annual mileage of around 9,627 miles is broadly typical for a seventeen year old car, and the steady accumulation shown across the MOT record is consistent with regular daily use rather than long periods of standing. There are no obvious multi year gaps in testing that would suggest extended lay ups, nor are there any dramatic jumps in recorded mileage between tests that would indicate towing, track use, or commercial exploitation. At 163,660 miles, wear on consumables such as brake pads and discs is to be expected, and indeed the 2023 test recorded thin front brake pads. The 2024 entry showing an engine oil leak and a nearside front tyre worn to its legal limit on the inner edge hints at either a geometry issue or simply aggressive wear from high mileage, but the absence of any recurring drivetrain or transmission advisories is a positive indicator given the overall distance travelled. For a prospective buyer, the priority should be a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and underbody, paying particular attention to the front coil springs for any signs of cracking or fracture, the anti-roll bar linkages for worn or perished bushes, and both the front and rear suspension mounting areas for corrosion that may have progressed beyond what was visible to the previous tester. The lower suspension arms on both rear corners were flagged as corroded in 2024, so it is sensible to jack the vehicle and check these arms for surface rust, pitting, or flaking that could compromise structural integrity at the next MOT. Given the history of insecure anti-roll bar components, a road test should include firm cornering and quick direction changes over uneven surfaces to listen for clonking, rattling, or any vagueness in the steering response that would suggest worn drop links or bushes. The engine oil leak noted in 2024 should be located and assessed for severity, as a seal or gasket weep on a high mileage Ford Focus can escalate if left unchecked, and the nearside front inner tyre wear pattern should be checked against the current alignment settings, as uneven inner shoulder wear can recur quickly if geometry is out of specification. Finally, the secondary items recorded should not be overlooked. A nearside front non obligatory mirror that remains damaged is not a safety critical issue but should be replaced for general visibility, and the nearside rear reflector that has lost up to fifty per cent of its reflecting surface is a minor but straightforward rectification. The windscreen chip recorded in August 2025 should be inspected to confirm it remains outside the driver primary viewing area, as any subsequent cracking could elevate it to a fail at the next test. With the dangerous anti-roll bar and fractured spring now replaced, the immediate safety concerns from the July failure have been addressed, but the broader corrosion picture suggests this is a vehicle that will demand continued vigilance over its chassis components and a realistic budget for suspension repairs at each annual test.