2009 Ford Focus Zetec TD 109 1.6L Diesel · YLZ 2025

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Ford Focus Zetec TD 109 was conducted on 1 October 2024 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the strongest possible outcome under the current testing regime. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has now passed three consecutive MOT tests in 2022, 2023, and 2024, all without any recorded advisories or failures. This suggests a consistently well-maintained mechanical condition and indicates that the keeper has been addressing wear items proactively, rather than allowing minor defects to accumulate into failures. The absence of recurring defect categories across the recent tests is a positive indicator, showing no apparent systemic issues with braking, suspension, or emissions that might otherwise signal impending major expenditure. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and reassuring for a prospective buyer. In terms of recorded mileage, the vehicle shows 124,210 miles over approximately seventeen years of service, which equates to an average of around 7,300 miles annually. This figure is broadly typical for a diesel family hatchback of this vintage and indicates steady, moderate use rather than the extremes of either high-mileage motorway running or prolonged periods of standing. The pattern suggests the car has been used as intended, with regular driving allowing components such as the diesel particulate filter, turbocharger, clutch, and braking system to remain properly exercised. However, even at moderate annual mileages, a 2009 diesel will have accumulated substantial wear on key consumables, and the absence of recorded advisories across three MOTs does not necessarily capture the condition of non-tested items such as timing belts, clutches, or dual-mass flywheels. Given the clean MOT history but the age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should concentrate on age-related deterioration rather than defect-specific concerns. First, inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a 2009-vintage vehicle may well require replacement tyres even if they appear to have sufficient tread. Check the 12-volt battery for holding charge and clean terminals, particularly if the car has stood between uses, and verify when it was last replaced. Examine the brake discs on all four corners for corrosion ridges and lipping, as standing can cause surface rust that may lead to judder under braking until the corrosion is machined away or the discs are replaced. Test the handbrake travel and listen for any binding or sticking calipers, which are common on vehicles of this age that have seen varied use. Also raise the vehicle to inspect the exhaust system from the manifold rearward, paying particular attention to the diesel particulate filter, which can become expensive to replace if it has become saturated through short journeys or oil consumption issues. For a test drive, pay particular attention to the operation of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, listening for rattling noises on overrun, juddering on take-off, or any slipping under load, as these components wear progressively and are costly to replace. Check for smooth gear selection and any whining from the transmission, which could indicate input shaft or differential wear. Listen for suspension knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, and wishbone bushes, which are known weak points on this generation of Focus. Under braking, test for pulling to one side, sponginess in the pedal, or vibration through the steering wheel, all of which would indicate unevenly worn discs or seized caliper pistons. Finally, verify the service history to confirm that the cambelt has been changed at the recommended interval, that the diesel fuel system has been primed properly after any filter changes, and that the engine oil and coolant have been refreshed in line with manufacturer schedules, as time-based servicing remains just as critical as mileage-based intervals on a vehicle of this age.