2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · YR02 LTA

The 2002 Ford Focus presents a stable but ageing mechanical picture, with the most recent MOT pass recorded on 10 December 2021 at 120,143 miles. That clean pass followed a fractured nearside front coil spring failure just seven days earlier, indicating a reactive repair rather than proactive preventative maintenance. The trend is broadly stable, though the vehicle has not been tested for nearly five years, leaving its current roadworthiness entirely unverified. The mileage profile is unusually low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 5,006 miles per year. Between the October 2019 test at 116,531 miles and the December 2021 test at 120,143 miles, only 3,612 miles were covered across more than two years, suggesting prolonged periods of standing. Such low annual use can mask deterioration caused by age rather than mileage, including perished rubber bushes, degraded brake seals, and moisture ingress into fluid systems. The MOT record itself is sparse, with only five entries spanning from 2019 to 2021, and no test data exists for the last four and a half years. A buyer should treat the December 2021 pass with caution. The fractured coil spring flagged days before that pass raises questions about the condition of the remaining suspension components, particularly the offside front coil spring and rear springs, which may share similar age-related fatigue. Both front track rod ends have required attention, with the nearside joint flagged for excessive play in October 2019 and the offside joint showing slight play in September 2020, suggesting ongoing wear in the steering linkage that may have progressed further without recent testing. A thorough inspection of the front suspension, steering rack boots, and wheel bearings is advisable, along with a close check of the underside for corrosion given the vehicle's age and the possibility of long stationary periods allowing moisture to attack structural metalwork. Brake lines, flexible hoses, and fluid condition should also be examined, as these deteriorate with time regardless of mileage.