2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · YR09 DWF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend in structural and mechanical degradation. While it passed the recent March 2026 test at 89,743 miles, it failed earlier on the same day due to lighting defects including headlamp aim and bulb irregularities. The persistence of multiple advisories across the last three years, specifically regarding exhaust mountings and suspension corrosion, indicates a reactive maintenance approach where only the minimum repairs are made to pass testing rather than resolving the underlying age-related wear. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 89,743 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 5,279 miles per year. The data shows consistent low-interval usage, with roughly 7,600 miles covered between the 2023 and 2026 tests. However, this low mileage does not offset the age-related deterioration evident. The recurring presence of perished rubber components and advancing corrosion suggests the vehicle may have sat for long periods or been kept in an environment that accelerated oxidation and material fatigue despite low mileage-based wear. A buyer must prioritise a thorough structural inspection of the offside rear sills and inner sills, as the record consistently flags corrosion and previous repairs since 2023. The nearside front shock absorber has shown oil misting since at least 2024, indicating a failing seal that is nearing total leakage. Furthermore, the suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in 2023 and 2024; the buyer should check for excessive play in the steering which could compromise handling and safety. The exhaust mountings have been a recurring failure for three years, suggesting the entire system is unstable and likely requires comprehensive replacement soon.