Hi, I have had a 2006 Focus Zetec Climate come into my possession. The vehicle has off road and SORN'd for the last 2 years, not because there was anything wrong with the car but because the owner was no longer able to drive. It has come to me with under 32,000 miles on the clock and having had it's last MOT back in July 2023. The car looks immaculate but as it has been parked up outside for the last 2 years I am wonder what part of the vehicle I should attend to first? I am assuming that the brakes will be seized and hoping they can be freed up enough to move the card once a fresh battery has been put on. Is there any that should require specific attention or could I just get away with dropping a battery on and trying to start it? Should I be turning the engine manually first maybe? This is my first Ford and so I am ignorant of any of Ford's particular quirks but considering my daily is a Range Rover I am more than familiar with quirky things on cars? Any advise greatly appreciated.

Hi,

If it's an engine with a cambelt (anything other than 1.8/2.0 petrol at this age) then that should be replaced before attempting to start the engine unless you know it's been done recently. Trying to crank the engine could be enough to strip an old belt that hasn't moved for 2 years, risking internal engine damage.

Next problem is rust. Sills and wings are visible rust points. But they also rust on the rear subframe which isn't easy to see.

Brakes would be the least of my worries. If it's got rear drums then release the handbrake (in gear) and give the back of the drums a tap with a hammer to free off the shoes.

I think brakes are going to be the biggest problem as from what I can tell they are well rusted! 😂

34 minutes ago, ReggieMac said:

I think brakes are going to be the biggest problem as from what I can tell they are well rusted! 😂

You might be surprised. I've had a few cars standing for the past few years. One was a Mk2 Focus, there were chunks of rust left on the floor from the front discs when it was finally moved, but it still passed MOT fine. My other car hasn't been driven for 5 years now, the brakes feel awful, but again they passed MOT.

That sounds encouraging. My plan is to get this thing started and take it straight for an MOT and if/when it fails decide whether it is economically viable to put back on the road.

well not off to the best start, took me 30 minutes to work out how to open the bonnet! 🤣
Battery totally toast so could only open drivers door with key so got a new battery coming tomorrow.
All levels look good and oil looks just as new, not even black, as it was serviced the day it was then parked up!

Absolutely gobsmacked! The car passed the MOT without even an advisory, can't quite believe it!