FORD B-MAX2014 · 1.0L PETROL

The 2014 Ford B-MAX presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 9 April 2026 at 46,166 miles, passed, but only after a failure two days prior on the same mileage. That failure flagged a non-functioning nearside rear stop lamp, a non-clearing wiper blade, and a non-compliant rear registration plate — all low-cost, routine items. Their swift rectification suggests reactive fixes rather than proactive servicing. The pass is valid, yet the pattern of failing on basic electrical and visibility components raises questions about day-to-day upkeep. Advisories from the April 2026 pass, including perished rear tyres, worn front tyre edges, and slight play in both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, point to deferred suspension and tyre maintenance. The vehicle has covered roughly 3,847 miles per year over its twelve-year life, which is well below the UK average. The mileage progression tells a clear story of light use with occasional bursts. Between the February 2024 test at 38,519 miles and the March 2025 test at 43,176 miles, the car accumulated 4,657 miles in just over a year. That is a notable jump compared to the 2,990 miles covered in the following twelve months up to April 2026. The record is sparse between 2024 and 2025, with no intermediate tests, so the annual mileage pattern cannot be fully verified. Still, the overall low-mileage profile is consistent with short urban trips, which can accelerate wear on consumables like tyres and wipers despite the low odometer reading. The recurring fault pattern deserves attention. Inner-edge tyre wear appeared in both 2025 and 2026, indicating possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes that have never been corrected. The fractured nearside rear coil spring flagged in the March 2025 failure was rectified before the retest, but a broken spring on a low-mileage car is unusual and may suggest a manufacturing defect or a single impact event. A buyer should inspect all four coil springs for cracks or corrosion, check the anti-roll bar linkages for play, and verify the front suspension geometry. The perished rear tyres and worn inner edges on the fronts mean a full tyre replacement is likely imminent, along with a four-wheel alignment check. The fog lamp and repeater lamp advisories are minor but confirm a pattern of ignoring small electrical faults. A thorough inspection of the rear light units, wiring loom condition, and suspension mounting points is advisable before purchase.