2016 Ford Galaxy 2.0L Diesel · FH16 AAE

The most recent DVSA test on 15 May 2026 resulted in a Pass, but the advisory items issued at that examination are highly relevant to a prospective buyer. Two advisories relate to nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit, with both rear brake pads noted as wearing thin, and a further advisory concerning an illuminated tyre pressure monitoring system lamp. A review of the prior history shows a clean Pass in May 2024, a clean Pass in May 2025, but also a Fail on the same date in May 2025 for an illuminated anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicating an ABS fault, alongside an electronic stability control warning lamp fault. These ABS and ESC faults appear to have been rectified before the car was subsequently presented and passed, as no related advisories were carried forward. The recurrence of front tyre edge wear between 2023 and 2026 is a notable trend, suggesting a possible underlying issue such as wheel alignment, suspension geometry, or tracking drift, which a buyer should investigate further. The current advisory pattern indicates a vehicle that is still roadworthy but is approaching a phase where several consumable items will require attention in the near term. With 78,568 miles recorded against a 2016 registration, the Ford Galaxy has covered approximately 7,857 miles annually, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a ten-year-old family vehicle. The mileage progression between tests is steady, with no significant gaps or sudden accumulations that would suggest long periods of standing followed by inconsistent use. This consistent annual mileage reduces the risk of time-related degradation issues such as severe perishing of tyres from age, severe brake disc corrosion from prolonged standing, or fuel system and cooling system faults associated with irregular use. However, the age of the vehicle, now a decade old, still demands that the buyer consider calendar-based service items rather than purely mileage-based ones. A prospective buyer should treat the front tyre edge wear advisories from 2023 and 2026 as a priority inspection point. Both front tyres will need replacement if not already carried out since the May 2026 test, and a four-wheel alignment check is strongly recommended to confirm the cause of the recurring edge wear, which could indicate worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or coil springs on the front axle. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, and observe whether the steering wheel sits straight and whether the vehicle tracks true without pulling. The rear brake pad advisories suggest the pads are approaching the end of their service life; although not an immediate failure point, replacement should be budgeted for shortly, and a visual inspection of the rear brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion should be undertaken. On test, any brake shudder under firm application, a soft or spongy pedal, or pulling to one side under braking would warrant further investigation. Given the recorded ABS and ESC fault from 2025, the buyer should verify that any repair work was carried out by a competent specialist and that the warning lamps are not currently illuminated. Ask to see the diagnostic report or invoice relating to the rectification, as persistent ABS or ESC faults on the Galaxy can be linked to wheel speed sensor failures, relay faults, or hydraulic control unit issues, all of which vary significantly in cost to remedy. Additionally, although not flagged in the MOT record, the buyer should carry out age-related checks appropriate to a ten-year-old vehicle. These include an inspection of all tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing regardless of tread depth, a load test of the 12V battery, a check of coolant condition and age, brake fluid moisture content, and verification of the full service history to ensure oil and filter changes have been performed at the correct intervals. The tyre pressure monitoring system advisory should also be addressed, as a persistently illuminated lamp may indicate a faulty sensor rather than simply low pressures, and this would benefit from diagnostic interrogation before purchase.