2015 Ford B-MAX 1.6L Petrol · LL15 AAN

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 24 February 2026 recorded a PASS, but the examiner issued two advisories that warrant attention. The first notes a defective gearbox mounting, which suggests the rubber bush or insulator securing the transmission to the subframe has hardened, cracked, or partially collapsed. Such deterioration typically transmits additional vibration into the cabin, particularly at idle or under load, and over time can lead to misaligned drivetrain geometry or accelerated wear on related components. The second advisory records a tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on edge across all four positions, which is a notable concern as it indicates either uneven wear patterns linked to suspension geometry, alignment issues, or simply end-of-life rubber. Replacing all four tyres together with a geometry check would be the sensible course of action before purchase. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has passed each annual test without any recorded failures, which points to a stable maintenance trend overall. However, the cluster of advisories appearing in 2023 and again in 2026, specifically relating to tyre wear and now a gearbox mounting defect, suggests that some components are beginning to show their age despite the absence of outright failures. The mileage recorded over the lifespan of this 2015 B-MAX stands at 79,906 miles, equating to roughly 7,264 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileages between tests, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing, which is generally favourable for preventing issues such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or dry seals. That said, even with steady annual mileage, an eleven-year-old vehicle will inevitably begin to suffer calendar-based degradation regardless of the miles covered. Rubber components including drive belts, coolant hoses, suspension bushes, and anti-roll bar links harden and crack with age, so a physical inspection should check for any perished hoses, weeping coolant joints, or perished wiper rubbers. Brake fluid and coolant should have been renewed on a time basis rather than purely mileage; if there is no service history evidencing a recent fluid change, both should be considered overdue. The 12V battery is also a likely candidate for replacement at this age, and any slow cranking or dashboard warning illumination on a test drive should be investigated promptly. Given the advisory relating to tyres across all positions, a prospective buyer should closely examine the current tread depth and look for uneven wear patterns, scuffing on the shoulders, or any feathering that might indicate worn suspension bushes or alignment drift. A test drive should focus on listening for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which is common as strut top mounts and lower wishbone bushes deteriorate on a vehicle of this vintage. Transmission behaviour should be assessed both at idle and under acceleration to detect any excessive vibration or shunt that could confirm the gearbox mounting advisory. Finally, verify that a full service history exists with documented timing belt or chain replacement intervals observed, as this is a critical age-related item on any Ford of this generation and is not recorded within MOT data.