2013 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · SJ63 LHR

The most recent MOT inspection on 30 July 2026 resulted in a failure, indicating a significant decline in the vehicle's mechanical roadworthiness compared to previous years. While the vehicle has maintained a passing status since 2024, the recent transition from advisories to dangerous defects suggests a pattern of worsening maintenance rather than a stable or improving trend. The progression from worn suspension bushes in 2023 and 2025 to an actual failure for excessive wear in 2026, combined with the sudden emergence of critically thin rear brake pads, demonstrates that essential wear-and-tear components are being neglected until they reach a point of legal non-compliance. With a recorded mileage of 126,581 over approximately thirteen years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 9,737 miles per year. This represents typical, moderate usage for a family vehicle of this age and does not suggest excessive heavy-duty use or long periods of stationary neglect. However, the mileage is high enough that mechanical components such as the suspension, braking system, and engine seals are well into their natural lifecycle. The presence of a recurring oil leak advisory dating back several years is consistent with this mileage, suggesting that while the engine is being used regularly, seal degradation is a known and ongoing issue that requires close monitoring. A prospective buyer must exercise extreme caution regarding the suspension and braking systems. The recent failure for worn suspension arm pins and bushes on both front sides will likely manifest during a test drive as knocking, clunking, or a vague, imprecise steering feel, particularly when navigating uneven road surfaces or corners. Furthermore, the dangerous failure regarding the rear brake pads indicates that the braking system is at the end of its service life. You should listen for any grinding noises during deceleration and check for any shuddering through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or binding calipers. Given the history of suspension corrosion noted in 2024, it is vital to inspect the underside of the vehicle for structural integrity and to ensure that the recent repairs have addressed the underlying degradation of the wishbones and bushes. The recurring advisory for a non-excessive oil leak should be investigated thoroughly. During your inspection, look for fresh oil seepage around the sump, rocker cover, or timing cover, and check the engine bay for oily residue that could indicate a slow but persistent leak. While the leak has been noted for years without causing a failure, it represents a potential long-term maintenance cost. Additionally, because the vehicle has seen consistent annual mileage, you should verify the service history to ensure that oil changes and fluid replacements have been performed on a calendar or mileage basis, as the age of the vehicle makes the degradation of brake fluid and coolant just as critical as the mechanical wear of the moving parts.