2017 Ford C-MAX 1.5L Diesel · A23 MAE

Consistent roadworthiness has been the primary characteristic of this vehicle, which successfully navigated its most recent MOT on 15 May 2026. While the inspection initially resulted in a failure due to an incorrectly adjusted offside front headlamp, this was promptly rectified to achieve a pass on the same day. The overall history is marked by a high degree of compliance, with the only other recorded defect being a single advisory for sidewall damage on the offside rear tyre back in 2020. There is no evidence of recurring structural issues, corrosion, or persistent mechanical faults in the provided data. Accumulating 32,995 miles over a nine-year period results in an average annual usage of approximately 3,666 miles, which is significantly lower than the national average for a vehicle of this type. This low-mileage profile suggests the vehicle has likely been used for short, intermittent journeys rather than sustained motorway travel. From a mechanical perspective, such usage patterns mean that components like the exhaust system, suspension bushings, and engine internals have not been subjected to the high-cycle fatigue associated with high-mileage examples, though they may be more susceptible to the effects of infrequent operation, such as moisture accumulation within the exhaust or limited heat cycles for the engine oil. Given the headlamp aim failure recorded in May 2026, you should verify that the beam pattern is uniform and correctly aligned during your test drive, particularly if driving at night, to ensure there is no underlying damage to the headlamp housing or its adjustment mechanism. Since the vehicle has spent much of its life covering low annual mileages, pay close attention to the braking system. Listen for any grinding noises or uneven deceleration that might indicate binding calipers or corroded discs, as low usage can sometimes lead to surface oxidation on these components if the vehicle has been left stationary for extended periods. Beyond the specific items noted in the history, the test drive should focus on the suspension and steering integrity. Although no advisories have been issued for these systems, the age of the vehicle means that rubber bushes and ball joints may be reaching a point where natural degradation occurs regardless of mileage. Listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and ensure the steering remains precise without any wandering or pulling to one side. Checking for any signs of fluid weeping around the shock absorbers or steering rack gaiters will provide further insight into the current state of these chassis components.