2018 Ford Ecosport 1.0L Petrol · AP18 KDF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 28 May 2026, although it is important to note that the same date also records a fail with a major defect before the pass was issued. The major failure was for a nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover that no longer prevented the ingress of dirt, a condition which had already been recorded as a minor advisory the previous year and therefore demonstrates a worsening trend. Several advisories have appeared repeatedly across the recent tests. Light misting of oil from the offside rear shock absorbers has now been flagged at both the 2025 and 2026 tests, and the front brake pads were noted as wearing thin on both the 2024 and 2026 tests. The nearside front tyre has carried a cut advisory for two consecutive years, and the offside front tyre has now joined it with its own cut and damage advisories. Taken together, the record shows a stable overall pass rate but a steadily accumulating list of wear-related advisories concentrated around the front suspension, braking, and tyres, which warrants close attention from any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 37,474 miles over eight years equates to an annual average of approximately 4,684 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Such modest usage typically reflects either predominantly short urban journeys or extended periods of standing between uses. Low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox, and engine internals, but it can also accelerate certain age-related degradations. Brake discs and calipers can corrode and bind when a vehicle is left standing, tyres can develop sidewall perishing and flat spots from prolonged static load, the 12V battery can lose capacity through repeated shallow discharge cycles, and fluids such as brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. Any service history that confirms time-based fluid changes rather than purely mileage-based intervals should therefore be verified. Regarding the recurring advisories, the front suspension ball joint dust cover that has now failed is a particularly important point. The dust cover, or gaiter, exists to keep dirt and moisture away from the internal ball joint, and once it is breached, accelerated wear of the joint itself becomes likely. On a test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any knocking or clunking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, during sharp steering inputs, or when applying the brakes, as these are classic symptoms of an advancing ball joint failure. The light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber suggests the seal is beginning to deteriorate; while not yet failed, this is a progressive condition that may eventually require replacement, and any noticeable lack of damping, excessive bouncing after a bump, or uneven ride height should be investigated. The brake pads flagged as wearing thin should be measured for remaining friction material and the discs inspected for lipping, scoring, or corrosion j-score, particularly given the low mileage where brake discs are prone to surface rust and potential binding from infrequent use. For the tyres, the repeated advisories for cuts and damage on both front tyres warrant a physical inspection of the sidewalls and tread for any perishing, cracking, bulges, or exposed cords, as tyre rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. The production date code on each tyre sidewall should be checked, and any tyre over six years old considered for replacement on safety grounds. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer should also inspect the condition of the rear shock absorbers and springs for sagging, verify the operation of the handbrake mechanism, and check for any fluid leaks beneath the vehicle after it has been standing. Given the low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid to the condition and charge of the 12V battery, the operation of all electrical systems including air conditioning, and confirmation from the service book that brake fluid and coolant have been renewed on a time-based schedule. A thorough inspection on a lift or over a pit to examine the underbody, suspension bushes, and exhaust mounting rubbers would be highly advisable before purchase.