2013 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · AV13 SWW

A consistently clean MOT record over five consecutive annual tests, culminating in a pass on 16 August 2025 with no advisories or defects recorded, presents this C-Max as a strong roadworthiness proposition on paper. The absence of recurring advisories for suspension bushes, coil springs, brake components, exhaust integrity, or corrosion across the last five testing cycles suggests that the structural and mechanical wear items typically associated with high-mileage family vehicles have either been addressed promptly or have not yet reached intervention thresholds. For a thirteen-year-old Ford of this generation, the lack of any flagged underbody corrosion, brake pipe concerns, or subframe advisories is particularly noteworthy, as these are areas where C-Max models can otherwise begin to show their age. The pattern indicates a vehicle that has been kept within acceptable safety and emissions tolerances without test intervention being required. With 148,475 miles accumulated over approximately thirteen years, the average annual mileage of around 11,400 miles is broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this type and age, neither suggesting long-term storage nor exceptionally hard service. Importantly, the MOT testing history shows annual tests from 2021 through 2025 with no apparent multi-year gaps that would hint at extended off-road periods, which would otherwise raise concerns about brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, fluid degradation, or rodent damage to underbonnet components. The steady progression of annual tests suggests the vehicle has remained in continuous active use, allowing mechanical systems to remain functional and seals to remain lubricated. At this mileage level, though, the buyer should recognise that drivetrain wear on the clutch, dual-clutch unit if fitted, engine mountings, and turbocharger internals will be cumulative regardless of how clean the MOT record appears. Routine service history evidence becomes especially relevant for confirming oil change intervals, timing belt or chain renewal, and transmission fluid changes. Although no advisories have been recorded in recent tests, the combination of age and high mileage makes a targeted physical inspection worthwhile. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps or rough surfaces, particularly from the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links that commonly wear on this platform; any vagueness in self-centring or uneven tyre wear across the front axle would indicate tracking or bush deterioration that has not yet crossed the MOT failure threshold. Brake pedal feel should be firm without excessive travel, and the vehicle should pull up in a straight line; any judder through the steering wheel under braking would suggest warped front discs, which become increasingly common above 100,000 miles. The clutch should engage smoothly without slipping under acceleration in higher gears, and any hesitation, flaring, or shudder on take-off would warrant close scrutiny of the transmission. Given the clean MOT record, the main areas to verify independently are those not always fully assessed under the standard test. Check for any signs of oil misting or seepage around the cam cover gasket and oil filter housing, as these are common on higher-mileage Ford petrol engines of this era. Inspect the underside visually for any surface rust or fluid staining that may have been present but not severe enough to be flagged, paying particular attention to the rear axle beam area and exhaust mounting points. All tyres should be of matching age, type, and tread depth across the same axle, with no signs of cracking in the sidewalls given the vehicle's age. Finally, confirm the service book and any available Ford main dealer or specialist invoices to ensure the timing belt replacement interval has been observed, as neglect of this item on a thirteen-year-old vehicle would be a far greater concern than the encouraging MOT history alone.