1985 Ford Granada 2.8L Petrol · B156 COO

The 1985 Ford Granada’s most recent MOT test on 2026-03-09 confirms it remains roadworthy, with no defects or advisories recorded at 32,738 miles. This represents a stable maintenance trend over the past year, as both the 2024 and 2026 tests passed without failings. The November 2024 retest—just three days after an initial failure—suggests the vehicle was promptly addressed, though no specific defects were logged, leaving the cause speculative. The absence of recurring advisories or major faults implies the vehicle has likely been kept in a state of functional reliability, though this does not preclude unseen deterioration in high-wear areas. The recorded mileage of 32,738 miles over 41 years equates to approximately 800 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2024 and 2026 tests—just eight months—indicates either minimal usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The November 2024 retest, conducted only two days after the initial failure, hints at either a minor oversight or a test centre procedural anomaly, but no pattern of rapid mileage accumulation is evident. This low-mileage history may reduce wear on consumables like brakes or suspension, but it also raises questions about whether critical components—such as fuel system seals, electrical connections, or even rust-prone areas—have been neglected over extended periods of disuse. Given the sparse MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the Granada’s suspension and steering components, particularly the rubber bushes and coil springs, which are prone to cracking or degradation over decades of low-use. The brakes, though not flagged, warrant scrutiny for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has spent time stationary. Structural corrosion—common in older models—should be checked at wheel arches, sills, and the underbody, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate rust progression. The fuel system, including injectors and hoses, may also require attention, given the vehicle’s age, while the electrical system should be tested for intermittent faults, a frequent issue in older cars with aged wiring. The lack of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, but it does suggest the vehicle has not been driven into obvious mechanical failure.