2021 Ford Puma Titanium Mhev 1.0L Petrol · BA21 OGV

The most recent MOT, conducted on 5 August 2026, was passed but returned four advisories concerning the condition of all four tyres – a near‑side front nail‑induced damage, and slight cracking or perishing on the off‑side front, near‑side rear and off‑side rear tyres. The two preceding annual tests in August 2025 and August 2024 recorded clean passes with no defects noted. This pattern suggests an otherwise stable maintenance record, with the only emerging concern being tyre degradation that has become apparent only in the latest test. At five years old the Puma has accumulated 41,997 miles, averaging roughly 8,400 miles per year. This usage sits comfortably within the typical UK private‑car average and does not indicate any periods of excessive high‑speed or heavy‑load operation. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, so the wear on consumables such as brakes, suspension bushes and engine oil is likely to be proportional to normal road use rather than being accelerated by idling or short‑trip abuse. The tyre advisories merit immediate attention. Cracking of the tread and sidewalls is a sign of rubber perishing, often accelerated by age, UV exposure and repeated flexing, and can lead to sudden loss of grip or a blow‑out, especially under wet or high‑speed conditions. The nail in the near‑side front tyre should be inspected for any hidden puncture; even if the tyre appears to hold pressure now, the compromised carcass may fail later. On a test drive the buyer should feel for any vibration, especially at higher speeds, and listen for thumping or irregular noises that could indicate a developing tyre defect. Replacement of all four tyres is advisable to maintain balanced handling and to avoid mismatched tread depths, which can affect electronic stability control and ABS performance. Beyond the tyres, the vehicle’s age calls for a thorough age‑related inspection. Verify the 12‑volt battery’s cranking voltage and check for any signs of electrolyte leakage or terminal corrosion, as batteries can lose capacity after five years even with moderate mileage. Inspect the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear; standing for extended periods can cause disc corrosion that may lead to pulsation or reduced braking efficiency. Examine suspension components – particularly the front coil springs, damper mounts and rubber bushes – for any creaking, looseness or excessive play, which can manifest as clunking over bumps. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, filter and coolant changes, and that the timing‑chain or belt (as applicable to the MHEV powertrain) has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, as calendar‑based fluid degradation can affect engine reliability even when mileage is modest.