2013 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · CE13 ERO

A consistent pattern of tyre deterioration on the offside rear, recurring across three consecutive annual tests, forms the defining mechanical theme of this C-MAX's MOT record. The same 5.2.3 (d) (ii) advisory for cracking and perishing appeared in 2024, 2025, and again at the most recent test on 26 February 2026, indicating that the rubber compound on that corner is ageing faster than the rest of the car. With no failures and no advisory-free clean pass since 2022, the underlying trend is stable but chronically affected by these tyre issues. The front brake discs also warrant close attention, as the pitted and scored advisory under 1.1.14 (a) (ii) has now been recorded at the two most recent tests, suggesting surface wear on the rotors is progressing despite the vehicle clearing each inspection. At 77,364 miles over roughly thirteen years, this C-MAX has covered approximately 5,951 miles annually, a notably modest accumulation rate that suggests either limited daily use or extended periods of standing. The MOT history shows uninterrupted annual testing from 2019 through 2026 with no multi-year gaps, so the vehicle has remained on the road consistently, but the low mileage places greater emphasis on the condition of components that degrade with age rather than wear. Tyre perishing, brake disc corrosion, and the condition of rubber suspension bushes, coolant hoses, and undertray fasteners are all areas where the passage of time matters more than the odometer reading, and a low-mileage example like this can still suffer from seized calipers, dry-rotted gaiters, or oxidised brake hydraulic components even though mechanical wear is limited. For a prospective buyer, the priority items on inspection are the tyres and braking system that have already attracted advisories. The offside rear tyre should be examined for sidewall cracking, particularly in the grooves and around the shoulder, and it would be prudent to inspect the nearside rear as well, given the symmetry typically found in tyres of the same age and compound. The front discs should be checked visually for lipping at the outer edge and felt for roughness through the brake pedal during a test drive; any vibration or pulse under light braking suggests the discs have worn beyond their service limit despite passing the MOT threshold. Under load, listen for any binding or dragging from the front calipers, which is a common issue on low-mileage vehicles where the piston seals can dry out. A thorough test drive should also focus on the suspension, as the recorded history does not document any recent inspection of the wishbones, drop links, or anti-roll bar bushes. Listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front end, which would indicate worn suspension linkages, and pay attention to any vagueness or pulling in the steering that could point to worn track rod ends. Inspect the engine bay and underbody for any signs of fluid leakage from the power steering rack, as these vehicles are known for weeping seals at modest mileages. Finally, check the condition of the exhaust system from the manifold rearward, as a thirteen-year-old vehicle can suffer from corroded mounting brackets and heat shield separation even without advisories being raised, and confirm that the tyres fitted across all four corners are of matching age and brand to avoid uneven grip characteristics.