2007 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · CE57 FSF

This nineteen year old Ford C-Max presents a notably clean DVSA roadworthiness record, with a continuous run of annual test passes stretching back to November 2022 and a single late-2025 incident that warrants scrutiny. The November 2025 entry shows a pass with no defects recorded, but this followed immediately by two days a failed test was also logged with no defects recorded against the vehicle, which is unusual given that MOT failures are typically accompanied by documented failure items. This pattern suggests either a data recording anomaly, a withdrawn or aborted test where the vehicle was driven away before completion, or a test that was halted for an administrative reason rather than a mechanical defect. Either way, the underlying signal from the recorded data is that no mechanical component has been flagged as defective or as a borderline advisory across five consecutive tests, which is an unusually strong indicator of structural and mechanical integrity for a vehicle of this age. The stability of the pass rate over a four year window indicates no progressive deterioration in suspension, braking, exhaust, or corrosion-related items. With 52,353 miles recorded against a nineteen year lifespan, the vehicle has averaged only around 2,755 miles annually, which is well below the typical usage rate for a family-orientated C-Max of this vintage. The absence of recorded advisory items across the available tests makes it impossible to confirm whether mileage has been consistent year on year or whether there have been periods of very low activity punctuated by occasional use. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-stress consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutch friction material, and engine internals, but it does increase the likelihood of standing-start issues such as stale brake fluid, dried rubber boots and gaiters, and surface corrosion on exposed underbody components that have not been regularly washed off by winter road use. The MOT record itself does not record mileage, so a prospective buyer would need to verify the odometer against the service history to confirm whether the low figure is continuous or the result of cluster replacement or extended lay-ups. Given the complete absence of advisories in the recorded data, there are no specific component histories to investigate against prior failures, which means the buyer must rely on a physical inspection and test drive to establish the present condition of the likely wear items for a C-Max of this age and mileage. On a road test, pay particular attention to the behaviour of the rear suspension, as C-Max vehicles are known for wear in the rear trailing arm bushes and coil springs, which typically manifests as a clonking noise over speed humps and minor undulations, together with a slightly unsettled feeling at the rear over uneven surfaces. Listen also for any knocking or rattling from the front suspension over uneven roads, which on this model commonly points to worn anti-roll bar drop links or front lower arm bushes, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel that would suggest worn track rod ends or a failing front wheel bearing. Braking performance should be evaluated carefully despite the lack of recorded advisories, with attention paid to pedal feel, any pulling to one side under light or heavy braking that would indicate a binding or seized caliper, and any pulsation through the pedal that would suggest front disc warping, a common issue on lower-mileage vehicles that have suffered light corrosion rather than even wear. Under the bonnet, inspect for any signs of oil misting or weeping from the cam cover gasket and the oil filter housing, both of which are typical age-related issues on the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol units fitted to early C-Max models, and check the coolant expansion tank and hoses for any signs of staining or crystallisation that would indicate a slow leak. Finally, examine the underside for any surface corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and the exhaust system, particularly given the long service life of the vehicle, and confirm that all electronic functions including the central locking, electric windows, and air conditioning operate correctly, as C-Max electrical gremlins are well documented as these vehicles enter their late teens.