2015 Ford Ecosport 1.0L Petrol · DF65 VRD

Recurring advisories regarding engine mountings and rear axle components suggest a pattern of wear in the vehicle's vibration damping and suspension systems. While the most recent test on 21 August 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects, the preceding 2025 inspection highlighted deterioration in the central front lower engine mounting and the rear axle swivel pins and bushes. This indicates that while the vehicle is currently meeting minimum legal standards, there is a history of component degradation in the rubber bushings and mountings that supports the chassis and engine. The recorded mileage of 31,012 miles over an eleven-year period represents a very low annual average of approximately 2,819 miles. Such low usage can often result in components like tyres and rubber bushings ageing and perishing due to time rather than physical wear, as evidenced by the 2019 advisories for tyre cracking and perishing. Mechanically, this profile means that while drivetrain wear may be minimal, rubber-based components such as suspension bushes, engine mounts, and tyre sidewalls are more susceptible to environmental degradation and may require replacement regardless of their tread depth or mileage. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the condition of the suspension and engine mounting systems during a test drive. Given the repeated advisories for the central front engine mounting and the lower engine stabiliser bar bush, listen for excessive engine vibration while idling or a noticeable thud or shudder when accelerating or decelerating. The history of rear axle swivel pin and bush wear, alongside previous advisories for corroded rear coil springs, warrants a close inspection of the rear suspension. During the drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the rear beam bushes or coil springs have further deteriorated. Specific attention should also be given to the wheel and tyre condition. The 2023 advisory regarding a slightly distorted nearside front inner road wheel suggests a previous impact, so check for any steering pull or vibration through the steering wheel at motorway speeds. Although the 2025 inspection noted defective windscreen wiper blades, the absence of defects in the latest 2026 test suggests these have been addressed. Ensure that the direction indicators are clear and not excessively faded, as noted in the 2025 record, and verify that the tyres show no signs of the sidewall cracking or perishing that appeared in earlier years.