2009 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · DX59 DPV

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT test on 29 August 2024, accompanied by a single advisory noting that the sub-frame is corroded but not seriously weakened. This is an encouraging immediate result, but the underlying pattern of advisories and one previous failure warrants careful scrutiny. The recorded history shows an escalation of front-end wear, with the 2021 failure citing a fractured offside front coil spring, an excessively worn nearside front inner track rod end ball joint, and deteriorated front brake discs on both sides. The same year also recorded advisories for the offside front brake disc and nearside front brake disc, while 2022 added an advisory for the offside rear brake disc. Steering rack inner joint play has been flagged repeatedly from 2019 through 2020 on both sides, and the 2024 sub-frame corrosion advisory represents a new structural concern. Taken together, the trend is one of gradually accumulating wear on suspension, steering, and braking components, with a sub-frame corrosion note that should be monitored at every subsequent test for progression. The recorded mileage of 109,643 miles over seventeen years equates to an annual average of roughly 6,450 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age but sits at the lower end of average UK usage. The MOT history itself is consistent with steady accumulation rather than long standing periods, with tests conducted on a near-annual basis since 2019 and no extended gaps that would suggest prolonged inactivity. That said, even at modest annual mileage, a seventeen-year-old car will have accrued significant calendar-driven degradation in components that wear with age regardless of miles covered, including rubber bushes, flexible hoses, coolant, brake fluid, and the timing belt interval which on this model is time-sensitive rather than purely mileage dependent. A physical examination of the front suspension is a top priority before purchase, since fractured or sagging springs, perished bushes, and worn ball joints are common on a C-MAX of this age and mileage. Listen for clonking or knocking over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front offside where a spring was previously replaced, and check that the vehicle sits level with no obvious dipping at either corner. Inspect the steering for any slack or knocking through the rack, as the repeated advisories for steering rack inner joint play suggest ongoing wear that may now require a replacement rack or inner tie rod refurbishment. Carry out a thorough test drive paying close attention to brake feel, looking for pedal shudder, pulling to one side under braking, or grinding, as the multiple brake disc advisories from 2021 and 2022 indicate the discs have been progressively wearing and may now be at or beyond the limit for skim or replacement. Visually inspect the discs through the wheel spokes for deep scoring, lipping at the outer edge, and corrosion around the hat area. Beyond the recurring defects, several age-related checks are essential. Inspect all four tyres, including the spare if fitted, for sidewall cracking and perishing from age as well as uneven tread wear, noting that the nearside rear tyre was once dangerously below the legal minimum despite relatively low annual mileage. Examine the underside of the vehicle, particularly the sub-frame and suspension arms, for any progression of the corrosion flagged in 2024, paying particular attention to mounting points, brake lines, and the fuel tank area. Check the condition and age of the 12 volt battery, as a unit of this age is likely due for replacement and a weak battery can mask electrical faults on test. Verify the timing belt replacement history, as Ford recommend replacement at ten years or 125,000 miles, whichever is sooner, and this vehicle is now seventeen years old. Confirm the service book stamps and review receipts for the recent suspension and steering repairs noted in the 2021 failure, and check the condition and replacement date of the engine coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, all of which degrade with time and should be renewed on a calendar basis. Finally, confirm that the offside front side repeater lamp, which was a major failure in 2021, is now functioning correctly along with all other exterior lighting.