2021 Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale Mhev 1.0L Petrol · EF70 VBP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 June 2026, was passed but included an advisory that the nearside front tyre is worn close to the legal limit, with the tread depth on the edge approaching zero. All previous examinations – July 2023, July 2024, June 2025 and June 2026 – also resulted in passes with no recorded defects. This uninterrupted succession of passes indicates a generally stable maintenance record, with the only emerging concern being progressive tyre wear rather than a deterioration of core mechanical components. At five years old the Puma has logged 36 762 miles, equating to roughly 7 350 miles per annum. This figure sits comfortably within the typical UK usage band for a vehicle of this age, suggesting the car has not been subjected to excessive high‑speed or heavy‑load duty. There are no evident gaps in the recorded mileage that would imply long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as brakes, suspension bushes and engine oil is likely to be in line with calendar‑plus‑mileage expectations rather than accelerated by intensive use. The tyre advisory warrants immediate attention. The driver should inspect the front nearside tyre for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking and any signs of delamination. On a test drive listen for a hollow thump or vibration when the vehicle is steered over bumps, which can indicate a compromised tyre structure. Replacement of the tyre is advisable before the tread falls below the legal 1.6 mm limit, and it would be prudent to have the remaining tyres checked for age‑related perishing – tyres older than six years can degrade even with low mileage. While the MOT did not flag any brake issues, the relatively low annual mileage means the brake discs may have accumulated surface rust; a visual inspection should verify that the discs are free of deep scoring and that the pads retain adequate thickness. Any pulsation or shudder under braking would signal the need for resurfacing or replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive age‑related inspection is recommended. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking for corrosion on the terminals and confirming that the charge holds above 12.6 V after a short load test; batteries over five years often lose capacity even if the car has not been driven extensively. Examine the suspension components – coil springs, damper mounts and rubber bushes – for signs of cracking, leaking oil or excessive play, especially in the front subframe where road noise can manifest as clunks or rattles. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for correct levels and any discoloration that would indicate overdue service, remembering that many manufacturers recommend fluid changes on a calendar basis (typically every 12‑24 months) regardless of mileage. Finally, look for any rust on the wheel arches, underbody and chassis rails; even a well‑maintained low‑mileage car can develop corrosion if it has spent prolonged periods stationary, and rust can compromise structural integrity if left unchecked.