2012 Ford B-MAX 1.6L Diesel · EJ62 RTZ

The 2012 Ford B-Max carries a service record that oscillates between clean passes and persistent advisories rather than a steady decline or improvement. The most recent MOT conducted on 2026-01-06 returned a clean result with no defects, yet the preceding four years reveal a pattern of recurring issues including gearbox mounting faults and oil leaks, alongside brake disc concerns dating back to 2018. This intermittent nature suggests the vehicle has experienced isolated mechanical problems that were resolved at each test interval but may still leave underlying vulnerabilities, particularly around the transmission mounting assembly and lubrication systems. The overall trajectory indicates the car is functionally roadworthy today while the history warrants caution regarding certain subsystems that have been repeatedly flagged. At 79,761 miles after 14 years of ownership, the vehicle accumulates approximately 5,697 miles annually—a figure substantially lower than would be expected for a comparable model at this age. Such a modest mileage pace typically reflects infrequent driving or prolonged periods of storage rather than heavy daily use, which generally translates to reduced cumulative wear on engine components, suspension parts, and drivetrain elements. The absence of significant mileage jumps or spiking intervals in the MOT dates (every twelve months from late 2018 through early 2026) implies consistent ownership with regular maintenance opportunities, though the presence of prior advices on critical systems means that even low-mileage vehicles can harbour latent damage that does not immediately surface in test conditions. The gearbox mounting advisory appearing on both the 2023-01-04 and 2024-01-17 tests represents a key concern that should be verified during a test drive, as it often manifests as unusual engagement delays, grinding noises during shifts, or resistance when climbing inclines—symptoms that become more pronounced under load. Complementing this is the oil leak advisory (category 8.4.1 (a) (i)) recorded in the same period, which could indicate internal sealing failures in the transmission housing or rear main seal; on the road this might present as dampness near the rear of the chassis or a milky residue in the drain plug fluid, potentially accelerating wear on associated components. Both issues point to the need for a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the gearbox mounting bolts, transmission bell housing gaskets, and any visible oil contamination around the rear differential area before committing to purchase. Brake-related history demands particular scrutiny given two separate flags: the 2020-01-07 test noted an offside front inner brake disc that was worn, pitted or scored but not severely compromised, while the 2018-10-20 test specifically identified corrosion on the inner face of the same disc. These findings suggest progressive material degradation in the brake pad contact zone, which could affect stopping performance and heat dissipation. During a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to any vibration, pulsation, or audible squeal when applying the brakes, especially under hard deceleration or on rough pavement, as these symptoms align with the reported disc condition. While the January 2026 MOT did not list any new brake advisories, the existing ones remain active and require confirmation of their persistence or resolution before finalising the acquisition.