2013 Ford B-MAX 1.6L Petrol · EO13 PCX

A consistent thread running through the MOT history of this 2013 Ford B-Max is the regular appearance of front suspension and front tyre advisories, with the most recent test on 22 August 2025 passing but flagging slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. This follows a pattern established across multiple earlier tests, where nearside and offside front tyres have been recorded as worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge, and the lower arm ball joint has now joined that recurring concern. While no test has resulted in a failure, the clustering of advisories around the front axle suggests that the suspension joints, bushes, and steering components are subject to ongoing wear that has not yet crossed the pass threshold. The 2023 test also noted a perished nearside rear tyre and deteriorated rear number plate, items that are minor individually but reinforce a record of consumables reaching the end of their service life rather than any structural or mechanical failure. The vehicle has not been presented for MOT in 2026 according to the available history, which is consistent with a current and valid pass from the 2025 test. Against a 13 year vehicle age, the recorded 76,642 miles equates to roughly 5,900 miles annually, which is well below average for a car of this vintage. The MOT record shows broadly consistent annual mileage accumulation without significant gaps or sudden jumps, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular but light use rather than long-term storage or high-mileage motorway work. Mechanically, low annual mileage can reduce wear on major drivetrain components but tends to accelerate deterioration of rubber items, brakes that may suffer from corrosion through underuse, and suspension bushes that can harden and crack when a vehicle is left standing for extended periods. The combination of low mileage and recurring front-end advisories is worth weighing carefully, as it may indicate components ageing due to time rather than distance covered. Given the recurring nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint advisory from the latest test, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension on a physical inspection and test drive. With the engine off, attempt to rock each front wheel top to bottom and side to side at the three and nine o'clock positions to detect play in the ball joints, track rod ends, and wheel bearings, and listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end when driving slowly over speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces. Steering response should be checked for any vagueness, self-centring issues, or knocking through the rack, as worn lower arms on the B-Max can contribute to vague steering geometry. Pay close attention to uneven front tyre wear on the nearside and offside edges, as the advisory history suggests this has been a recurring issue, and verify that any replacement tyres are of matching size and tread pattern to prevent differential wear or traction control irregularities. The 2020 test flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, a condition that has reappeared in subsequent years, so a thorough check of the sidewalls for cracking, bulges, or perishing is recommended given the vehicle's age. The 2023 advisory for a perished nearside rear tyre is a reminder to inspect all four corners, including the rear pair, for age-related deterioration rather than simply relying on tread depth. Brake feel should be assessed on the test drive for any pulling to one side, pedal sponginess, or vibration under firm application, as low-mileage B-Max examples can suffer from seized caliper slide pins or corroded discs, which may not have been highlighted in advisory form if they had not yet reached the test threshold. Finally, verify the operation of all electric windows, the signature sliding rear door mechanism unique to the B-Max, and the rear number plate, as a deteriorated plate has been flagged twice, to ensure that none of these items have deteriorated further since the most recent test was carried out.