2012 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · ET12 UTE

The 2012 Ford Grand C-Max presents a mixed mechanical picture with a stable but unresolved maintenance trend. The most recent MOT on 24 July 2025 at 79,902 miles passed, yet the tester flagged an Offside Rear service brake binding and a Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored. These are not new issues; the rear brake binding advisory has appeared in three of the last four tests, dating back to November 2024 at 76,409 miles and November 2023 at 71,146 miles. The pattern suggests a persistent offside rear caliper or slider pin issue that has been monitored rather than rectified. Brake disc wear has been flagged repeatedly since 2023 on both axles, indicating sustained use with components operating at or beyond serviceable limits rather than a one-off event. The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the unresolved braking advisories point to a neglectful maintenance approach. The mileage profile is notably low for a fourteen-year-old vehicle. Recorded at 79,902 miles today, the annualised average sits at roughly 5,707 miles per year. The progression from 57,200 miles in November 2021 to 79,902 miles by July 2025 shows an accumulation of approximately 22,700 miles over three years and eight months, averaging around 6,000 miles annually in recent years. There are no dramatic gaps or sudden spikes in the record. The vehicle has been used consistently but gently, which typically favours mechanical longevity. Low mileage alone, however, does not guarantee condition; prolonged standing can cause brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, and moisture ingress into connectors and bushings, all of which align with the recurring brake binding seen here. Prospective buyers should focus their in-person inspection on the braking system. The persistent offside rear binding demands a road test to confirm whether the caliper is partially seized, and the repeated disc wear advisories mean both front and rear disc and pad thicknesses should be measured against manufacturer minimums. The November 2024 test also flagged front tyre wear down to 3mm with run-off on inner sections, a pattern repeated from November 2021. This suggests possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes causing uneven contact. The November 2023 advisory for slight play in the offside front steering rack inner joint warrants close examination; if this has progressed, it could indicate a deteriorating rack end or inner tie rod. A full suspension and steering check over a ramp is advisable, paying attention to front lower arm bushes, track rod ends, and any corrosion on subframes or mounting points, which are common failure points on the C-Max platform. The clean test in November 2022 at 63,181 miles shows the vehicle is capable of passing without defects, making the subsequent cluster of advisories more concerning. A buyer should treat the current MOT pass as a baseline, not a guarantee. Budget for replacement brake discs and pads on both axles, a caliper overhaul on the offside rear, and a four-wheel alignment check before committing. The low mileage is attractive, but the record reveals a vehicle that has been passively monitored rather than proactively maintained through its middle age.