2013 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · EX63 FCC

The 2025-09-16 MOT test resulted in a pass, and reviewing the recent history, the overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable though with a recurring cluster of minor and advisory items. The vehicle passed three consecutive tests in 2022, 2023, and 2025, with the only failure occurring in September 2024 relating to a non-functional headlamp dipped beam and an inoperative horn, both of which were presumably rectified to allow the subsequent pass the same day. Two advisories relating to rear sub-frame and anti-roll bar corrosion have persisted across the 2024 and 2025 tests, indicating ongoing but non-critical structural degradation that warrants monitoring. A persistent minor defect for an offside rear registration plate lamp inoperative across all four most recent tests suggests either a neglected bulb replacement or an electrical fault that has not been addressed. The 2023 test raised significant brake wear advisories, with both front pads reported at 80 percent worn and both rear pads noted as wearing thin, indicating brake system attention was due around that mileage. With 177,362 miles recorded over approximately 13 years of service, this Ford C-MAX has accumulated an annual average of around 13,643 miles, which is notably high for its age and class. This elevated mileage profile points to sustained regular use, typically motorway or long-commute driving, which accelerates wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, clutch components, and timing belt intervals. There do not appear to be significant gaps in the annual MOT testing record, and mileage progression between tests appears consistent with regular driving rather than extended periods of standing. High-mileage vehicles such as this one are more likely to require closer attention to suspension components, drivetrain wear, and engine ancillary items than lower-mileage equivalents of the same age. Given the recurring advisories relating to the rear sub-frame and anti-roll bar corrosion, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the underside of the vehicle for any visible signs of advanced corrosion, paying particular attention to the mounting points and bush interfaces where rust can compromise structural integrity over time. Listen for clonks or rattles from the rear suspension during a test drive, particularly over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as corroded anti-roll bar links or worn bushes typically present as audible impacts. The persistent dipped beam headlamp and horn failures from the 2024 test warrant verification that all exterior lighting and audible warning devices are functioning correctly at the point of sale, as electrical gremlins in older vehicles can recur. The brake disc pitting advisories recorded in 2021, 2022, and 2023 suggest the front discs have been subject to significant wear, and any pulsing or shuddering through the brake pedal during a test drive would indicate disc warping that may now require machining or replacement. Beyond the recorded defects, the high mileage and 13-year age of this C-MAX necessitate a broader inspection covering age-related deterioration. Check the tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and verify that all four tyres are of matching specification. Inspect the brake calipers for signs of binding or uneven pad wear, which is common on vehicles that have accumulated high mileage. Confirm the 12V battery health, as original equipment units are well beyond their expected service life and a failing battery can cause intermittent electrical faults. Verify the timing belt or chain replacement history according to Ford's recommended intervals, and ensure that the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid have been serviced in line with time-based schedules, as fluid degradation occurs irrespective of mileage covered. Finally, request the full service history documentation to confirm regular maintenance has been carried out at appropriate intervals, which is particularly important given the sustained high annual usage this vehicle has clearly experienced.