2009 Ford C-MAX 1.8L Petrol · FD58 ACF

The vehicle presents an improving maintenance trend, moving from a period of significant mechanical and structural concerns to a clean result in its most recent recorded test. While the January 2023 MOT at 97,109 miles showed no defects, this follows a volatile period between 2020 and 2022 where the car suffered multiple failures. The tester flagged several issues in March 2021, including worn suspension arm bushes and multiple corroded coil springs, which required rectification to achieve subsequent passes. The mileage profile indicates a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 5,700 miles per year over its seventeen-year lifespan. This pattern is consistent throughout the record, with the vehicle progressing from 29,864 miles in 2012 to 97,109 miles in 2023. Such low annual mileage can sometimes lead to issues with component degradation due to inactivity, which is reflected in the recurring advisories for corrosion and pitted brake discs. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, though the data ends over three years prior to the current date. A physical inspection should prioritise the underside of the vehicle due to a long-standing history of surface corrosion. The records from 2019 through 2021 repeatedly highlighted corrosion on the rear sub-frame, suspension arms, and anti-roll bar. Although these were noted as not being seriously weakened at the time, the age of the vehicle makes it vital to check that this oxidation has not progressed into structural rot. The buyer should also verify the current condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs, as these were major failure points in the March 2021 and March 2022 tests. Braking components and tyres also warrant close attention. The history shows a pattern of wearing brake pads and pitted discs, particularly between 2016 and 2020. While the 2023 test was clear, the low mileage usage suggests the vehicle may have sat for periods, potentially leading to seized calipers or degraded brake hoses. Finally, check the exhaust system and heat shielding, as the loose heat shield was a recurring issue in the 2022 tests.