2011 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · FD61 CVE

The latest MOT test in January 2026 resulted in a pass, though it carries advisories for worn rear suspension arm pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside, alongside a minor defect regarding a rear stop lamp lens. The overall maintenance trend is concerning as it reveals a chronic pattern of suspension degradation and recurring fluid leaks. While the vehicle consistently passes its tests, the repeated appearance of worn bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends over several years indicates that the chassis components are deteriorating due to age and are not being proactively renewed. The recorded mileage of 14,544 miles is exceptionally low for a fifteen year old vehicle, averaging fewer than one thousand miles per year. While this suggests minimal mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, such a low usage rate often introduces specific risks associated with long periods of standing. In these instances, the primary concern shifts from friction-based wear to material degradation, where rubber components perish and internal seals dry out, which is likely contributing to the oil leak advisories noted in the 2024 and 2025 records. During a test drive, you should listen for any knocking or clunking sounds from the rear of the vehicle when traversing uneven road surfaces, as this would indicate that the worn suspension arm bushes have progressed to a point of excessive movement. The history of anti-roll bar linkage play and previous track rod end failures suggests a general fragility in the steering and suspension geometry. You must also inspect the engine bay and the underside of the sump for signs of active oil seepage, as the recurring advisories suggest a persistent leak that may require the replacement of gaskets or seals. Given the vehicle's age and infrequent use, a thorough physical inspection of all rubber and fluid-based components is essential. Check the tyre sidewalls for hairline cracking or perishing, as tyres can become unsafe due to age even if the tread depth remains legal. Examine the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or signs of binding calipers, which are common in vehicles that spend long periods stationary. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other critical fluids have been changed according to calendar intervals rather than mileage, as aged oil can lead to internal sludge and premature engine wear.