2014 Ford Grand C-MAX 2.0L Diesel · FD63 SLZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 November 2025 resulted in a pass, though the tester recorded an advisory noting a nail in the rear tyre on both tyres, which indicates that at the time of test there was foreign object penetration requiring prompt attention and likely replacement. Across the eight recorded MOT events from 2018 through 2025 the vehicle has passed on every occasion, with no failures, refusals, or dangerous defects recorded, suggesting a broadly stable maintenance profile rather than any worsening trend. The only items noted are the persistent tyre advisory at the latest test and a series of child seat fitted advisories from 2020 to 2023, alongside a single minor defect in 2023 concerning a registration plate lamp. The absence of any advisories relating to brakes, suspension, corrosion, exhaust, or structural integrity over a continuous eight-year testing window is a positive indicator for a prospective buyer. With 75,070 miles recorded on a 2014 vehicle, the average annual mileage works out at approximately 6,256 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a family-orientated people carrier of this age and points to moderate rather than heavy use. There are no significant gaps or anomalous jumps in the mileage record visible from the MOT data, indicating the vehicle has been used consistently rather than left standing for prolonged periods or subjected to high-mileage motorway accumulation. This kind of usage pattern tends to be relatively benign for major drivetrain components, though it is worth noting that predominantly short urban trips, which are common with a family vehicle of this type, can place additional wear on brake discs and pads, the clutch (if manual), and the cooling system due to repeated stop-start cycles and limited engine warm-up time. Given that the MOT history is largely clean of mechanical advisories, the priority for a prospective buyer should shift towards age-related deterioration rather than mileage-driven wear. The 2025 advisory regarding a nail in both rear tyres is a reminder to inspect the full set of tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on a vehicle of this vintage; tyres over six years old should be examined for the DOT date code and replaced regardless of tread depth if significant rubber degradation is evident. Although the brake system has not attracted any advisories, twelve years of service life and a usage profile that likely involves frequent low-speed stops warrant a physical check of brake disc condition for surface corrosion or lipping, examination of the caliper slides for binding, and confirmation that the brake fluid has been changed in line with the manufacturer schedule, typically every two years regardless of mileage. Equally important is verification of the timing belt or chain replacement interval according to Ford specification, as the 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.6 TDCi engines fitted to this model have defined replacement thresholds that should be evidenced in the service book. Other calendar-driven checks that should be undertaken include a load test on the 12V battery, as a battery of this age is likely nearing the end of its reliable service life and a failure could leave the vehicle immobile; inspection of all coolant and air conditioning hoses for hardening or weeping; and a check of the power steering fluid (where applicable) along with the condition of the auxiliary drive belt and its tensioner. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension, particularly over speed humps and on full lock, as worn anti-roll bar bushes and lower arm bushes are common on C-MAX models of this age; feel for vibration through the steering wheel which may indicate warped front brake discs or front suspension wear; and observe the operation of the dual sliding rear doors and the electronic handbrake, both of which are known to develop faults on this generation of Grand C-MAX. Finally, given the advisory regarding the registration plate lamp, a simple visual confirmation that all illumination units are functioning correctly will resolve that outstanding item and ensure the vehicle presents cleanly at its next MOT.