2008 Ford C-MAX 2.0L Petrol · FP08 SHV

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a worsening condition regarding suspension and steering components. While it passed its latest test in March 2026 at 82,299 miles, the tester identified new defects including play in the steering rack inner joints and multiple anti-roll bar linkages. This follows a progression of minor mechanical wear noted in 2024 and 2025, indicating that components are now reaching the end of their functional life despite the relatively low mileage. At 18 years old, the recorded 82,299 miles represent an average of approximately 4,572 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage in recent years, with roughly 1,500 miles driven between the March 2025 and 2026 tests. However, the low annual mileage profile often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components, which is evidenced by the perishing and cracking of the nearside front tyre noted in 2026 and general rust reported across all suspension components back in 2024. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension assembly, as the record shows a history of failure in joints, linkages, and fractured coil springs. The steering rack play identified in the 2026 test is a significant concern that requires mechanical verification to ensure it has not progressed further. Additionally, the exhaust mountings should be checked closely, as they have been flagged as defective in two consecutive years between 2024 and 2025. The frayed offside front seat belt webbing remains a persistent issue since 2024 that requires replacement to meet safety standards.