2010 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · FP10 AHK

The most recent MOT on 13 January 2026 at 90,509 miles ended with a failure followed immediately by a pass on the same day, indicating the tester found a corroded and seriously weakened offside rear lower anti-roll bar linkage, a non-functioning nearside rear stop lamp, and an empty washer reservoir alongside advisories for worn front brake pads and a worn offside front inner tyre edge. The pass confirms these were rectified, yet the pattern of corrosion and wear items at this mileage points to a vehicle that has not been consistently maintained to a high standard. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring wear and corrosion advisories that suggest long-term neglect of underbody protection and suspension components. At roughly 5,657 miles per year, this 2010 C-MAX has covered low annual mileage, which typically reduces drivetrain and brake wear but can mask long periods of standing that accelerate corrosion. The mileage progression shows a jump from 79,980 miles on 12 January 2024 to 83,494 miles on 4 January 2025, a gain of 3,514 miles in one year, then a further 7,015 miles between January 2025 and January 2026. That recent acceleration is notable and may reflect heavier use after a quieter period, yet the MOT record contains no entries between 2024 and early 2026, leaving a gap in documented roadworthiness checks. No rapid accumulation or suspicious drops are evident, but the sparse test history limits confidence in how the vehicle was driven or stored during that interval. A buyer should focus on the structural and suspension items that recur across multiple tests. The January 2025 pass flagged general underbody corrosion and corroded suspension components, while the January 2024 advisories highlighted worn front suspension arm pins or bushes and a slightly play front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. The January 2026 failure for a corroded and seriously weakened offside rear anti-roll bar linkage reinforces that rust is an ongoing issue, particularly on subframes, suspension mounting points, and linkages. Inspect the underside thoroughly for flaking metal, fresh underseal that may hide defects, and any cracking around rear trailing arms and anti-roll bar mounts. The braking system shows a consistent pattern of consumable wear rather than catastrophic failure. Front brake pads were described as wearing thin in January 2024 and again in January 2026, and both front discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored in January 2024. The January 2026 test recorded front pads at approximately 2 millimetres, meaning replacement is imminent. Check disc thickness, caliper operation, and whether the rear brakes, which drew attention in the January 2024 parking brake efficiency failure, have been properly adjusted. The power steering fluid leak noted in January 2024 and the low antifreeze level from the same failure also warrant inspection of the steering rack seals, hoses, and cooling system for seepage or corrosion around the radiator and expansion bottle.