2012 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · GK62 SBO

The 1.6 TDCi diesel engine in the Grand C-Max typically returns 55-62 mpg on a mixed cycle, which is competitive for a seven-seat family vehicle. As a car first registered between March 2001 and March 2014, this vehicle falls into the older VED (road tax) bands and costs £30-£35 per year to tax, making it inexpensive to keep on the road. Insurance sits in group 15-17 depending on trim, placing it in a moderate bracket for a family MPV of this size and power.

Routine maintenance for the Grand C-Max 1.6 diesel is reasonably priced at independent garages, with an annual service typically costing £150-£220 depending on whether it is an interim or full service including brake fluid and filter changes. The timing belt should be replaced every 5 years or 100,000 miles, which on a 2012 car with 84,000 miles is becoming due or imminent — budget £450-£600 for this work if not recently carried out. Combining fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance, realistic annual running costs fall in the £1,400-£1,800 range for a vehicle of this age and mileage.

Based on the MOT history, the most critical items to inspect are the front and rear brake discs and pads, as both were flagged in 2024 and discs can warp or wear unevenly. Have the rear shock absorbers checked for oil leakage and the rear trailing arm bushes for cracking, as the Grand C-Max is known for rear suspension wear. All four tyres were also at the legal limit at the 2024 test, so verify whether replacements have been fitted and check the spare for condition and correct pressure.

The 2024 failure also highlighted an ineffective windscreen wiper, so test both front wipers and the rear wiper (if fitted) across the full sweep for streaking or missed areas. Look underneath the vehicle for the 'light corrosion' advisory noted in 2024 — the Grand C-Max is prone to underbody corrosion, particularly around rear suspension components and the exhaust mounting area. A lift on a ramp at a specialist is highly recommended. Finally, check the dual sliding rear doors for smooth operation, as the mechanisms can wear, and verify the 1.6 TDCi engine for any signs of oil consumption or EGR valve issues, which are common on higher-mileage examples of this engine.