2011 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · GY11 WBO

The most recent MOT, dated 18 February 2026, resulted in a pass but was accompanied by a series of advisories covering rear suspension arm bush wear on both sides, a minor leak at the front exhaust flexi‑joint, and pronounced edge‑wear on the front tyres as well as inner‑edge wear on the off‑side rear tyre. Earlier in the same year the vehicle also failed a test for a non‑functioning off‑side front position lamp, and in 2025 it suffered a major failure for a fractured off‑side front coil spring together with a defective windscreen wiper and registration‑plate lamp. The 2024 MOT showed only minor items such as a non‑functioning steering lock and an insecure rear exhaust heat‑shield. Overall the trend is one of gradual improvement after the serious 2025 coil‑spring failure, yet the recurring rear‑suspension bush advisories and tyre‑wear patterns indicate that wear on the suspension and alignment is persisting and has not yet been fully addressed. At 194 217 miles the C‑MAX has accumulated roughly 12 950 miles per annum over its fifteen‑year life, a mileage level that is well above the average for a vehicle of this age. Such a high annual usage suggests that many wear items – suspension bushings, bush‑type joints, tyre tread, brake discs and pads, and engine oil seals – will have been subjected to considerable stress cycles. The mileage also raises the likelihood of internal engine and transmission wear, especially if service intervals have not been strictly observed, and it points to the need for a thorough inspection of components that are typically replaced on a calendar or mileage basis rather than on failure alone. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the rear suspension arms, confirming that the bushings and pins are free from excessive play and that no clunking or knocking is heard when the vehicle is driven over speed‑bumps or uneven road surfaces. An alignment check is essential given the consistent edge‑wear on the front tyres and inner‑edge wear on the off‑side rear tyre; mis‑alignment will accelerate tyre degradation and can affect handling. The front exhaust flexi‑joint should be inspected for cracks or soot leakage, and the joint should be replaced if any exhaust fumes are noticeable in the cabin. It is also vital to verify that the off‑side front coil spring, which fractured in 2025, has been replaced with a correct‑specification unit and that the spring mounts are secure. Brake discs and pads should be examined for thinning, scoring or rust, especially after long periods of low‑speed use, and the steering lock mechanism must operate smoothly without binding. Finally, because the vehicle has been in service for more than a decade, age‑related checks are prudent: examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, confirm that the 12 V battery holds charge and does not exhibit excessive voltage drop under load, and ensure that all fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed within the recommended intervals, as they can degrade even when the car is not driven heavily. Verify that all exterior lights, including the registration‑plate lamps and the off‑side front position lamp, function correctly, and that the windscreen wiper blades clear the glass without streaking. A full service history, if available, will help confirm that these items have been addressed in a timely manner and will give the buyer confidence in the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.