2021 Ford Puma ST-Line X Mhev 1.0L Petrol · JL14 BOW

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 May 2026 produced a fail, with three major defects recorded alongside a pass entry dated the same day, indicating that the vehicle was likely rectified and re-tested immediately. The major items consisted of an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, alongside damaged and seriously weakened anti-roll bar droplinks on both the nearside and offside front. The earlier test history is favourable, with clean passes at the May 2025 and May 2024 examinations and no advisories recorded on any occasion. The sudden appearance of multiple majors on the most recent test after two consecutive advisories-free passes suggests either an acute mechanical issue, an intermittent electronic fault, or potentially missed servicing on the suspension components in the interval between tests, and a prospective buyer must establish precisely what remedial work was undertaken and the supporting invoice evidence. With 39,181 miles recorded over five years, the vehicle is averaging around 7,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and not low enough to raise immediate concerns about prolonged standing. This rate of use means the consumables and mechanical components should have experienced normal progressive wear rather than the specific degradation associated with very low mileage, such as seized calipers or fluid degradation from lack of use. However, the front droplinks failing on both sides simultaneously does imply the suspension has been worked, and given the moderate annual mileage, the buyer should be alert to the possibility that other related suspension components such as bushes, coil springs, and wishbone bushes may be approaching a similar wear threshold. Regarding the anti-roll bar linkage defects, these droplinks are a known wear item on the Ford Puma and are responsible for controlling body roll and maintaining stable handling through corners. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during direction changes, and pay close attention to any vagueness in the steering or excessive body lean. Visually, request the vehicle be placed on a ramp to examine the full underside for any oil leakage from the engine or transmission, as droplink failure on both sides can sometimes be associated with other neglected undercarriage components, and verify that replacement parts fitted were of OEM quality rather than budget items. The engine MIL fault recorded on the same date is of equal concern and requires confirmation that any underlying fault has been diagnosed and rectified using genuine Ford diagnostic equipment rather than simply having the warning lamp cleared. On the test drive, monitor the instrument cluster carefully for the reappearance of the management light and ensure no other warning lamps illuminate, including the DPF or emissions-related indicators given this is an MHEV variant. Beyond the recorded history, the vehicle is approaching the age where calendar-based deterioration becomes relevant, so the buyer should confirm the timing belt or chain service schedule compliance, the condition and age of the 12V battery, the brake fluid replacement interval, and the coolant specification. Inspect the tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking even if the tread depth appears adequate, check the brake discs for any lipping or corrosion, and ensure a full main dealer or specialist service history is present to substantiate the mechanical condition.