2016 Ford Ecosport 1.0L Petrol · LM16 PLJ

The most recent MOT test on 16 December 2025 was recorded as both a Pass and a Fail on the same date, indicating the vehicle was presented, failed on specific items, and subsequently repaired and retested within the same inspection session. The failure was caused by both rear direction indicators displaying incorrect colour, classified as a Major defect. Two advisories were also recorded at this inspection: the parking brake efficiency was only just met, suggesting the system requires adjustment or repair, and the offside rear shock absorber was noted as slightly leaking. Comparing this with the earlier 2024 pass, which was entirely clean, the maintenance trend shows a mild deterioration, although the underlying mechanical wear indicated by the advisories is more consistent with normal cumulative ageing than with acute neglect. The presence of recurring steering and brake-related advisories across multiple tests, however, suggests areas that have not been definitively resolved and warrant careful inspection. With 79,275 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this EcoSport averages around 7,900 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and segment. There are no large unexplained gaps in the MOT history that would point to prolonged standing, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent with regular use. This level of usage is generally beneficial for mechanical longevity, as it prevents the long-term issues associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, perished rubber components, and battery degradation. The mileage profile therefore does not raise immediate red flags regarding high-stress wear on the drivetrain or clutch. That said, the advisory history warrants a focused inspection. The repeated mention of parking brake efficiency only just meeting requirements suggests the rear brake mechanism, cable, or caliper actuation may need attention; on a test drive, listen for any binding or dragging sensation when releasing the handbrake and confirm the vehicle does not pull to one side under braking. The leaking offside rear shock absorber should be inspected for oil seepage around the body and mounting bushes, and you should listen for clonking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, as worn shocks can also accelerate rear tyre wear. The earlier advisory regarding play in the steering rack inner joint, noted in 2023, should be followed up by checking for any slack, vibration, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, and the pitted front brake discs should be measured for thickness and inspected for lipping. The 2023 advisories on perished rear tyres also reinforce the need to verify current tyre sidewalls for cracking, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. Beyond the recorded advisories, prospective buyers of a ten-year-old EcoSport at typical mileage should carry out several age-appropriate physical checks. Confirm that the tyre sidewalls show no significant perishing or cracking and that the production date codes indicate rubber no older than around five to six years. Inspect the exhaust system, particularly given the 2021 advisory of a broken front section, checking for further corrosion, blowing joints, or insecure mounting. Test the 12-volt battery under load, as a decade is near the end of typical service life, and verify the charging system output. Inspect the underside and suspension components for corrosion, paying particular attention to brake lines and the rear subframe. Finally, verify that brake fluid and coolant have been changed on a calendar basis, ideally every two to three years, as these degrade with time irrespective of mileage, and confirm a complete service history with stamps at appropriate intervals to evidence ongoing mechanical maintenance.