2016 Ford Galaxy 2.0L Diesel · LM66 BAA

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 October 2025 recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories noted, marking a clean return to form after the previous pass in October 2024. The earlier history from October 2023 also shows a straightforward pass, demonstrating a generally consistent and well-maintained compliance record. However, the November 2022 test cycle is worth noting, as it began with a FAIL on 2 November 2022 due to two Major defects concerning misaligned windscreen washer jets, before the vehicle was successfully re-presented the following day and passed with three advisories. The fact that these failures were rectified immediately and the subsequent tests have been entirely clean indicates a stable, well-cared-for maintenance trend rather than a deteriorating one. The recorded mileage of 15,877 miles against a ten-year vehicle age equates to an average annual use of approximately 1,588 miles, which is considerably below the typical figure for a family-oriented MPV such as the Ford Galaxy. Such low mileage is mechanically double-edged; while it implies minimal wear on major drivetrain and engine components, it also strongly suggests that the vehicle has spent significant periods standing unused. Long periods of inactivity can lead to their own distinct issues, particularly where corrosion, fluid degradation, and component seizure are concerned, and these factors should weigh heavily on any prospective inspection. Given the pattern of low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid during a physical inspection to the condition of the tyres, which were flagged for cracking and perishing on both nearside and offside front positions as far back as 2022. Tyres on vehicles used infrequently deteriorate predominantly through age rather than tread wear, so the sidewalls should be closely examined for signs of sidewall perishing, cracking, or UV degradation, and the production date code on the sidewall should be checked to ensure they are not older than five years regardless of remaining tread depth. The battery is another critical concern, as a unit that has sat partially discharged for prolonged periods will have suffered sulphation and may not hold a reliable charge; a load test or printout from a diagnostic tool is advisable. The rear brake discs, which received an advisory in 2022 for being worn, pitted, or scored, are particularly vulnerable to corrosion when a vehicle is stored, and on a test drive you should listen for scraping, grinding, or squealing on first application, feel for any pulsation through the brake pedal that would indicate warped discs, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly without excessive travel, as calipers can seize from disuse. Further inspection should also address the time-based service items that are not captured by mileage. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) all degrade with calendar age and exposure to moisture, so it is prudent to confirm when these were last renewed and to budget for replacement if documentary evidence is absent. The exhaust system should be checked for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and the rear silencer, where surface rust commonly develops on a vehicle that has covered relatively few miles but has endured a decade of British weather conditions. Under the bonnet, inspect all rubber hoses and drive belts for perishing, and verify the operation of all electrical systems including the previously problematic windscreen washer jets, ensuring that fluid is correctly directed to the wiper sweep area. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle and the wheel arches for any surface corrosion, and confirm the service book is fully stamped, as the low recorded mileage makes a consistent service history even more essential to verify that essential periodic maintenance has genuinely been carried out.