2012 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · M5 NGU

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of escalating corrosion and rubber degradation. In the most recent test in February 2026 at 40,138 miles, the tester identified corrosion on both rear suspension arms and noted perishing rubber on the rear tyres. While the vehicle consistently passes, the recurring nature of these faults across the rear assembly suggests that the structural and rubber components are succumbing to environmental factors despite the low annual usage. At 40,138 miles, this fourteen-year-old C-Max has exceptionally low mileage, averaging approximately 2,867 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns with intervals of roughly 1,700 to 2,500 miles between annual tests from 2022 to 2026. This low mileage likely correlates with the specific mechanical failures noted, such as perishing tyres and pitted brake discs, which often occur when vehicles sit stationary for long periods rather than wearing out components through high-frequency motorway driving. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear chassis and suspension geometry. The record shows a corroded rear sub-frame flagged in 2025 and ongoing corrosion on the suspension arms and anti-roll bar through 2026. These areas require close monitoring to ensure surface rust does not transition into structural brittleness. Furthermore, the 2024 report of thin pads and scored inner brake discs indicates that the braking system may suffer from surface oxidation or lack of regular use, which is common in low-mileage cars. The consistent mention of cracking and perishing rear tyres in every test since 2022 indicates that the rubber compound is reaching the end of its functional life regardless of tread depth. The buyer should also verify the offside front lower ball joint dust cover, which was noted as severely deteriorated in 2025, to ensure it has been replaced. Given the age of the vehicle, the primary risk is age-related degradation of rubber bushings and metal oxidation rather than mechanical wear-and-tear of the drivetrain.