2009 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · ML58 GLY

A pattern of recurring advisories around corrosion and tyre wear defines the mechanical profile of this 2009 Ford C-MAX, with suspension components and coil springs flagged as progressively deteriorating across multiple tests. The most recent outcome on 6 August 2026 was a pass, but only after the same date produced a failure for an inoperative nearside rear stop lamp, alongside a minor advisory for a defective offside front headlamp lens. Looking back, the 2025 and 2024 tests both recorded advisories for corroded front coil springs, with 2024 also noting general suspension component corrosion and perishing tyres on both the offside front and rear. The earlier 2021, 2022 (both attempts) and 2023 tests were relatively untroubled apart from inner-edge tyre wear, suggesting that the structural and suspension-related wear has become the more pressing concern in the latter half of its MOT history, even though outright failure has so far been limited to a headlamp aim issue in 2022 and the stop lamp in 2026. With 81,362 miles recorded on a 17-year-old vehicle, annual mileage averages around 4,786 miles, which is notably low for the age and points to either extended periods of low use or significant standing time between journeys. The MOT record is consistent with this profile, showing annual tests from 2021 through 2026 with no obvious multi-year gaps, meaning the car has likely remained in regular but light use. Mechanically, low annual mileage on an elderly Ford C-MAX often correlates with ageing rubber components, surface corrosion on underbody items, and the risk of seized calipers or stiff brake mechanisms from infrequent operation, all of which would be consistent with the advisories already raised. It does not, however, imply high-mileage wear on major drivetrain components, and the test history does not contain any recorded failures relating to clutch, gearbox, engine, or excessive emissions problems. Any prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the suspension and underbody, as the advisories point to progressive deterioration rather than a one-off issue. The front coil springs have been flagged as corroded at both the 2024 and 2025 tests, so it is worth visually inspecting them for surface pitting, flaking, or any sign of cracking near the lower coils, and listening for audible clonks or knocking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. General suspension component corrosion was also noted in 2024, so the front and rear control arms, bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links should be checked for perished bushes, seized joints, and any rust that may be compromising structural integrity rather than merely cosmetic. On the road, pay particular attention to any vagueness in the steering, knocking over bumps, or uneven tyre wear on the inside edges, as the 2021 advisory specifically mentioned inner-edge tyre wear at the rear. The tyre-related advisories across 2021, 2022 and 2024 also warrant scrutiny during a viewing. An inner-edge wear pattern on the rear nearside was recorded in 2021, with both front offside and rear nearside tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit in 2022 and cracking or perishing by 2024, suggesting ageing rubber rather than just acute wear. Inspect all four tyres for cracking in the sidewalls, uneven tread depth across the width, and check the manufacture date stamps if they appear original to confirm they are not excessively old. The lighting defects from 2022 and 2026 should also be verified by operating all lamps, including the rear stop lamps with a helper present, and confirming that the headlamp aim can be correctly adjusted, as the 2022 failure was specifically for an aim set too low. Finally, although no exhaust or brake-line corrosion has yet been recorded, the established pattern of underbody corrosion makes it prudent to jack the vehicle and visually examine the brake pipes, subframe, and exhaust mounting points for any advanced rust that has not yet reached the advisory threshold but may soon do so.