2013 Ford B-MAX 1.0L Petrol · ML63 NVC

The most recent DVSA test on 17 March 2026 resulted in a pass, although an advisory was recorded against the nearside rear tyre for wear close to the legal limit and on the edge. This follows a failed attempt just two weeks earlier on 3 March 2026, where the same nearside rear tyre advisory was carried forward alongside major defects for a fractured offside rear coil spring and excessive movement on the parking brake lever indicating incorrect adjustment. The earlier 2025 test cycle also shows a failed attempt on 10 November 2025 with major advisories on both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints for excessive wear, although a pass was achieved the following day once the work was carried out. Looking further back, the October 2024 test recorded two dangerous front brake pad defects and a major exhaust leak, and the October 2023 test similarly flagged a rear coil spring corrosion advisory and a deteriorating exhaust flexi. Taken as a whole, the recent maintenance trend is mixed but shows clear evidence of recurring wear points at the suspension, braking, and exhaust systems, with a pattern of components being replaced or adjusted just in time to secure passes rather than being addressed preventatively. The recorded mileage of 84,370 miles over approximately thirteen years equates to an average of around 6,490 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment. There are no extended dormant periods evident in the MOT record, and the tests have been carried out at regular annual intervals, suggesting the vehicle has been in consistent use. This level of mileage means consumable items such as tyres, brake pads and discs, suspension bushes, and exhaust components will have experienced genuine wear and should not be assumed to be in as-new condition simply because the car has covered a modest annual average. Given the recurring advisories and failures for front lower suspension arm ball joints, rear coil spring corrosion and fracture, front brake pad wear, and exhaust flexi/corrosion, a prospective buyer should carry out a targeted physical inspection and a careful test drive. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn lower arm ball joints or deteriorating bushes, and listen for any rear knocking or sagging that could suggest another coil spring fracture. Check the brake pedal feel for sponginess or excessive travel and listen for grinding or squealing, as the dangerous brake pad failure in late 2024 suggests the discs and calipers should be inspected for wear, corrosion, and binding. Inspect the underbody and exhaust for signs of corrosion, particularly around the flexi joint, and verify that a recent replacement has been carried out with documentation, as the recurring exhaust advisories point to a known weak point. Also examine all four tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, cracking, or perishing on the sidewalls, and check the rear tyres specifically as nearside rear edge wear has been flagged more than once, which can point to a tracking or suspension geometry issue rather than simple tyre ageing. Beyond the MOT-flagged items, a thirteen-year-old Ford B-Max with this mileage warrants several age-related checks regardless of the test outcome. The 12V battery should be load tested, as original units rarely last beyond seven to eight years, and all fluid services should be verified by documentation, particularly the brake fluid, which degrades hygroscopically over time and should be renewed regardless of mileage, and the engine coolant, which on a vehicle of this age will be well past its original replacement interval. Inspect the rear drum or disc brake mechanism for binding calipers or seized adjusters given the parking brake adjustment issue flagged in March 2026, and confirm that the adjustment has been correctly set. Check the condition of the auxiliary drive belt, the water pump and timing belt or chain service history according to Ford's recommended intervals, and the operation of all exterior lamps and wipers, as the 2023 and 2024 tests both recorded wiper and lamp defects. Finally, examine the rear sliding doors and tailgate mechanism for smooth operation, as these are known wear points on the B-Max, and ensure there is no evidence of fluid leaks from the power steering, engine, or transmission before purchase.