2011 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · MS60 ALL

The most recent MOT, carried out on 21 May 2026, resulted in a failure and recorded four major defects – excessive carbon‑monoxide and out‑of‑range lambda readings, two front position lamps inoperative and a missing or ineffective steering‑rack gaiter – together with a minor lamp fault. Over the last five years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded in 2023, 2024, 2025 and now 2026, while the only clean pass was in 2022. This pattern points to a deteriorating maintenance record rather than a stable or improving trend, and the recurrence of emissions‑related faults suggests that the exhaust and sensor systems have not been adequately addressed. At 131 603 mi the C‑Max averages just under 9 000 mi per annum, which is typical for a 2011 model and indicates no extreme high‑mileage abuse. The mileage does not reveal any long periods of inactivity, but the combination of moderate annual use and the vehicle’s age means that wear on consumables such as suspension bushings, brake components and engine oil seals is likely to be advanced. The recorded mileage also suggests that the front coil spring that fractured in 2023 has been subjected to normal loading cycles for several thousand miles since replacement, and that the rear sub‑frame and suspension arms, now noted as corroded, have been exposed to the elements for a considerable period. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the exhaust system and the oxygen‑sensor assembly, as repeated lambda failures can indicate a deteriorating catalytic converter, a leaking exhaust manifold or a faulty sensor, all of which may cause a noticeable sulphur or rich‑fuel smell at idle and could trigger a check‑engine warning. The front coil spring that was recorded as fractured in 2023 must be inspected for correct installation and any signs of fatigue in the surrounding mounting brackets; a loose or cracked spring will produce a distinct clunk when the front wheels encounter bumps. The steering‑rack gaiter should be examined for tears or gaps that allow dirt ingress, which can lead to steering feel degradation and premature rack wear. Both front position lamps and the off‑side rear lamp must be verified as functional and correctly aimed, and the washer jet alignment should be checked to ensure adequate coverage – mis‑aligned jets often result in streaked windscreen cleaning and can be corrected by adjusting the nozzle heads. The rear seat backrests, flagged as insecure, should be tested for proper locking in the upright position; any play may indicate worn latch mechanisms that could become a safety issue in the event of a rear‑impact collision. Finally, the advisory on thin rear brake pads warrants a visual inspection of pad thickness and disc condition; if the pads are close to the minimum allowance, the discs may be scored and could require resurfacing or replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also assess the condition of the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, as rubber can perish even on low‑mileage cars that have been stored for extended periods. The 12 V battery should be load‑tested, especially if the car has spent time standing idle, to rule out diminished cranking power. All service‑book entries should be cross‑checked against the MOT dates to confirm that oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes have been performed at the recommended intervals; fluid degradation can lead to corrosion of internal components and reduced braking performance. A thorough visual inspection of the rear sub‑frame and both rear suspension arms for surface rust, along with a check for any excessive corrosion at mounting points, will help determine whether the advisory notes are merely cosmetic or indicative of structural weakening that could affect handling and load‑bearing capacity.