2014 Ford Grand C-MAX 2.0L Diesel · RE14 OEJ

The 2014 Ford Grand C-Max presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the most recent MOT pass on 31 January 2025 at 92,667 miles masking a concerning trend of deferred brake work. The January 2025 failure at 92,094 miles revealed seriously weakened front brake discs alongside rear discs that were worn, pitted, and scored, plus rear pads below 1.5 mm. The subsequent pass just eleven days later suggests a rushed repair rather than a thorough inspection, as the tester still flagged worn rear discs and thin pads as advisories. The recurring nearside rear position lamp fault, present across multiple tests, points to a persistent electrical or unit issue that has never been properly resolved. The mileage accumulation tells a story of changing usage patterns. Between January 2023 at 59,884 miles and January 2024 at 78,270 miles, the car covered 18,386 miles in twelve months, a sharp increase from the roughly 7,700 miles per year average over its twelve-year life. This spike suggests a period of heavier use or long-distance commuting, which would accelerate wear on brakes, tyres, and suspension components. The gap between January 2024 and January 2025 shows only 573 miles added, indicating the vehicle may have been largely stationary or used very sparingly in the most recent year. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the braking system first. The repeated advisories on worn discs and thin pads across both 2024 and 2025 tests, combined with the 2025 failure for seriously weakened front discs, raise questions about whether the repair work was done to a proper standard or simply patched to pass. Check for uneven disc thickness, lipping on disc edges, and pad remaining material. The nearside rear position lamp fault appearing consistently since at least 2024 suggests a deeper issue within the light cluster or wiring loom rather than a simple bulb failure. Inspect the rear lamp unit for water ingress or damaged connectors. Beyond the flagged items, the 2024 failure for brake fluid significantly below the minimum mark is a red flag that should not be overlooked. Low fluid can indicate a leak in the hydraulic system or simply neglected servicing, but it also raises the possibility of moisture contamination and reduced braking efficiency. Have the brake fluid tested for boiling point and moisture content. The repeated front tyre wear advisories in 2023 and 2024, noted as worn on the edge, suggest possible suspension geometry issues or aggressive driving. Check the inner and outer edges of all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, and inspect the front suspension bushes, track rod ends, and wishbone joints for play. The windscreen damage noted in 2023 as not affecting the driver's view should be re-examined for any spread that could now fail a test.