2018 Ford Ecosport 1.0L Petrol · SB67 VJN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 21 July 2026, though this followed a failure the previous day due to an inoperative parking brake and faulty stop lamps. The overall maintenance trend appears inconsistent, with a pattern of recurring advisories over several years suggesting a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle upkeep. While the car is currently roadworthy, the recent failure and historical advisories indicate that basic maintenance items have been overlooked until they became critical failures. With a recorded mileage of 52,978 miles over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,622 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a small crossover, meaning the drivetrain and engine should be in a stable condition provided the service intervals have been adhered to. This level of usage generally avoids the pitfalls of long-term standing, such as seized calipers, but it is sufficient to cause expected wear on suspension bushes, brake discs, and other rubber consumables. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the braking system and tyres. The recent failure of the parking brake and previous advisories regarding limited lever travel suggest a need to verify that the handbrake holds firmly on a gradient and does not feel spongy. There is a documented history of tyre perishing and cracking on the rear axles, as well as a distorted nearside front wheel. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for fine cracks and observe the vehicle for any abnormal vibrations or steering pull during a test drive, which could indicate that the wheel distortion persists or has affected the wheel alignment. Further inspection is required for the chassis and exhaust components. Previous records highlight corrosion on the rear coil springs and a holed exhaust system with a flexi-pipe leak. Listen for an excessive drone or blowing sounds during acceleration and inspect the underside for significant surface rust on the suspension components. Additionally, a previous advisory for a noisy offside front wheel bearing should be investigated by listening for a rhythmic humming sound that changes pitch when steering the vehicle from side to side at speed. Ensure the service history confirms that these specific items have been rectified.