2010 Ford C-MAX 1.8L Diesel · SC10 SSZ

The most recent MOT recorded on 26 June 2026 resulted in a failure, the principal cause being a serious fluid leak from the near‑side front shock absorber, classified as a major 5.3.2(b) defect. Although the test also issued advisories concerning an insecure central exhaust heat‑shield and limited access to the off‑side rear adult seat‑belt due to a child seat, the failure on the suspension component outweighs the pass‑type items. Over the past six years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring major faults – notably multiple headlamp failures, a cut off‑side front tyre, missing steering‑rack gaiters and worn suspension arm pins – interspersed with occasional passes that only carried advisory notes. This indicates a maintenance trajectory that is, at best, stagnant and presently worsening rather than improving. With 81,738 mi on the clock after sixteen years of life the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,100 mi. This is well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year and suggests the car has spent significant periods idle or has been driven only lightly. Low utilisation can be a double‑edged sword: while it reduces wear on engine and transmission components, it also encourages ageing of rubber and polymer parts, corrosion of mounting points and the gradual degradation of battery capacity and fluid seals. Any sudden increase in mileage after purchase would therefore place additional stress on already ageing consumables. Prospective buyers should give the front suspension a thorough inspection. Look for fresh oil on the shock absorber body, a spongy feel or clunking when the wheel is pushed up and down, and any uneven tyre wear that could signal a mis‑aligned or leaking damper. The near‑side front suspension arm pin and bush were noted as worn in 2024; verify that there is no excessive play in the wheel, that the bushings are not cracked, and that the steering rack gaiters are present and intact to keep grit out of the rack. The off‑side front tyre had a cut deep enough to reach the ply in 2024 – ensure the current tyre tread is free of cuts, bulges or sidewall cracking, and that the tyre pressures hold steady. Brake discs on both rear wheels were flagged as pitted but not weakened; inspect the discs for scoring, rust on the face, and confirm that the pads have sufficient thickness and that the brakes apply firmly without pulsation. The central exhaust heat‑shield being insecure can cause rattles and, over time, excess heat to nearby components, so verify that it is firmly fastened. Finally, confirm that all exterior lighting – dipped beams, position lamps and direction indicators – operate correctly, as repeated headlamp and indicator failures have been recorded. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑mileage profile, a buyer should also check for age‑related issues independent of the MOT history. Examine the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking, especially on the rear tyres which may have been stored for long periods. Test the 12 V battery under load and consider a replacement if it is more than three years old. Inspect the coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid for signs of moisture or discoloration and replace them if they have not been serviced in the last two years, as fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, and verify that the anti‑slip rubber on the clutch pedal is present. A full service book review, confirming regular oil changes and timing‑chain maintenance, will provide further confidence that the engine internals have been cared for despite the modest mileage.