2015 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · ST15 HDL

The most recent MOT test for the 2015 Ford Grand C-Max recorded a clean pass on 2026-08-25, marking a positive turnaround from the vehicle’s previous history. Over the past three years, the vehicle has transitioned from multiple failures and persistent advisories—particularly concerning tyre wear, brake pad thickness, and lighting faults—to a series of clean passes, indicating a significant improvement in roadworthiness. However, the earlier failures highlight recurring issues that suggest underlying wear patterns, such as excessive tyre degradation and brake component thinning, which may have been addressed or mitigated through recent servicing or part replacements. The absence of further defects or advisories in the last 12 months suggests that maintenance efforts have been effective, though buyers should remain vigilant about the vehicle’s long-term durability, especially regarding the suspension, drivetrain, and fluid systems, which may still show signs of cumulative stress at this age and mileage. The recorded mileage of 92,102 miles for a vehicle aged 11 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,373 miles per annum, which is relatively typical for a car of this size and class. The consistent mileage accumulation over the years suggests a vehicle that has been regularly driven rather than left stationary for prolonged periods, which can exacerbate issues like corrosion, fluid degradation, and suspension wear. However, the absence of significant mileage gaps in the MOT history implies that the vehicle has not been subjected to prolonged idleness, reducing the risk of standing-related problems such as brake disc corrosion or caliper binding. That said, the earlier MOT failures—particularly the brake pad thickness warnings—indicate that the braking system has experienced wear beyond normal expectations, warranting closer inspection of the calipers, discs, and brake fluid condition. Given the vehicle’s age and the recurring advisories and failures related to tyres and brakes, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to address potential long-term risks. Firstly, the tyre wear history is critical: the earlier advisories of worn tyres close to legal limits and edge wear suggest that the vehicle has undergone significant lateral or uneven loading, which could indicate misalignment, suspension wear, or incorrect tyre pressure. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the rear wheels, such as clunks or vibrations that may correlate with suspension bush degradation or misaligned wheels. Check the tyre sidewall for signs of perishing or cracking, which at this age could signal underlying structural issues or prolonged exposure to UV degradation. Additionally, visually inspect the brake system for signs of excessive heat discolouration on discs, warping, or uneven wear patterns, and test the braking action for sponginess or pulsation, which may indicate warped discs or binding calipers. For the brake components, the earlier MOT failures warning of brake pads being less than 1.5mm thick necessitate immediate attention. The buyer should replace the front brake pads and discs if they are below this threshold, as further reduction could lead to reduced stopping performance and increased heat buildup, potentially causing damage to the rotor surfaces. Test the braking system on a drive, paying close attention to pedal feel—it should be firm and responsive without any sponginess or excessive travel. If the vehicle pulls to one side during braking, this may indicate misalignment or uneven pad wear. The 12V battery should also be checked, as prolonged idleness or electrical system demands could strain it further, especially if the vehicle has been left stationary for extended periods. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, the owner should consider a comprehensive service schedule, including fluid top-ups (brake, coolant, power steering, and transmission fluids), which degrade over time regardless of mileage. Check the service book for any missing or outdated service stamps, particularly for suspension components, exhaust emissions systems, and the timing belt (if applicable), as these are critical for long-term reliability.