2015 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.5L Diesel · ST65 LOF

The latest MOT test for the 2015 Ford Grand C-Max on 2024-07-12 indicates a passing result, though it includes several advisories that suggest ongoing wear and potential long-term concerns. The trend over the past four years shows a mix of stable and recurring issues rather than a clear improvement. While the vehicle passed in 2023 and 2020, the 2022 failure—particularly the dangerous dangerous offside front tyre failure and missing wheel fixing—demonstrates that the suspension and tyre systems have been subject to significant wear or defects at various points. The advisories from 2024, particularly the near-side front suspension arm pin or bush wear and offside rear tyre edge wear, indicate persistent issues that may require closer attention to prevent further degradation or safety risks. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 102,577 miles over roughly 11 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 9,325 miles per year, which is consistent with typical long-term ownership patterns for this model. The absence of extreme mileage spikes suggests that the car has not been subjected to particularly heavy or aggressive driving conditions, but the gaps between MOT tests—such as the 2022 failure occurring after 18 months of service—could imply periods of either underutilisation or potential neglect. Higher mileage over time generally accelerates wear on consumables like tyres, suspension components, and brake systems, while lower mileage may mask issues that develop from prolonged standing, such as corrosion in wheel fixings or standing brake calipers. The combination of moderate mileage and recurring MOT advisories highlights the importance of a thorough inspection to address underlying wear patterns before they escalate. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination include the suspension system, as the advisories from 2024 and past failures suggest potential issues with suspension arms, ball joints, and bushings. Look for excessive play in the front suspension arms when moving the vehicle laterally, as the 2024 advisory indicates near-side wear that could lead to alignment or handling problems. Listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the suspension during a test drive, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, which may indicate failing bushes or broken components. The offside front tyre failure from 2022—marked as dangerous dangerous—underscores the need to verify tyre condition, including checking for exposed cords, sidewall cracking, or uneven wear patterns that could signal underlying alignment or balance issues. Additionally, the missing offside front wheel fixing from the 2022 failure is a critical safety concern that must be rectified before purchase. If this issue has been addressed, confirm that the wheel is securely fitted and that the lug nuts are torqued to specification. The offside rear tyre edge wear and near-side front tyre cracking from 2018 and 2022 also warrant attention, as these may indicate rotational or alignment problems. Test the braking system for any signs of binding calipers, uneven brake pad wear, or a shuddering effect that could signal warped discs or contaminated brake fluid. Given the vehicle’s age and the presence of tyre-related advisories, consider checking the tyre sidewall for signs of perishing or cracking, which can compromise structural integrity over time. Finally, verify the service history for fluid replacements, particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. A calendar-based service schedule for fluid top-ups every 2–3 years is advisable for this model’s age.