2015 Ford B-MAX 1.5L Diesel · SW15 AAV

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 July 2026 resulted in a Pass, following a Fail recorded on the previous day for an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and an inoperative offside stop lamp. Both items appear to have been rectified, allowing the vehicle to pass the retest with several advisories retained. The advisory items carried over from the failure date include corroded fuel pipes, an integral body structure showing corrosion though not significantly reducing rigidity, and rigid brake pipes covered in grease or other material. New advisories raised at the pass test include slight external corrosion damage to both rear shock absorber casings and corrosion to the rear sub-frame or beam axle. When viewed across the three-year DVSA history available, the maintenance trend shows a pattern of accumulating advisories relating to corrosion and suspension wear, rather than any single catastrophic defect, suggesting a vehicle that has been kept on the road through incremental repairs but is beginning to show its age. The recorded mileage of 98,421 miles over an eleven-year lifespan equates to roughly 8,947 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a small family MPV of this vintage. There are no notable gaps in the annual MOT testing record, and mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods. Consistent running of this nature is generally favourable for mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, clutch, and brake system, as it reduces the risk of internal corrosion, seized calipers, and fluid degradation associated with prolonged inactivity. However, the cumulative effect of moderate annual mileage over more than a decade still brings natural wear to suspension bushes, ball joints, brake discs, and exhaust components. The advisories concerning the suspension and braking systems warrant particular attention during any pre-purchase inspection. The offside front suspension arm ball joint that failed in July 2026 is a critical wear item, and given the advisory on the nearside track rod end ball joint from 2024, the entire front suspension geometry should be checked for play, knocking, or uneven tyre wear. On a test drive, listen for clonks or rattles over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the front end, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering. The rear shock absorber casing corrosion should be examined to ensure it has not progressed beyond surface scaling, and the rear beam axle corrosion should be inspected for any flaking that could compromise structural integrity in the longer term. The brake disc advisories from 2025 suggest the discs were nearing their serviceable limit at that time, so the current disc thickness, pad wear, and caliper slide pin operation should be verified, with attention to any brake shudder or pulling under braking. The corrosion advisories relating to the fuel pipes and rigid brake pipes are arguably the most significant items for a prospective buyer. While grease or underseal may temporarily mask surface corrosion on brake pipes, this protection degrades over time, and any underlying rust should be physically inspected by removing the coating in suspect areas, particularly along the chassis rails and near suspension mounting points. Corroded fuel pipes present a more serious safety and fire risk and should be examined along their full length, including under the vehicle and within the engine bay, for any pitting, weeping, or flaking. Given the vehicle's age, the buyer should also verify the condition of age-related items not specifically covered by the MOT, including all tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking (particularly on the rear axle given the recurring tyre damage advisories), the 12-volt battery state of health, the timing belt or chain service interval compliance for the 1.0 or 1.6-litre EcoBoost or Zetec engines typically fitted to this model, and the freshness of the engine coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. A full service history with verifiable stamps, along with a mechanical inspection from a qualified technician, would be strongly advisable before committing to this vehicle.