2013 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · WM13 SCV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 24 August 2026, but the inspection history reveals a concerning trend of recurring advisories that suggest a pattern of deferred maintenance. While the vehicle has maintained a pass status, the consistency of advisories regarding brake disc condition and suspension components indicates that wear is progressing across multiple systems. Specifically, the brake disc advisories have appeared annually for the last three years, suggesting that while the components are not yet at a failure point, they are reaching the end of their serviceable life. The maintenance trend should be viewed as stable in terms of legality but potentially worsening in terms of required immediate investment to prevent future failures. With a recorded mileage of 75,078 over approximately thirteen years, this Ford C-Max has averaged roughly 5,775 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, which typically suggests lighter mechanical strain on the engine and drivetrain. However, such low annual mileage often implies the vehicle has spent considerable periods stationary. In automotive terms, low-use vehicles are prone to different types of degradation than high-mileage workhorses, specifically regarding the perishing of rubber components, the oxidation of brake surfaces, and the degradation of fluids that rely on regular thermal cycling to remain effective. The MOT history highlights several critical areas for physical inspection during a test drive. The recurring advisories for pitted and scored brake discs on both the front and rear axles mean you must check for brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal when decelerating from higher speeds. This vibration is a classic symptom of uneven disc thickness or surface irregularities. Furthermore, the advisory from 2025 regarding a worn offside front suspension arm bush is a significant point of concern. During your test drive, listen carefully for any knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when traversing uneven road surfaces or turning the steering wheel, as a perished bush will compromise steering precision and cause uneven tyre wear. Given the low mileage and the specific history of tyre advisories, you must conduct a thorough visual inspection of all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is common in vehicles that sit idle for long periods. Even if the tread depth appears sufficient, age-related rubber degradation can lead to structural failure. Additionally, because of the low usage profile, I recommend verifying the service history for evidence of time-based maintenance rather than just mileage-based intervals. Check for recent replacements of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, as these fluids can absorb moisture or degrade chemically over time regardless of how few miles the vehicle has covered. Finally, inspect the underside for signs of surface corrosion on the exhaust and suspension components, which can occur when a vehicle is not regularly driven to clear moisture from the system.