2016 Ford B-MAX 1.6L Petrol · WM66 UGK

A 2016 Ford B-Max returning a clean pass on its most recent MOT dated 29 May 2026, with no advisories or defects recorded, represents a vehicle that has reached a stable roadworthy condition after a notable mechanical interruption in the prior year. The history shows a sequence of three consecutive clean passes from 2023 through 2024, followed by a failure on 30 May 2025 prompted by a fractured offside rear coil spring, an MoT major defect that would have resulted in a dangerous loss of ride height and compromised handling if the vehicle had been driven in that state. The same test recorded a steering rack advisory noting slight free play at the steering wheel, an issue that did not warrant failure but suggested the onset of internal wear within the rack assembly. A re-test on the same date returned a pass, confirming the coil spring had been replaced, though the steering rack advisory persisted, indicating that the wear had not been rectified at that point. The clean 2026 result demonstrates that the rear suspension concern has been resolved and the vehicle has maintained compliance for a full year thereafter. With 25,391 miles recorded against a ten-year age, the B-Max has accumulated an average of roughly 2,539 miles annually, a figure that places it firmly in low-mileage territory for a vehicle of this type and era. There are no unusual gaps in the testing history and the mileage progression between tests is consistent, with no evidence of clocked figures or significant periods unaccounted for. From a mechanical perspective, low annual mileage of this nature means the wear-related degradation typically associated with high-mileage examples, such as exhaust system corrosion, brake disc lipping, and clutch wear, is likely to be minimal. However, it also raises the possibility of components suffering from disuse, particularly rubber elements in the suspension and drivetrain that can deteriorate when a vehicle is not exercised regularly, and seals that are prone to drying out and leaking after extended stationary periods. Given the documented fractured rear coil spring, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the remaining springs, and during a test drive the vehicle should be driven over speed bumps, kerbs, and undulating road surfaces to listen for any clonking, rattling, or bottoming-out from the rear suspension. The rear dampers should also be inspected for any seepage, as a fractured spring places additional strain on the associated shock absorber. A thorough visual inspection underneath the vehicle is recommended, checking for any signs of the spring having been replaced with a non-genuine or lower-quality component, which could compromise ride quality and longevity. The persistent steering rack free play advisory warrants a focused evaluation of the steering system before purchase. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, the steering wheel should be turned gently from side to side while listening for any knocking or clunking from the rack area, and any looseness or delay in steering response should be noted. On the road, the car should be driven at moderate speed on a straight road to check for wandering or the need for constant correction, and any uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, should be examined as it can indicate worn rack internals or tie rod deterioration. Beyond these specific items, a general inspection of the rear brake components, subframe mounting points, and exhaust hangers would be prudent to confirm that the vehicle remains in the sound mechanical condition suggested by its clean current MOT.