2011 Ford Grand C-MAX 2.0L Diesel · WN61 CFD

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 5 January 2026, resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded against the vehicle. However, looking at the broader test history reveals a pattern worth noting: the vehicle was presented and failed on 31 December 2025, just five days before the subsequent pass, and a similar sequence occurred in December 2024, where a failure on the 21st was followed immediately by a pass on the same date. While the absence of recorded defect details in these failure entries limits specific mechanical conclusions, the repeated back-to-back test and re-test pattern is characteristic of a vehicle that has work carried out between assessments to bring it up to standard, rather than one which passes cleanly on first presentation each cycle. The intervening clean pass from October 2023 suggests the vehicle is fundamentally roadworthy when presented in good order, but prospective buyers should treat this as a vehicle requiring active maintenance rather than one with a consistently unblemished compliance record. With 98,249 miles recorded on a 2011 registration, this Ford Grand C-Max has covered an average of approximately 6,550 miles annually, which sits broadly within expected norms for a family multi-purpose vehicle of this age. There are no substantial gaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor any evidence of rapid accumulation that would indicate motorway or fleet-style usage. This moderate, consistent usage profile is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it tends to keep seals, gaskets, and brake components active and exercised. The relatively modest annual mileage does, however, mean that the vehicle will reach fifteen years of age with components that degrade primarily through calendar ageing rather than wear, which carries its own set of considerations for any prospective buyer. Given the clean defect record across all entries, there is no specific recurring failure category to investigate. Nevertheless, a fifteen-year-old Ford of this mileage warrants a thorough age-appropriate physical inspection regardless of MOT outcome. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds deteriorate with age irrespective of tread depth, and any tyres fitted before 2020 should generally be replaced on safety grounds. The brake discs, particularly the rear units, are susceptible to corrosion from light or infrequent use, so the inner and outer faces should be inspected for severe pitting or lipping, and the calipers checked for binding or seized slider pins, which can cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as units beyond five years of age frequently struggle in colder conditions, and a new battery is a sensible preventative measure. The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and Diesel Particulate Filter if a diesel variant, should be checked for corrosion at the mounting points and downstream of the heat shields. A test drive should focus on suspension refinement and drivetrain behaviour. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, wishbone bushes, or top mounts, all common failure points on C-Max vehicles of this vintage. The PowerShift or manual transmission, depending on specification, should be assessed for smooth engagement and any shudder on take-off, while the electric power steering should be observed for any clunking or hesitation through full lock, a known wear item on this model. Fluid conditions deserve close attention: engine oil should be checked for colour and consistency on the dipstick, the coolant examined for any signs of discolouration or oil contamination indicating head gasket concerns, and the brake fluid tested for moisture content, as fluid should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. Verifying a complete service history with documented stamp intervals will confirm whether the timing belt, water pump, and auxiliary drive belt have been renewed at manufacturer-recommended intervals, an essential consideration for a vehicle of this age and mileage.