2013 Ford B-MAX 1.6L Petrol · WSF 100

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 March 2026 resulted in a pass, although the test was not entirely clean, with a minor defect recorded against the nearside front headlamp lens and three advisories noted. The advisories relating to the nearside and offside rear suspension arm axle bushes and an illuminated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System warning represent items that were deemed legal at the time of test but warrant attention. Considering the trajectory across the recorded tests, the vehicle has now exhibited advisories at two consecutive examinations, following completely clean passes in 2022, 2023 and 2024, suggesting a gentle decline rather than outright deterioration but nonetheless indicating that wear items are beginning to surface as the car accumulates further years and mileage. The earlier major failure in March 2023 for an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, followed by a minor advisory for slight play in the same component in March 2025, is particularly relevant, as it indicates a recurring wear pattern at the front suspension that may continue to develop. The recorded mileage of 63,848 miles on a thirteen-year-old vehicle equates to an annual average of approximately 4,911 miles, which is notably low for a car of this age. Such modest usage typically suggests either predominantly short journeys, infrequent use, or extended periods of standing, all of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Short journeys and prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion on brake discs, promote binding in calipers, degrade the 12-volt battery through partial charging cycles, and lead to perishing of tyres, drive belts and hoses purely on a calendar basis rather than through wear. Conversely, the modest mileage does reduce the likelihood of heavy wear to internal drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals, though these still require scrutiny given the vehicle's age. Given the recurring advisories concerning front and rear suspension components, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underside on a ramp or over a pit if possible. The nearside front lower arm ball joint, previously flagged for both excessive wear and slight play, should be checked for renewed free play by hand and observed for any clonking or knocking over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces during a test drive. The rear suspension axle bushes, noted as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement, should likewise be examined for any worsening deterioration, as these items typically progress to require replacement within a relatively short timeframe once initial wear is recorded. The front brake discs and inner pads flagged in March 2025 as pitted, scored and wearing thin will almost certainly now require replacement, and any uneven braking, vibration through the steering wheel, or grinding noises under light pedal pressure would confirm that the components have reached the end of their service life. Beyond the documented advisories, several age-related and standing-related checks are strongly advised. The tyres, despite likely retaining legal tread due to low mileage, should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing and any age-related deterioration, particularly given the recorded failure in February 2021 for a perished tyre exposing its cords. The front headlamp lens defect noted as a minor should be inspected for moisture ingress, crazing or oxidation that may soon warrant replacement. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as a battery of this age is well beyond its typical service life and prone to failure, particularly given the low annual mileage which suggests infrequent long charging cycles. The brake fluid should be verified as within its two-year renewal window, and the coolant and any automatic transmission fluid, if applicable, should be checked for condition and age-related degradation. Finally, the illuminated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System warning should be diagnosed to confirm whether it indicates an actual fault with a sensor or merely requires reset following a recent pressure adjustment, as unresolved TPMS faults can lead to an MOT failure in future tests.