2016 Ford B-MAX 1.0L Petrol · YA16 ECF

A pattern of recurring minor defects dominates the recent MOT history, with the latest test on 27 April 2026 returning a pass but flagging several advisories – notably frayed nearside rear seat‑belt webbing, small leaks in both the central silencer and front flexi exhaust, wear on the nearside front lower suspension arm bush, and a slightly damaged nearside rear tyre. Earlier that same day a failure was recorded for the nearside stop lamp, which appears to have been remedied before the pass was issued. The record also shows a serious rear coil‑spring fracture in 2021, but no further major failures since then, suggesting the vehicle has been running without catastrophic faults for the past five years, albeit with a steady stream of minor wear items. At ten years old the odometer reads just 27 910 mi, averaging roughly 2 800 mi per annum – well below the typical usage for a family MPV of this age. Such low mileage can be advantageous for wear‑related components, yet the sparse annual testing (no records for 2022 and 2020‑2022 gaps) may indicate periods of limited use or storage, which can promote corrosion in hidden areas such as the exhaust system and suspension mounting points. The modest annual accumulation means consumables like brake pads and tyres are likely to have a longer remaining life than the mileage alone would suggest, but the age‑related degradation of rubber and metal should still be inspected. The exhaust leaks flagged in the latest MOT should be audible as a faint hissing under acceleration and may produce a faint sulphur smell at the rear; a visual inspection for cracked joints or rusted brackets is advisable, and replacement of the silencer and flexi pipe may be required to avoid future emissions failures. The nearside front lower suspension arm bush shows wear; a test‑drive should reveal any clunking over bumps or a loose feeling in the steering column, and a qualified mechanic should assess whether the bush or the arm itself needs renewal. The slightly damaged nearside rear tyre, together with the advisory on the opposite rear tyre, warrants a thorough tyre inspection for sidewall cracks, tread depth loss, or uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension issues. Brake wear is evident from the 2025 advisory about thin front pads and a binding front service brake; the driver should feel for any pedal judder or increased stopping distances, and a brake inspection should confirm pad thickness and caliper operation. The frayed nearside rear seat‑belt webbing should be replaced promptly to meet safety standards. Finally, given the historic coil‑spring fracture, a visual check of the rear spring pack for any signs of fatigue or cracks is prudent, as a repeat failure could lead to a sudden loss of rear suspension integrity. Addressing these specific items will give a clearer picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness before purchase.