Any views on this C-Max MOT before I buy ?

Lots of advisories for tyres and brakes even at low mileage suggests the previous owner(s) haven't really taken care of it (wonder if it was used at a taxi or learner car). A lot of older cars have minor oil weeping but a leak you'd want details of - it isn't ideal, some might just weep a little oil with no further development but other leaks might get worse with time and are often in locations which will cost you in labour costs even though the parts are often inexpensive.

Ideally you'd want someone who knows what they are doing to have a look at where the broken or fractured spring was as sometime when these go other components get overstressed, etc. and there might be something(s) which need attention there.

Don't see any massive red flags given it is a 100K mile £2K car, discs and tyres are replaceable, but you'd be wise to take someone to look at it who knows their stuff if possible.
 
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Tbh I see absolutely nothing here id be overly worried about. Be good to see the oil leak in person

It's a cheap mum wagon*, type of car often owned by people who don't really "know" anything about cars or maintenance. Do the usual checks and hope for the best.


*Should caveat this as not intended to upset anyone, we own one, same sort of age and tbh ive needed to do next to nothing to it in the last 4 years other than the belt, brakes and general perishables.
 
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rodenal said:
Tbh I see absolutely nothing here id be worried about

It's a cheap mum wagon*, type of car often owned by people who don't really "know" anything about cars or maintenance. Do the usual checks and hope for the best.


*Should caveat this as not intended to upset anyone, we own one, same sort of age and tbh ive needed to do next to nothing to it in the last 4 years other than the belt, brakes and general perishables.
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Agreed. Been a tester for over 10 years, this looks like run-of-the-mill family car stuff. Some people look after them better than others, but it doesn't look like it's been completely neglected.
 
GeX said:
Weird that it's just the rear. Maybe they've been doing skids in it
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Same as the J11 Qashqai the recommended pressures are 33 front, 30 rear (or 35/31 split on some models) - in my experience these tyre sizes tend to pick up damage and punctures more easily for some reason at around 30 and also wear harder and are better used in the 33-38 PSI range (35 usually ideal) - but you can't just pump them up to around 35 or so and leave it at that as they are intentionally set at those values for optimal comfort and handling.
 
Thanks everyone for your advice !!

Yes, as mentioned I don't know anything about cars, so guess this is why I was thinking of going for this car :) Sadly the owner just told me it is SORN, so no idea how I can have a test drive or get it inspected which also includes a test drive. So not really sure how to get out of that issue, not sure if too risky to buy without a test drive.
 
looks like they've only owned it since Dec last year, that would possibly make me think why have they laid it up and trying to sell it on so soon. Has it thrown a big old bill.
Definitely would not be buying without being able to test drive unless you are prepared to deal with whatever you find.
 
tom_e said:
looks like they've only owned it since Dec last year, that would possibly make me think why have they laid it up and trying to sell it on so soon. Has it thrown a big old bill.
Definitely would not be buying without being able to test drive unless you are prepared to deal with whatever you find.
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Also possible they've fallen on hard times and had to SORN and then sell it, but definitely something again which indicates if possible take someone to see it who knows their stuff though that goes really for any second hand purchase especially from private sellers.
 
I asked the seller and they said their daughter came over from Australia and bought it and used it while in the UK, and has since gone back home, so her dad is selling it as they have no use for it now. I guess it makes sense, just a big shame it is SORN as it is a big risk not to test drive it. What would you guys do in a SORN situation ? Take the risk if it looks good ? I was going to get an AA inspection but that uses a test drive as part of the test.
 
blizzarduk said:
I asked the seller and they said their daughter came over from Australia and bought it and used it while in the UK, and has since gone back home, so her dad is selling it as they have no use for it now. I guess it makes sense, just a big shame it is SORN as it is a big risk not to test drive it. What would you guys do in a SORN situation ? Take the risk if it looks good ? I was going to get an AA inspection but that uses a test drive as part of the test.
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What are your alternative options?

It's a £2100 car, just because the previous owners waited till MOTs to get brakes and tyres replaced, doesn't make it a lemon. Most people are like that.

Even driving it 10 metres can help as well.
 
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blizzarduk said:
Thanks guys. I have also seen a Mondeo, 2010, for £1700, any views on the MOT for this ? https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=OY10KFN&checkRecalls=true
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Anyone else think its a bit odd to have headlight insecure a couple of years apart?

maybe once, bulbs changed not tightened. Not sure how it works on the mondeo but the focus was torx bolts, much easier to remove the headlight and change on the bench.
Gut feel is its either someone frequently bulb changing or crash damage.

Can't quite tell from the reg's but if the C-max is naturally aspirated vs the Mondeo turbo charged. On things with over 100k, I would keep in mind the need to refurb the turbo.
Personally I would look at the C-max and want to know more about the oil leak. (a friend just got stung with this on a vw, thought it would be cheaper to get fixed himself, ended up being timing belt side of engine and costing about £650....)
 
Manbatius said:
and want to know more about the oil leak. (a friend just got stung with this on a vw, thought it would be cheaper to get fixed himself, ended up being timing belt side of engine and costing about £650....)
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Some of these IMO the manufacturer should pick up the bill for having a daft design - some Audis and VWs, etc. it'll cost you upwards of a grand in labour because they have to take the engine out, or at least significantly take stuff apart, to fix some simple oil leaks or belt problem, etc. that is like £200 on most cars. Way past time manufacturers were held to account over common vehicle issues and design issues IMO (or use higher quality parts so when stuff says it is "sealed and lasts the lifetime of the car", etc. it actually does).
 
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Rroff said:
Some of these IMO the manufacturer should pick up the bill for having a daft design - some Audis and VWs, etc. it'll cost you upwards of a grand in labour because they have to take the engine out, or at least significantly take stuff apart, to fix some simple oil leaks or belt problem, etc. that is like £200 on most cars. Way past time manufacturers were held to account over common vehicle issues and design issues IMO (or use higher quality parts so when stuff says it is "sealed and lasts the lifetime of the car", etc. it actually does).
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Could not agree with this more, was at the local retail park and seen some halfords guy trying to change a bulb on .... I think it was a ford kuga, just casually dismantling half the car!
That is just a light bulb! as you say some design are just daft.
 
Looks ok to me. I'd check that the advisories have been actioned. If the owner changed discs immediately after being advised for example, that suggests that they just don't know what to check for, rather than neglect.

I'd also want to know where the oil is/was weeping from and whether it's been fixed or it it needs fixing. Probably a gasket or washer or similar, but potentially expensive to fix it it's somewhere difficult to get to.

If you're keen on it and it looks in good condition etc, could you agree a deal with the sellee on the proviso that its booked in and passes an MOT?
 
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