The B‑Max is a mini‑MPV (Fiesta platform) with five seats and wide-opening rear doors, which makes child seats and loading easier than a small hatch. The diesel/manual combos from 2013 are very frugal on higher-mileage runs, but they can suffer DPF/EGR clogging if used only for short urban trips; there’s no AdBlue on these early small Fords. Parts are cheap and plentiful in Ireland, but the small‑MPV market ages faster than larger family cars so expect lower resale values.

• DPF and EGR condition — look for warning lights, excessive soot on the tailpipe and whether the car clears a regeneration (important if it’s been used mostly for short runs).
• Clutch and dual‑mass flywheel feel — check for slipping or rattling on start/idle and during gear changes (manuals of this age can need a heavy bill).
• Turbo response and smoke — watch for black or blue smoke under acceleration and listen for whining or oil‑related turbo noises.
• Timing belt/cambelt replacement history — get the interval and receipts; an overdue cambelt on a diesel can be an expensive failure.
• Corrosion and door mechanisms — inspect lower sills, rear wheel arches and the rear door runners/seals (sliding/rear doors can seize or wear on older examples).