2018 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · AN04 AKO

A 2018 Ford Kuga presenting a near-immaculate MOT record across five consecutive tests, with the most recent assessment on 12 February 2026 returning a clean pass alongside an equally unblemished result on 21 February 2025. The vehicle has passed every annual examination since its first recorded test in October 2022, and aside from a single isolated advisory pair in October 2024 concerning minor perishing on both rear tyres, no component has ever been flagged for attention. This stability across multiple DVSA examinations points to a mechanically sound vehicle that has consistently met roadworthiness standards without accumulating chronic defects or recurring advisories on wear items such as suspension components, braking hardware, or structural areas. The single tyre advisory was a precautionary observation rather than an immediate failure, and its absence from both subsequent tests suggests the tyres were subsequently replaced. With only 37,251 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Kuga has accumulated around 4,656 miles annually, a notably low figure for its age and one that implies either limited daily use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Such a low annual mileage generally translates to reduced wear on major mechanical assemblies including the engine internals, clutch, transmission, and braking surfaces, all of which benefit from lower cumulative use. Conversely, vehicles that spend long periods stationary can develop issues with seized brake calipers, deteriorated rubber components, and moisture-related corrosion in areas that would otherwise be regularly washed clear by driving. The mileage progression between tests, however, does not reveal any dramatic single-year spikes, suggesting the usage has been consistently light rather than interrupted by an extended lay-up followed by sudden heavy use, which is reassuring. For a prospective buyer, the clean advisory history means there are no specific component wear patterns to investigate beyond a general whole-vehicle inspection, though the October 2024 rear tyre advisory merits a check on the current tyres for cracking, sidewall damage, or uneven wear that could indicate an underlying alignment issue or simply age-related rubber deterioration. Given the very low mileage, it would be prudent to confirm that the brake calipers are releasing fully by checking for any signs of uneven pad wear or hot-spots on the discs after a short drive, and to listen for any binding or scraping sounds when first pulling away. The condition of the rear suspension bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar linkages should be visually inspected for cracking or perishing, as low-mileage vehicles used predominantly for short journeys can still suffer from dried-out rubber components. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any knocking or clonking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as these would indicate worn bushes or loose linkages. The steering should feel precise without excess play or pulling to either direction, and the brake pedal should feel firm with no sponginess or juddering under heavy application. Listen for any transmission hesitation or clutch slip during acceleration, as even low-mileage vehicles can develop driveline issues if they have spent prolonged periods unused. Finally, given the Kuga's known susceptibility to coolant system issues and EGR-related faults, ensure the engine bay is free of any coolant staining or visible leaks from hoses and unions, and confirm that the engine maintains a stable operating temperature without fluctuations during the drive.