2011 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Petrol · EN60 AET

A clear trend of age‑related wear is emerging, with recurring advisories for suspension bushings, rear lamp illumination and oil leakage, and a recent major failure on the nearside front outer drive‑shaft CV boot. The latest MOT on 31 October 2025 was passed but still listed high‑level rear lamp faults, oil‑leak advisories and tyre tread at the legal limit, while the same date also recorded a failure for the split CV boot and inoperative registration‑plate lamp. Earlier tests show a steady accumulation of suspension‑related advisories, suggesting that the vehicle’s chassis components are reaching the end of their serviceable life and will likely need attention soon. At 107,296 mi the vehicle averages roughly 7,150 mi per year, a mileage pattern that sits comfortably within normal usage for a fifteen‑year‑old S‑Max. The MOT history shows annual testing with no significant gaps, indicating consistent road use rather than prolonged storage. While the mileage is not excessive, the combination of age and moderate annual distance means rubber components such as bushings, boots and tyre sidewalls are prone to hardening and cracking, and consumables will be approaching the end of their typical service intervals. Prospective buyers should focus on the suspension and steering assembly. The 2023 advisory noted wear and play in the nearside front strut mount, inner track rod and both rear trailing‑arm bushes; the 2019 advisory flagged rear suspension arm pins or bushes as worn. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering wheel, and check for uneven tyre wear that could indicate misalignment. Inspect the CV boot on the nearside front outer drive shaft for grease leakage or torn material, and be alert for a clicking noise when turning, which would confirm joint deterioration. Electrical and tyre items also require immediate attention. The repeated rear lamp and registration‑plate lamp failures mean the lighting system is unreliable and will need bulb replacement and possibly wiring checks. Tyre tread on both front and rear was recorded at the legal minimum in the latest test, so fresh tyres are advisable before regular use. Finally, the oil‑leak advisories spanning several years suggest a persistent source—likely a valve‑cover gasket or oil pan seal—that should be located and repaired to prevent contamination of brake components or further mechanical wear. Addressing these points will give a realistic picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and the near‑term maintenance required.