2012 FORD S-MAX2.0L Diesel

The 2012 Ford S-Max passed its most recent MOT on 2 September 2025 at 159,140 miles with no defects recorded, indicating the vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status. The maintenance trend appears stable on paper, though the test history shows two administrative-style failures on 29 August 2025 at 159,070 miles and 5 September 2024 at 145,227 miles, both logged with no defects recorded. These entries suggest paperwork or presentation issues at the test centre rather than mechanical faults, and the car cleared retest within days each time. Mileage has accumulated at a typical rate for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 11,367 miles per year against the 159,140 miles now shown. The records move from 126,306 miles at the September 2023 test to 145,228 miles in September 2024, then to 159,140 by September 2025, a consistent 18,000 to 19,000 miles annually with no standing gaps or sudden jumps. The DVSA data is sparse, with only three passed years and two zero-defect failures logged, so the file gives little insight into consumable or structural condition beyond confirmation of clean test outcomes. A buyer should still commission an independent inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs given the age and mileage, as MOT pass with no advisories does not confirm component life remaining. The S-Max is prone to rear suspension arm corrosion and worn trailing arm bushes by this mileage, and the tester recorded nothing only because limits were not breached on the day. Examine the subframe and sills for structural rust, and verify the DPF and exhaust emissions system on the 2.0 diesel variants if fitted, since the records show no emissions detail to rely on. The repeated zero-defect failures hint the previous owner treated the car to prompt retests but may have used the same garage for convenience rather than deep maintenance. Clean MOTs at 145k and 159k miles imply basic upkeep was kept current, yet the lack of any advisories across five entries is unusual for a Ford of this age and warrants hands-on checks before purchase.