2015 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LK65 AED

The Ford S-MAX most recently passed its MOT on 30 August 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, presenting a clean bill of roadworthiness at the point of test. When reviewing the broader DVSA history, the pattern shows a stable maintenance trend overall, with multiple pass entries spanning 2024 and 2025. There are two failures recorded, one on 13 June 2024 and another on 29 August 2025, but in both cases no defect categories were logged against the vehicle. This typically indicates that a failure was issued for administrative reasons, such as the vehicle being presented in an untestable condition, a missing or illegible VRM, or an inability to access the vehicle on the first attempt, rather than for genuine mechanical non-compliance. The fact that the car passed on the very next day in the case of the most recent failure strongly supports this interpretation, and a prospective buyer should still confirm this with any paperwork or inspection notes provided at the point of sale. With recorded mileage of 88,465 over approximately eleven years, the S-MAX has averaged around 8,042 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a large family MPV of this age. This neither suggests a vehicle that has been excessively worked nor one that has spent prolonged periods standing unused. There is no evidence in the MOT record of large mileage gaps between tests that would point to extended storage, and the consistent annual accumulation implies regular driving. The mechanical implications of this usage rate are relatively benign: service intervals and consumable replacement should broadly align with the odometer rather than calendar time alone, though brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery still degrade with age regardless of distance covered. Given the vehicle’s size and kerb weight, suspension and braking components will have done meaningful work, but the mileage is not extreme. As the MOT history is clean of recorded defects, specific advisories, or recurring issues, physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation rather than chasing particular flagged concerns. Tyres warrant close scrutiny, particularly the sidewalls, as rubber compounds perish with calendar age; look for fine surface cracking, crazing, or brittleness even where tread depth remains adequate. Brake discs, particularly the rear assemblies common to this model, are prone to corrosion and binding calipers where the vehicle has been stood for extended periods, so a test drive should include several firm applications from speed to check for juddering, pulling, or a soft pedal. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as worn anti-roll bar drop links, control arm bushes, and coil springs are common wear items on S-MAXs approaching this mileage band. Finally, given the eleven-year age of the vehicle, time-based servicing deserves close attention regardless of the MOT outcome. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as units of this vintage often show reduced cranking performance and cold-weather failure. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should have been renewed at least every two years; verify the most recent change on the service record. Engine coolant, power steering fluid, and the automatic or manual transmission fluid, depending on specification, also degrade with age and should be checked for condition and replacement history. Inspect the underside and wheel arches for any signs of corrosion bubbling, particularly around the rear wheel arches and suspension mounting points, as this generation of S-Max is known to develop corrosion in these areas if not protected. A compression test or coolant system pressure check would also be prudent on a higher-mileage example to rule out head gasket or internal wear concerns before committing to purchase.