2017 FORD S-MAX2.0L Diesel

The 2017 Ford S-Max has maintained a clean MOT history with no defects recorded across all five tests, though the June 2025 failure—despite identical mileage to the subsequent pass—raises minor curiosity. The most recent test, passed on 14 June 2025, confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy under current MOT standards, with no advisories or recurring issues to suggest worsening mechanical trends. The absence of failings for critical systems like suspension, brakes, or emissions over nearly nine years indicates consistent compliance with statutory checks, though the double-test at 51,385 miles hints at either a minor oversight or a test centre anomaly rather than a mechanical pattern. Mileage progression suggests unusually light usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging just 5,709 miles annually. The gap between the January 2023 (24,123 miles) and June 2023 (26,194 miles) tests—covering only 2,071 miles in five months—implies prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate wear on fluids, seals, and suspension components if not properly maintained. Conversely, the jump from 39,039 miles in June 2024 to 51,385 miles by June 2025 (12,346 miles in a year) is more typical, but the lack of advisories during this period suggests no urgent concerns arose despite the increased mileage. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of suspension integrity, particularly rear bushes and coil springs, given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The double MOT at 51,385 miles warrants scrutiny of brake binding or uneven wear, as such anomalies often go unnoticed without dynamic testing. Corrosion checks at wheel arches, sills, and underbody are essential, especially if the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary. While the MOT record shows no structural failures, rust progression can be insidious, and the low mileage pattern may mask underlying fluid leaks or degraded hoses that require proactive replacement. Tyre condition should also be verified, as the absence of tread-related failings does not preclude uneven wear or low tread depth from recent use.