2020 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · W88 DAO

This 2020 Ford S-Max has maintained a clean MOT history with no defects recorded across three consecutive tests, most recently passing on 28 May 2025 at 44,087 miles. The absence of advisories or failures suggests the vehicle has not experienced recurring mechanical issues, though the 12-month gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—despite typical annual MOT due dates—indicates the owner may have deferred the 2024 test until the last possible moment. The most recent pass, just over a year ago, aligns with the current date of 25 July 2026, meaning the vehicle is now overdue for its next MOT. While the record shows no technical red flags, the extended period since the last test introduces uncertainty about whether routine maintenance—such as brake fluid changes, suspension servicing, or tyre pressure monitoring—has been consistently addressed. The mileage progression reveals a steady but moderate usage pattern, averaging around 7,300 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. The largest jump occurred between the November 2023 (27,405 miles) and May 2024 (33,018 miles) tests, accumulating nearly 5,600 miles in just six months. This suggests either a period of higher usage or a temporary lapse in mileage recording. The absence of any gaps larger than this, however, implies the vehicle has not been left unused for extended periods, which could exacerbate issues like battery corrosion or suspension stiffness. No evidence of excessive wear is implied by the mileage alone, but the lack of intermediate servicing records means critical components like timing belts, fuel filters, or differential fluid may not have been refreshed according to manufacturer intervals. Given the clean MOT history, the most prudent areas for an in-person inspection would focus on components that often fail without warning or degrade predictably with age. The suspension system, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, should be examined for uneven wear or binding, as these are common failure points on this model. The brake system warrants close scrutiny: while no failures were recorded, binding calipers or unevenly worn discs could develop without immediate MOT detection. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe should be checked, as this model is prone to structural rust in high-salt regions. Finally, the exhaust system—especially at the rear mounts and mid-section—needs inspection for leaks or sagging, as catalytic converter failures are not always picked up in standard MOT tests. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are flawless, but it does indicate they have not yet caused a test failure.