2014 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · AF14 ADO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 4 June 2026, resulted in a pass but was accompanied by several advisories covering the front shock absorbers, rear suspension arm wear and a defective exhaust mounting, together with a remedial pass after an initial failure for a non‑functioning nearside front headlamp. Over the past six years the record shows a gradual accumulation of advisory items – recurring wear on rear and nearside front suspension arms, emerging shock‑absorber oil mist, brake‑disc surface scoring, sub‑frame corrosion and now an exhaust‑mounting defect – indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory is trending towards increasing wear rather than stabilising. At 115 484 miles the S‑Max averages just under 10 000 miles per annum, a usage pattern that sits squarely within the normal range for a twelve‑year‑old family MPV. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe over‑use, nor are there long gaps that would imply prolonged storage; the mileage therefore points to a vehicle that has been driven regularly but not excessively, meaning wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be age‑related rather than the result of extreme mileage spikes. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear suspension arm bushings and pins on both sides, as well as the nearside front suspension arm, which have been flagged repeatedly for wear. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps or during hard cornering, and feel for any looseness in the rear axle. Inspect the shock absorbers for any external oil seepage and check that they return smoothly after compression; excessive oil mist can be a precursor to loss of damping and may require replacement. The exhaust mounting defect noted in the latest MOT should be verified by a visual inspection for cracked or broken brackets and by listening for rattles or low‑frequency hums at idle, as a compromised mount can lead to exhaust leaks and increased cabin noise. Brake discs have been recorded as pitted and scored, so the buyer should examine the front and rear rotors for deep scoring or uneven wear and test the brakes for any pulsation or shudder under firm application, which would indicate the need for resurfacing or replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, the tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, dry‑rot and tread depth even if the tread appears acceptable, as tyres older than six years can deteriorate regardless of mileage. The sub‑frame corrosion advisory, although not yet structurally significant, merits a close visual check for any rust flaking that could progress to structural compromise. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a twelve‑year‑old unit may be approaching the end of its service life – and confirm that all fluid service intervals (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid) have been observed, ideally with recent service stamps in the logbook. Addressing the identified suspension, exhaust and brake items before purchase will help ensure the S‑Max remains road‑worthy and reliable for the next few years.