2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · AF16 SWN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. Earlier in the year, a re‑test on 25 February 2025 recorded a major failure for the nearside front windscreen wiper’s inability to clear the glass, which was rectified before the subsequent pass. Prior to that, the 2023 test flagged a dangerous condition on the off‑side front inner tyre with exposed ply, and the same year’s February test noted rear brake pads approaching the minimum thickness and rear tyres close to the legal limit. The trend shows a recent improvement in overall condition, with the most recent test free of defects, although the recurring advisories suggest some wear items are approaching the end of their service life. At 76,946 miles recorded for a 2016 model, the vehicle averages roughly 7,700 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage pattern for a ten‑year‑old car. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity evident from the MOT dates, suggesting the mileage has been accrued steadily rather than in large, short‑term bursts. This moderate annual mileage generally implies that major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission and differential are unlikely to have suffered accelerated wear, but it also means that age‑related degradation of rubber and fluid‑based parts should be inspected. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the rear braking system and tyre condition. Verify the remaining thickness of the rear brake pads on both sides; pads that are close to the minimum allowable thickness can lead to reduced braking efficiency and may produce a low‑level squeal or pulsation under hard braking. Examine the rear tyres for tread depth, sidewall integrity and any signs of uneven wear that could indicate mis‑aligned suspension components or worn bushings. On a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking from the rear suspension, especially when traversing bumps, and feel for any pull to one side which could suggest alignment issues. Confirm that both windscreen wipers now clear the glass effectively and that the blade condition is good, as the earlier wiper failure could recur if the motor or linkage is developing intermittent faults. Given the vehicle’s age, also conduct age‑related checks irrespective of mileage. Inspect the 12 V battery for corrosion on the terminals and test its cranking voltage; a ten‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Look for signs of tyre sidewall cracking or dry rot, particularly on the front tyres which have not been flagged recently but may have aged. Verify that the coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been replaced within the recommended intervals, as fluids degrade over time even when the car is not driven heavily. Finally, review the service history for evidence of regular oil changes, timing belt or chain maintenance (if applicable), and any recorded suspension or steering component replacements, as these are key to ensuring continued roadworthiness beyond the next MOT.