2010 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · AF60 ROU

The most recent MOT test on the 2010 Ford Kuga conducted on 2026-07-13 resulted in a clean pass, though it included several persistent advisories that suggest ongoing but manageable wear and minor structural concerns. The vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues, particularly with tyre wear and corrosion in the suspension and subframe areas, which have been present in both failed and passed tests over the past two years. While the latest inspection did not result in a failure, the presence of advisories such as nearside and offside front tyre damage or perishing, along with rear suspension arm and subframe corrosion, indicates that the vehicle has not been fully maintained to address these long-standing problems. This trend suggests a lack of proactive servicing, potentially leading to further deterioration if not addressed promptly, particularly given the vehicle’s age and accumulated mileage. The recorded mileage of 91,866 miles for a 16-year-old Kuga represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,742 miles per year, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and model. Such low mileage often correlates with periods of prolonged inactivity, where components such as brakes, fluids, and electrical systems can degrade due to standing rather than active use. The absence of higher mileage accumulation suggests that the vehicle may have been kept in storage for significant periods, which can accelerate wear in critical areas like the suspension, tyres, and exhaust system, as evidenced by the MOT findings. Buyers should be cautious, as standing corrosion—particularly in the subframe and suspension mounts—can compromise structural integrity over time, and tyres may have developed sidewall damage from age and exposure to environmental elements. To conduct a thorough physical inspection of this vehicle, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the tyres for signs of perishing or cracking, especially on the sidewalls, which can be exacerbated by prolonged storage. The front tyres have already been flagged in previous MOTs for damage or wear close to legal limits, so any further deterioration—such as uneven tread wear or visible cracks—should be addressed immediately. During a test drive, listen for unusual suspension noises, such as clunks or rattles from the front or rear, which may indicate failing suspension arms or mounts. The corrosion advisories on the rear and front subframe mounts warrant inspection for signs of rust penetration or structural weakening, particularly in areas where underseal may not have fully protected the metal. Binding calipers or discs, which can occur from prolonged standing, should also be checked for excessive corrosion or binding when the brakes are applied. For fluid servicing, the buyer should verify the condition of the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, as these fluids can degrade significantly over time, even with low mileage. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12V battery may be nearing the end of its service life, and its health should be tested by checking for corrosion on terminals, ensuring it holds a charge, and verifying the alternator’s output. The exhaust system failure from 2024-07-10 highlights the need to inspect the entire exhaust trail for leaks, loose mounts, or signs of rust, as an insecure exhaust can lead to emissions issues and further mechanical stress. Finally, a thorough visual inspection of the underbody for signs of rust progression, particularly around the subframe and wheel arches, is essential, as this area has been consistently flagged in previous MOTs. If any of these issues are confirmed, a comprehensive mechanical inspection by a qualified technician is strongly recommended to assess the extent of the damage and plan for necessary repairs before proceeding with purchase.