2020 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · AF70 OVG

Consistent wear patterns on braking and tyre components define the mechanical history of this Ford S-Max, which successfully cleared its most recent MOT on 21 April 2026. While the vehicle has maintained a streak of annual passes, the recurring advisories regarding front brake pad thickness and inner tyre edge wear suggest a consistent pattern of consumption over the last two years. The absence of any structural or suspension-related defects across the four recorded tests indicates that the primary focus for any prospective buyer should remain on the high-wear consumables that have been flagged by examiners. Accumulating 76,407 miles over six years results in an average of approximately 12,734 miles per annum, a rate of usage that is notably higher than the typical passenger vehicle. This level of mileage indicates that the drivetrain, cooling system, and transmission have been subject to regular, sustained operation rather than short, stop-start cycles. While this usage profile often prevents the issues associated with long-term standing, it necessitates a rigorous inspection of the drivetrain and chassis components, as the high mileage will have accelerated the natural degradation of bushes, wheel bearings, and suspension dampers that may not have reached the threshold for an MOT advisory yet. Given the repeated advisories for front brake pad thinning, a physical inspection of the brake discs and pads is essential to determine if the discs have developed a lip or scoring that requires replacement alongside the pads. During a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing noises under moderate braking pressure and ensure the pedal feel is firm without any sponginess or excessive travel, which could indicate air in the system or worn hydraulic components. The inner edge tyre wear noted in the 2025 inspection warrants a check of the front suspension geometry; if the vehicle pulls to either side on a straight road or exhibits uneven steering feedback, it may suggest that the tracking or camber settings are currently misaligned. Beyond the specific advisories, the high mileage makes it prudent to evaluate the state of the suspension linkages and subframe mounts. When driving over uneven surfaces or speed humps, pay close attention to any metallic knocking or clunking sounds from the front end, as these are common indicators of worn anti-roll bar links or wishbone bushes that often escape notice until they develop significant play. Furthermore, verify that the steering remains precise and free of vibrations at motorway speeds, as any shimmy through the steering wheel could point toward balancing issues or underlying wear in the steering rack or track rod ends, which are subjected to increased stress on a vehicle with this level of road use.