2008 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · AP08 EYL

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical and structural components. While it passed the test in November 2025 at 228,174 miles, the owner failed to rectify several critical issues identified in the previous failure. The failure in July 2025 at 225,829 miles was extensive, flagging an inoperative parking brake, steering rack joint play, and corroded coil springs. The persistence of steering rack inner joint play into the subsequent pass suggests that repairs may have been reactive rather than preventative. At 228,174 miles, this 18-year-old S-Max reflects high mileage, averaging approximately 12,600 miles per year. The record shows consistent use, with over 7,000 miles covered between July 2024 and July 2025, and another 2,300 miles in the following months. This high annual mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain and suspension. The frequent flagging of steering linkage and suspension components indicates that the vehicle is reaching the end of the service life for many of its wear items. A physical inspection must focus on the rear suspension geometry and structural integrity. The tester has repeatedly noted corrosion on the lower suspension arms and mounting points since 2022, with corroded rear coil springs appearing in 2025. A buyer should verify if this corrosion has progressed from surface-level to structural weakening. The steering rack inner joints remain a recurring failure point that must be checked for excessive play to ensure the steering remains precise and does not suddenly become erratic or require a costly rack replacement. The braking system also requires close attention following the July 2025 failure for low parking brake efficiency and an inoperative side. Despite the November pass, the recurring mention of tyres worn close to the legal limit across multiple years suggests a pattern of neglect regarding basic consumable maintenance. Given the high mileage and the history of suspension-related failures, the likelihood of imminent failure in bushes, bushings, and dampers is high.