2007 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · AP56 EZB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward deteriorating suspension components. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 167,812 miles passed, it introduced advisories for worn bushes on both the nearside and offside rear suspension arms. This follows a period of mechanical instability seen in previous years, suggesting that while the vehicle is kept above legal standards, the rubber components and steering geometry are now reaching the end of their operational life. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 19-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,800 miles per year. The data shows steady usage, with a 10,000-mile interval between January 2024 and January 2025, and another 11,800 miles covered prior to the January 2026 test. This consistent accumulation suggests regular use, which is generally beneficial for preventing seals from seizing, though the high total cumulative mileage of 167,812 miles places significant stress on the drivetrain and heavy-duty suspension assemblies. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front-end steering assembly. The record reveals recurring failures with track rod ends and anti-roll bar linkages between 2024 and 2025, indicating that these components are prone to rapid wear. The current advisories for rear suspension arm bushes suggest that the degradation is now migrating to the rear of the vehicle, which will soon require replacement to maintain handling precision. Inspection of the exhaust system is also necessary to ensure the major leak reported in early 2025 was fully rectified and has not developed new corrosion at the mounting points.