2015 Ford Kuga 1.5L Petrol · AP65 DWD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 June 2026, was passed but returned several advisories: the nearside and off‑side rear tyres show early signs of cracking or perishing, both front and rear brake discs are reported as worn (though not excessively) and the front brake pads are down to approximately 2 mm. Over the previous three years the record shows a consistent pattern of tyre surface degradation, progressive brake wear, a persistent minor oil‑leak advisory and a recurring crack in the off‑side lower windscreen. The overall maintenance trend is therefore static to mildly deteriorating rather than improving, with no evidence of corrective action on the recurring items. At 93,421 mi the Kuga averages roughly 8,500 mi per annum, which sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for an eleven‑year‑old vehicle. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of inactivity, nor any spikes that would indicate unusually heavy use. Consequently the wear observed on consumables such as tyres and brakes is in line with the mileage accrued, but the age of the components means that even normal wear may be approaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear tyres; inspect the sidewalls for dry rot, surface cracks and any loss of tread uniformity, and verify that the tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm minimum. During a test drive listen for any thudding or vibration that could indicate tyre delamination or uneven wear. The brake discs, already flagged as worn, should be measured for remaining thickness – a typical minimum is 1.0 mm for discs on this model – and the thin front pads will likely need replacement within the next few thousand miles. Check for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, which would suggest disc warping or uneven pad wear. The oil‑leak advisory warrants a visual inspection under the engine bay for fresh oil deposits around the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil cooler lines, and a check of the oil level and condition; any persistent leak could lead to reduced oil pressure and eventual engine damage if left untreated. The cracked off‑side lower windscreen, while not currently a safety‑critical failure, should be examined for structural integrity and replaced promptly to avoid water ingress and to maintain the vehicle’s crash‑worthiness. Beyond the recorded defects, the vehicle’s age calls for a thorough age‑related inspection. Examine the suspension bushings, ball joints and coil springs for signs of corrosion, cracking or excessive play, and listen for clunks over bumps. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test is advisable as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Check that the brake fluid has been changed within the last two years, as moisture absorption can lower the boiling point and affect braking performance. Inspect the coolant, power‑steering fluid and gearbox oil for colour and level, bearing in mind that many fluids degrade over time even without mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any major service stamps, as a well‑documented service history will give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with Ford’s recommendations.