2018 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · AV68 MUC

This Ford S-MAX presents a remarkably clean MOT history, with the most recent test on 22 September 2025 at 32,285 miles showing no defects—an outcome that has been consistently replicated across all five recorded tests since July 2022. The absence of advisories, minor faults, or major failures over this period suggests either meticulous maintenance by previous owners or, more likely, very light usage. No recurring issues with suspension components (such as worn bushes or coil springs), brake systems (binding calipers, warped discs, or seized drums), or structural integrity (corrosion in sills, wheel arches, or subframes) have been documented. Even consumables like tyres, wiper blades, and exhaust emissions have passed without remark, indicating no neglect in basic upkeep. The stability of these results over nearly three years—despite the vehicle’s age—is highly unusual for a car of this vintage, particularly given its low mileage. The mileage pattern reinforces the impression of minimal use, with just 4,036 miles per year over eight years, a figure well below average for a vehicle of this age. The most recent MOT in September 2025 shows only 2,487 miles added since the previous test in February 2024 , a pace that suggests either infrequent driving or prolonged periods of inactivity. Earlier gaps, such as the 1,288-mile jump between April 2023 (8,050 miles) and July 2022 (7,547 miles) , further indicate sporadic usage rather than consistent wear. This low mileage could mean the car has been stored for extended periods, which may have its own implications—such as potential fluid degradation (brakes, power steering, or coolant) or rubber component hardening (bushings, seals). However, the MOT records offer no evidence of such issues, meaning any latent problems would require proactive inspection rather than being flagged by a test. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on components that, while not yet failed, may be at risk given the vehicle’s age and irregular usage. The suspension—particularly the rear trailing arms, bushes, and coil springs—should be checked for stiffness or wear, as low-mileage cars can still develop fatigue in these areas if the vehicle has been driven on rough roads or left unsupported for long periods. Brakes, though not mentioned in the MOT, warrant close examination: the lack of recorded faults does not preclude internal wear in the calipers or brake pads, especially if the car has been stood for months. Structural corrosion, while absent from the MOT, should be inspected under the sills, wheel arches, and around the exhaust mounts, as rust can develop even with minimal mileage if the car was garaged in damp conditions. Finally, fluids—brake, coolant, and power steering—should be tested for condition, as stagnation can lead to degradation over time. The absence of faults in the MOT history is a strong positive, but the buyer must treat this S-MAX as a "low-mileage anomaly" rather than a high-mileage benchmark. The next owner should treat it as a project for proactive maintenance rather than relying on historical test results to predict future reliability. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, focusing on suspension, brakes, and hidden corrosion, would be prudent before committing to the purchase.