2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · AX16 OYB

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 March 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is a positive indication of the vehicle's current roadworthy condition. The overall trend across the recorded MOT sequence is one of stability rather than deterioration, with each of the last three tests (2024, 2025, and 2026) returning straight pass results. The two earlier failures were both addressed promptly, with the headlamp aim issue corrected at the same sitting in March 2024 and the dangerous brake pad non-compliance rectified at the June 2023 retest. It is worth noting that the rear brake pad entry was categorised as dangerous rather than merely a major defect, indicating the pads were substantially below the 1.5mm minimum thickness, so any prospective buyer should verify the present condition of the rear braking components and confirm that discs were not damaged by running with metal-on-metal contact. With 91,610 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle is averaging around 9,161 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a car of this age. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged standing, nor any evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that might point to motorway or commercial-style use. This steady annual mileage implies regular driving cycles, which is generally beneficial for mechanical longevity as it prevents the issues associated with vehicles left idle for extended periods, such as brake seizure, fluid degradation, and electrical gremlins. Routine servicing intervals at this mileage would typically have required attention to timing belts or chains, clutch wear, and multiple sets of tyres and brake components, so a full servicing history should be requested to confirm these consumables have been replaced in line with manufacturer schedules. The advisory entries warrant particular attention from a prospective buyer. The nearside front tyre was flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the outer edge in both August 2021 and June 2022, which is a recurring concern suggesting either persistent camber or tracking misalignment, uneven suspension component wear, or simply aggressive driving behaviour through corners. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the suspension over bumps, particularly from the front nearside, and inspect the tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, as the same edge wear pattern is likely to recur if the underlying geometry issue has not been corrected. Additionally, the 2022 advisory regarding covers fitted obscuring components is a procedural note rather than a mechanical defect, but it does mean the inspector may not have been able to fully verify certain items, so a physical inspection underneath any covers should be carried out independently. Beyond the specific advisories, the age and mileage of this Kuga justify a thorough age-related inspection. Examine all tyres, including the rear pair, for sidewall perishing and tread depth, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. Inspect the brake discs for signs of corrosion around the edges and check for any binding in the calipers, particularly at the rear where pad replacement was required. Verify the 12V battery health, as a ten-year-old original unit would be well beyond its expected service life and could fail without warning. Finally, confirm that all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, have been changed in accordance with time-based rather than purely mileage-based schedules, and inspect under the vehicle and within the engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks, corrosion to structural or suspension components, or exhaust deterioration consistent with a vehicle of this vintage and accumulated mileage.