2017 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · BA11 VLS

A nine-year-old Kuga with six recorded MOT tests and one of those test dates appearing twice suggests a retest arrangement within the same day, which is consistent with the 2022 washer fluid issue and the 2025 CV boot failure both being remedied immediately to secure a pass. The recent record is relatively clean at face value, with a first-time pass in March 2026 and no advisories, but the underlying pattern across the five previous tests tells a more cautious story. Rust-related advisories first appeared in 2025 on both the rear subframe and the anti-roll bar, and an offside rear shock absorber was flagged for light oil misting on the same test, which is the kind of trio that warrants close physical inspection before purchase. There is also a recorded major failure for a split nearside front outer CV boot on the 2025 retest, indicating that the drivetrain sealing has been compromised at some point and that the joint itself may now be worn. The recorded mileage of 58,924 against nine years of service equates to approximately 6,500 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK averages for a car of this age. The accumulation appears reasonably steady across the testing window, with no extended gaps in MOT history that would suggest a prolonged off-road period, and the single-figure annual mileage indicates the vehicle has been in regular rather than occasional use. That continuity of use is mechanically relevant because it means the consumables, fluids and rubber components have been worked consistently rather than allowed to degrade through long periods of standing, although the relatively modest annual figure also implies that the engine and drivetrain have not been subjected to particularly high wear loading. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension and underbody areas flagged in 2025. With the subframe and anti-roll bar both recorded as corroded but not seriously weakened, there is a clear risk of progression, and a thorough inspection underneath should look for any flaking, scaling or deeper section loss around the mounting points, link arms and brake pipe runs. The offside rear shock absorber showing light oil misting is worth re-examining for fresh seepage, and on a test drive any clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps, together with excessive bounce after a loaded corner, would suggest the damper is now past its serviceable life. The split CV boot recorded as a major failure in 2025 should also be checked, because even though a replacement boot is straightforward, prolonged running with a torn boot will have allowed contamination into the joint; on the road, listen for a rhythmic clicking or popping under full lock, particularly when turning into a kerb at low speed. Brake condition warrants direct evaluation given the 2021 advisories for both rear discs being worn, pitted and scored, and at the prevailing annual mileage those discs will almost certainly have required replacement since. A test drive should focus on pedal feel, with any judder under firm braking, pulling to one side, or a spongy pedal suggesting residual issues with the calipers, slides or rear friction material. The 2024 advisory concerning both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and showing deterioration and splitting should be treated as a prompt to inspect the sidewalls and tread depth of all four tyres for age-cracking, and the front tyres should be checked for uneven inner or outer wear that might point to worn suspension bushes or tracking misalignment. Finally, a quick check of the windscreen for any spreading stone chips and a confirmation that the washer system is functioning correctly will address the two minor items recorded in earlier tests.