2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · BT12 MLJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding suspension component wear and deferred repairs. While the most recent test in December 2025 at 122,643 miles passed, it carried advisories for worn nearside rear tyres and a slightly worn offside rear suspension bush. This follows a pattern seen in late 2023 where the vehicle failed due to multiple suspension arm issues and critical tyre wear, indicating that components are only addressed once they reach a failure threshold. At 122,643 miles over 14 years, the S-Max has averaged approximately 8,760 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK family car usage. The record shows steady usage over the intervals, with roughly 22,000 miles covered between December 2023 and December 2025. However, the density of failures between 2020 and 2023 suggests a period where mechanical and electronic faults, such as ABS issues and SRS warning lamps, were managed through reactive repairs rather than preventative maintenance. A buyer must specifically inspect the front and rear suspension geometry, as the record repeatedly flags issues with ball joints, trailing arm bushes, and anti-roll bar linkages. The recurring inner-edge tyre wear on multiple axles suggests a persistent alignment issue or worn suspension bushes that have not been fully rectified. Additionally, the slightly distorted nearside front road wheel rim noted in November 2024 indicates the vehicle may have suffered an impact, which could have affected the steering rack or wheel bearings. Final attention should be paid to the non-excessive oil leak reported in late 2024 to ensure it has not developed into a significant seal failure. Given the history of steering rack gaiter defects and ABS faults in previous years, a thorough check of the steering system and electronic sensors is essential to ensure no underlying faults remain. The vehicle appears to be a high-mileage example where consumable components are reaching the end of their functional life simultaneously.