2015 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · BV65 OVS

The most recent MOT on 13 May 2026 resulted in a failure, principally due to the front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and front suspension arm bushes showing wear, with an additional advisory that the nearside front headlamp was aimed too low. While the vehicle has consistently passed its MOTs in earlier years, the appearance of multiple front‑end advisories in the last two tests indicates a trend toward deteriorating front‑wheel condition and a slight decline in overall maintenance vigilance. At 81 690 miles for a 2015 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7 400 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would suggest severe wear, but the relatively low total mileage combined with the age of the car means many components are likely to be calendar‑driven rather than purely mileage‑driven, especially rubber, battery and fluid items. Prospective buyers should give the front tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection; the tread depth should be measured on both sides and the sidewalls examined for cracking, bulging or edge wear that could precipitate a sudden loss of grip. On a test drive listen for clunking or excessive play when steering over bumps, which would confirm the advisory about front suspension arm pins or bushes and may require replacement of the bushings or the entire arm assembly. Verify that the headlamp beam is correctly centred – a mis‑aimed lamp can cause a fail at re‑test and may indicate an underlying adjustment issue with the steering column or suspension geometry. While the rear tyres have not been flagged recently, check them for uneven wear that could point to alignment problems, and inspect the brake discs and pads for surface rust, scoring or excessive pad wear, especially after the vehicle has been stationary for long periods. Given the vehicle’s eleven‑year age, time‑related checks are essential regardless of mileage. Examine the 12 V battery for corrosion on terminals and test its cranking voltage; a battery older than five years often needs replacement. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – for correct levels and signs of degradation such as oil sludge or coolant cloudiness, and consider a full service if the service book shows gaps. Look for corrosion on chassis mounting points, especially around the wheel arches and under the rear suspension, and verify that the exhaust system is free of cracks or rust perforations. A comprehensive visual inspection combined with a careful road test will reveal whether the front‑end wear noted in the MOT is imminent or already affecting drivability, allowing the buyer to budget for tyre replacement, possible suspension work and any ancillary age‑related maintenance.