2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · CE68 SOU

The most recent DVSA test on 6 December 2025 returned a PASS, although two advisories were issued that warrant careful attention from any prospective buyer. The front tyres were recorded at 2.0mm, which sits at the absolute legal minimum and therefore indicates that replacement should be considered imminent regardless of the pass result. The rear brake pads were also flagged as wearing thin, suggesting that pad renewal will be required in the near term. Looking back through the MOT history, the vehicle has passed every annual test without failure since at least 2021, which is a positive indicator of overall roadworthiness. However, the advisory pattern is mildly progressive: the 2022 and 2023 tests flagged rear tyre wear and deteriorating rear trailing arm bushes, while the 2025 test has surfaced front tyre wear and rear brake pad thinning. The trend is not worsening dramatically, but it does suggest that consumable wear items are now accumulating at a rate consistent with a vehicle entering mid-life servicing territory. With 77,607 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the Kuga is averaging around 9,700 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this age and segment. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the mileage progression visible across the MOT records, implying the vehicle has been in steady, regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods or subject to extreme high-mileage accumulation. This level of usage is generally favourable for mechanical condition, as it means components such as the clutch, brakes, suspension, and drivetrain have been worked regularly without being excessively strained. That said, at this mileage band several age- and distance-related service items should already have been addressed, including timing belt or chain inspection depending on engine variant, coolant renewal, brake fluid replacement, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable. Buyers should confirm the service book or digital history reflects adherence to the Ford schedule. The recurring advisories relating to tyre edge wear are worth investigating carefully, as uneven or shoulder-biased wear on a Kuga can point to suspension geometry issues, worn bushes, or tracking misalignment. The 2023 advisory specifically noted deterioration of both rear trailing arm bushes, which is a known wear point on this model and can contribute to imprecise rear handling, knocking noises over uneven surfaces, and uneven rear tyre wear if not replaced. On a road test, listen for clonking or creaking from the rear suspension over speed humps and rough roads, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering at the rear end during lane changes. With the rear brake pads now flagged as wearing thin, the buyer should also expect to budget for pad replacement shortly, and should ideally inspect the rear brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion given that pad wear at this mileage often coincides with disc surface degradation. Beyond the documented advisories, several practical age-related inspections are advisable for an eight-year-old Kuga approaching 78,000 miles. Tyres of this age should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking even if the tread depth appears acceptable, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of mileage, and Ford original equipment tyres are typically around five to six years old at this point. The 12V battery should be load-tested, particularly if the vehicle has been used for shorter runs, as Kugas of this era are known to suffer battery drain issues that can leave owners stranded. Inspect the underside and suspension components for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear subframe and exhaust mounting areas given the UK's road salt exposure. Finally, verify that all time-based fluid services have been performed: brake fluid should be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage, coolant every four to five years, and if fitted, the four-wheel-drive or automatic transmission fluid should be inspected. A thorough road test covering motorway, town, and rough road conditions, combined with these targeted inspections, will confirm whether this Kuga remains a sound purchase or requires meaningful remedial work in the short term.