2019 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · DA19 AOB

The current vehicle has a roadworthiness status of Pass, but the maintenance history reveals a critical inconsistency between the most recent test and the previous failure. In the September 2023 test at 25,160 miles, the car passed all tests, including the windscreen wiper which was subsequently found to fail in the September 2026 test at 39,163 miles. This indicates that while the car passed its initial MOT, the mechanical condition deteriorated significantly, suggesting that basic upkeep was skipped and the car is now in a state of unacceptably poor condition for commercial or daily use. The lack of defects in the 2025 and 2024 tests demonstrates that the issue was not a gradual progression but a sudden failure of the wiper mechanism, likely due to lack of maintenance. The mileage pattern shows a notable gap between the most recent test and the previous failure, with the car failing at 39,163 miles after passing at 25,160 miles. This gap of 14,003 miles suggests that the vehicle experienced a period of inactivity or poor handling where the engine and drivetrain components did not develop wear, yet the wiper failed shortly after. The rapid accumulation of miles since the 2026 test indicates that the car is currently in a state of rapid wear, with the engine and suspension likely approaching their limits, even though the brakes and undertray components passed the 2025 test. Given the recurring failure of the windscreen wiper and the lack of defects in the 2025 test, a buyer should inspect the car for binding rear brakes, worn brake discs, and excessive rust in the undertray. The absence of defects in the 2025 test suggests that the brakes were originally in good condition, but the wiper failure points to a more serious mechanical issue, such as a seized motor or a failing suspension bush. A thorough inspection is necessary to determine if the vehicle is ready for a new MOT or if it requires urgent servicing to avoid a failed MOT in the future.