2006 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · DV56 LVE

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 4 October 2025 at 145,925 miles with no recorded defects. This recent pass indicates a stable mechanical state following the rectification of a headlamp alignment failure the previous day. The overall trend suggests a vehicle that is maintained to meet minimum legal standards, though the recurring nature of specific faults points to a pattern of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. With an average annual usage of approximately 7,300 miles over its twenty-year lifespan, the vehicle shows consistent, moderate wear rather than evidence of long-term storage or excessive heavy-duty use. The mileage accumulation remained steady between 2023 and 2025, with roughly 8,000 to 8,500 miles added annually. This usage profile is typical for an S-Max of this age and suggests the drivetrain has been kept in regular operation, which generally helps prevent the issues associated with prolonged inactivity. Prospective buyers should prioritise a detailed inspection of the rear suspension components, specifically focusing on the suspension arms. The MOT record from October 2024 identified serious corrosion on the nearside rear arm, which required repair to pass. Given the age of the vehicle, surface rust on the subframe and structural mounting points is likely, and any previous welding repairs should be scrutinised for quality and longevity. Additionally, check the condition of the front tyres and seat belt webbing, as these items have surfaced as points of concern in previous tests. While the vehicle passed its most recent assessment without advisories, the history of suspension-related corrosion dictates that a thorough look underneath the chassis is essential to ensure that previous repairs have addressed the root cause rather than merely masking the degradation of the metal.