2008 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · EF08 LNO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of reactive rather than preventative care. The most recent test in November 2025 at 121,149 miles shows a pass following an immediate failure for thin front brake pads and worn rear pads. This indicates that the owner only addresses critical safety components once they trigger an MOT failure. While the vehicle passed its latest inspection, the recurring nature of consumable failures suggests a lack of rigorous routine inspections. At 121,149 miles over 18 years, the S-Max averages approximately 6,730 miles per year, which aligns with typical low-duty MPV usage. The data shows consistent annual intervals; between November 2023 and November 2024, the vehicle covered 4,069 miles, followed by another 7,163 miles in the subsequent year leading to the latest test. This low annual mileage does not suggest mechanical strain, but the age of the vehicle means that rubber and metal components are likely subject to environmental degradation. A buyer must pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems due to multiple flagged issues. The November 2024 test noted corroded coil springs on the nearside and offside rear, a common failure point for structural fatigue on this model. Furthermore, the 2023 failure highlighted a binding offside front brake with excessive heat damage, which often indicates a seized caliper or worn slide pins. Any physical inspection should check for further lateral corrosion on the springs and ensure that the anti-roll bar linkages, which were previously flagged for torn dust covers, remain secure. The history also reveals lapses in basic electrical and tyre maintenance. The November 2023 failure involved multiple inoperative bulbs, stop lamps, and indicator switches, alongside tyres worn to the legal limit with deep cuts. The uneven wear patterns noted on the tyres in 2023 suggest an alignment issue that was never explicitly addressed. The buyer should verify the current state of all lighting elements and inspect the tyre tread for irregular wear to ensure the vehicle does not require immediate hidden expenses.