2016 Ford Kuga 1.5L Petrol · EJ66 XTX

A clean and stable roadworthiness profile defines this 2016 Ford Kuga, with four consecutive pass certificates at the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests each returning no advisories or defects. The only blemish across the recorded DVSA history is a single fail dated November 2022, which was almost entirely tyre related. All four tyres were marked down for cuts exposing ply or cords, with accompanying cracking and perishing, and a nearside front and both rear items were classed as Major defects. The pass on the following day shows the tyres were replaced promptly, and the four tests that followed have been completely clean, indicating that the original failure was an isolated consumable issue rather than a symptom of broader neglect. For a ten year old SUV, this is a reassuringly tidy MOT record with no recurring advisories on suspension, braking, exhaust, or corrosion to suggest any developing chronic issues. Annual mileage accumulation of roughly 6,468 miles over a ten year period sits squarely within typical parameters for the vehicle's age, suggesting steady rather than intensive use. The MOT testing cadence is regular and biennial as the vehicle aged past three years, with no significant lay up gaps that might point to long periods of standing, which on a Kuga can contribute to seized calipers, perished coolant hoses, and degraded tyre sidewalls through flat spotting. The mileage progression across tests appears consistent rather than exhibiting sudden spikes that could indicate clock irregularities or heavy motorway use between certifications. Mechanically, this level of use should have preserved consumable life on brake pads, discs, and clutch components, while keeping the engine on relatively modest hours of operation for a turbocharged 1.5 or 2.0 litre EcoBoost unit. The 2022 tyre failure does, however, merit specific attention on inspection. Perishing and sidewall cracking on a Kuga of this age can point to underinflation history or prolonged sun exposure, so check all four tyres closely for hairline cracks in the sidewall flex area and uneven shoulder wear. On the test drive, listen for any knocks or clonks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular notice to the front lower control arm rear bushes which are a known weak point on this generation Kuga and frequently contribute to vague steering and imprecise tracking once worn. Brake feel should be firm and progressive without any judder through the pedal under firm application, as disc runout on a higher mileage Kuga can manifest as steering wheel oscillation. Given the complete absence of corrosion advisories on the recorded MOT history, inspect the rear wheel arches, the lower tailgate aperture, and the front subframe mounting areas for any surface bubbling or underseal disturbance, as these are common starting points for structural rot on Kugas operating in wetter regions. On cold start, listen for any timing chain rattle from the EcoBoost engine, which typically settles within a second or two, and check for oil residue around the rocker cover gasket and the PCV valve area, both of which are known seepage points. Verify that the electronic parking brake releases cleanly without a lurch and that the handbrake holds on an incline, as caliper mechanisms can seize with light use. Finally, confirm the operation of the rear differential and clutch take up is smooth, as any judder or slipping under load would suggest mechanical wear inconsistent with the otherwise orderly MOT history presented.