2014 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Petrol · EN14 AUT

The 2014 Ford S-Max currently shows a stable maintenance trend, having secured three consecutive clean MOT passes between 2024 and 2026. While the vehicle experienced a period of recurring failures between 2022 and 2024, these were primarily related to consumable items such as tyres, lighting, and braking components. The absence of any recorded defects in the most recent annual inspections suggests that the previous owner has addressed these maintenance requirements, resulting in a reliable current roadworthiness status. The history indicates a vehicle that is being actively maintained to pass its annual testing, though the nature of the previous failures highlights the importance of scrutinising the condition of wear-and-tear items during your inspection. With a recorded mileage of 63,492 miles over twelve years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 5,291 miles per annum, which is significantly lower than the national average for a family-oriented MPV. While lower mileage often suggests less mechanical strain on the engine and transmission, it also indicates the vehicle may have spent extended periods standing idle. You should verify the service history to ensure that time-dependent maintenance, such as brake fluid changes, coolant flushes, and the timing belt replacement schedule, has been adhered to regardless of the low mileage. Vehicles that sit for long durations can suffer from seized brake calipers, perished rubber components, and accelerated battery degradation, all of which may not be immediately apparent during a short test drive. During your test drive, pay close attention to the braking system, as the 2022 MOT history noted thin pads and pitted discs. Even if these were replaced, listen for any grinding or squealing noises that could indicate binding calipers or seized slider pins resulting from infrequent use. Test the pedal feel for any sponginess, which could suggest old brake fluid that has absorbed moisture over time. Additionally, inspect the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds degrade due to age and ultraviolet exposure even when the tread depth remains legal. Check the suspension for any knocking sounds over speed bumps, as the rubber bushes and drop links may have hardened or cracked over the last decade. Finally, perform a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's exterior and engine bay. Given the age of the S-Max, check the underside for surface corrosion on the subframes and exhaust system, which is common in vehicles that are not driven regularly enough to burn off moisture. Verify the operation of all electrical systems, specifically the lighting units that previously caused test failures, to ensure the wiring looms have not suffered from corrosion. Check the 12V battery for signs of age-related weakness, such as sluggish engine cranking, and confirm that the engine oil and filter have been changed according to the manufacturer's time-based schedule rather than just mileage intervals. A well-documented service history will be the best indicator that the vehicle has been cared for despite its light usage profile.