2011 Ford Kuga 2.5L Petrol · EO11 HDD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While the car passed its February 2026 test at 69,206 miles, it followed an immediate failure for multiple critical steering and tyre faults. The pattern of recurring issues, specifically regarding the steering rack and uneven tyre wear, suggests that basic wheel alignments may have been neglected, or that the owner only addresses mechanical defects when they reach the point of an MOT failure. At approximately 15 years old, the recorded mileage of 69,206 miles is significantly low, averaging only 4,600 miles per year. This low usage explains the relative freshness of certain components, but it also points to potential degradation of rubber-based parts. Between February 2024 and February 2026, the vehicle covered 10,708 miles, yet this consistent mileage did not prevent the development of steering rack failures and deteriorating exhaust mounts, which indicates that the primary stress is age and neglect rather than high-mile wear. A buyer must inspect the front steering system thoroughly, as the record shows a history of damaged gaiters and play in the inner joints dating back to 2025. The repeated failure of the nearside steering rack gaiter suggests the previous repair was either substandard or the component is failing again. Furthermore, the persistent inner-edge wear on both the front and rear tyres across multiple years points to a chronic alignment issue that will continue to consume expensive tyres prematurely. Close attention to the structural corrosion is also required, specifically on the rear suspension arms and tie bars noted in the 2026 test. While the tester did not find these as seriously weakened, the presence of corrosion on a vehicle of this age requires regular monitoring. The exhaust system also shows signs of neglect with missing mountings and corroded hangers, which should be checked to ensure the system remains securely fastened and free from excessive vibration or structural fatigue.