2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · EP18 BWN

The defining mechanical note for this 2018 Ford Kuga is a clean pass history with no recorded failures or advisories across the four tests prior to July 2026, followed by a recent test that was passed only after four tyre-related advisories were logged at the front and rear axle. The earlier tests between 2021 and 2024 returned a clean sheet with no defects recorded, so the recent tyre wear and deterioration represents the first flagged deterioration in the record. The 2026 test on 03 July passed with all tyres deemed legal, but the advisories indicate that the rubber on the nearside and offside front wheels is worn close to the legal limit and exhibits cracking, while the rear pair are slightly damaged and showing perishing. A prospective buyer should treat this as evidence that the tyres are approaching the end of their useful life and will require replacement in the near term, regardless of whether they have technically passed. Recorded mileage stands at 58,316 miles across an eight-year registration, which equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,290 miles, a level that sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record shows five tests between 2021 and 2026, with intervals generally consistent with annual testing requirements, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use without extended periods off the road. No unusual mileage jumps or gaps are apparent in the recorded history. While this kind of mileage does not automatically indicate excessive wear, the moderate annual accumulation means that consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension bushes will have experienced normal service life wear rather than the accelerated degradation often associated with very high-mileage examples. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the priority is the tyre condition flagged in the most recent advisory. The cracking noted on both front tyres suggests age-related rubber degradation, which on a Kuga of this generation typically presents as sidewall hairline cracks, shallow tread groove checking, or visible perishing between the tread blocks. On inspection, the front tyres should be checked for tread depth across the full width, as the advisory of being worn on edge hints at possible uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or tracking irregularities introduced by the front strut or wishbone components. A test drive should focus on straight-line stability; any pulling to one side, vibration through the steering wheel at speed, or excessive road noise would warrant further investigation into the suspension geometry and tyre suitability. The rear tyre advisories for slight damage and perishing are less urgent but should still be addressed. On a physical inspection, look for impacts, sidewall bulges, or cuts on the rear tyres, and check the spare if present. The test drive should include driving over uneven surfaces and speed humps at low speed, listening for clonking or knocking from the front suspension, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar links, top mounts, or wishbone bushes that have not yet been flagged but are consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage. Finally, given the dry advisory history and absence of any recorded brake, exhaust, or corrosion advisories through to 2024, it would be prudent to inspect the underside of the vehicle for any emerging corrosion on suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and brake pipes, as these are common MOT failure points on Kugas approaching a decade of service. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a competent mechanic remains the most reliable way to confirm the vehicle's current mechanical state.