2007 Ford S-MAX 2.5L Petrol · EX07 VRK

The most recent DVSA roadworthiness test on this 2007 Ford S-Max was conducted on 10 June 2024 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. Looking back over the available MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a broadly stable and reassuring maintenance trend, accumulating four consecutive clean passes between 2020 and 2024 following a single advisory in early 2020 and a prior failure in mid 2019. The earlier failure in July 2019 related to washer jet alignment, an inoperative rear stop lamp, and a nearside front shock absorber exhibiting a serious fluid leak, all of which are typical rectification items rather than indicators of systemic neglect. The 2020 advisory concerning an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge has not reappeared, suggesting it was addressed at the time. Overall, the absence of recurring advisories relating to suspension, braking, corrosion, or structural integrity points to a vehicle that has been conscientiously maintained throughout its recent life. With a recorded mileage of 101,460 miles spread across approximately 19 years, this S-Max has averaged around 5,340 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of its age and class. Such underutilisation can be a mixed blessing from a mechanical standpoint, as many wear-related components such as the clutch, drivetrain, and internal engine wear are likely to be in relatively good condition, yet prolonged periods of standing or only short journeys can accelerate degradation of items that suffer from inactivity. Cold starts, infrequent use, and short urban runs can promote moisture accumulation in the engine oil, condensation within the exhaust system, and underbonnet corrosion, while brake discs and callipers can seize or develop surface corrosion from lack of regular application. A prospective buyer should therefore weigh the benefits of low mechanical wear against the heightened risk of deterioration through standing time. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age approaching two decades, a thorough physical inspection should prioritise areas most affected by time rather than mileage. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, or hardening of the rubber compound, as tyres older than six or seven years can lose structural integrity even if the tread depth appears adequate, and the production date code on the sidewall should be verified. The 12-volt battery is highly likely to be approaching the end of its service life and should be load tested, particularly as prolonged standing will have discharged it repeatedly. Brake discs should be inspected for severe surface corrosion or pitting, and the callipers should be checked for binding or seized pistons, which can manifest as uneven braking, pulling to one side, or excessive brake drag on a test drive. Fluid services including engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable, should be confirmed as up to date, as these degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, and any signs of leakage from the power steering or cooling system warrant close attention. During a test drive, particular care should be taken to listen for suspension clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate perished bushes or worn anti-roll bar links, and to feel for any vagueness in the steering or knocking through the column. Given the earlier 2019 shock absorber failure, the front suspension should be inspected for any residual oil seepage, and the vehicle should sit level when parked. The engine should be observed from cold start for excessive smoke, and once at operating temperature for any irregular idle or hesitation, as low-mileage vehicles can suffer from degraded seals and gaskets rather than internal wear. Finally, verifying a comprehensive service history with evidence of timing belt and water pump replacement, which is critical on this generation of Ford Duratec and TDCi engines, will provide further confidence in the mechanical integrity of this otherwise well-presented S-Max.