2009 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · EX09 MXC

A pattern of emerging age-related wear in the exhaust and engine seals defines the recent history of this vehicle, following a period of several years with clean certificates. The most recent pass on 7 May 2024 was accompanied by advisories for an oil leak and exhaust defects, indicating a shift toward more frequent component degradation. The recorded mileage of 128,593 miles over 17 years reflects a typical annual accumulation of approximately 7,564 miles. This steady usage suggests a consistent level of wear across the drivetrain and consumables, avoiding the specific risks associated with vehicles that have spent extended periods stationary or those subjected to excessive high-mileage stress. Attention must be paid to the chassis and steering components flagged in 2022, specifically the worn rear suspension arm bushes, corroded rear coil springs, and play in the offside steering rack inner joint. On a test drive, feel for any steering instability or pull, and listen for knocking sounds from the rear of the vehicle when driving over bumps. Verification is required to determine if these specific items were rectified after the 2022 test. The most recent advisories concerning a minor exhaust leak, a defective front exhaust mounting, and an oil leak require direct inspection. Listen for an abnormal exhaust note or drone during acceleration and check the underbody for evidence of oil misting or leaks. The security of the exhaust system should be physically checked to ensure the defective mounting is no longer causing excessive movement or vibration.