2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · EX10 DFZ

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by an increase in the frequency and complexity of mechanical failures during recent inspections. While the December 2024 test at 195,093 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed just six miles prior at 195,087 miles. That failure highlighted several significant issues, including an offside front wheel bearing with excessive play, a structurally compromised tyre, and binding front service brakes. These recent defects suggest that the vehicle is entering a period of higher maintenance requirements as components reach the end of their service life. The mileage accumulation is high for a 2010 model, averaging approximately 12,193 miles per year. The records show consistent, heavy usage, particularly between 2014 and 2024. A notable jump occurred between June 2015 and May 2016, where the mileage increased by over 23,000 miles. The data remains relatively consistent through to the most recent 2024 entry, indicating a vehicle that has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle. This high mileage places significant cumulative stress on the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems. A prospective buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering components. The MOT history reveals recurring issues with suspension arm pins and bushes, specifically noted in October 2023 and April 2019. The steering rack inner joint also showed play in the October 2023 test. Given the high mileage and these previous advisories, the condition of all bushings, ball joints, and steering linkages is critical. Brake and tyre maintenance also require close scrutiny. The record shows a pattern of binding brakes, with issues noted in October 2022 and December 2024, alongside pitted or scored brake discs. Frequent tyre failures and uneven wear, such as the inner edge wear seen in 2016, 2017, and 2022, suggest potential underlying alignment or suspension geometry problems. A physical check of the brake calipers, discs, and the current state of the wheel alignment is essential before purchase.