2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Petrol · EX60 RNF

The most recent MOT test on 18 June 2026 resulted in a pass, although a small cluster of minor defects and advisories were recorded. These included deteriorated front registration plate characters, reduced light intensity on both rear position lamps, a partially failed offside rear multiple light source, and a severely deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover. The broader test history over the past five years shows a stable, generally well-maintained trend, with all tests passing. However, recurring advisory and minor items concerning rear lamp lens damage, rear tyre perishing, front brake disc wear, and exhaust mounting condition suggest slow deterioration of age-related components. The single failure recorded on 5 March 2021 was significant, with dangerous and major items including a nearside front tyre devoid of tread on inner and outer edges, inoperative headlamp dipped beam, failed registration plate lamp, and both windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively. That failure has not been repeated in subsequent tests, indicating the issues were remedied. The recorded mileage of 72,715 miles over approximately sixteen years equates to around 4,545 miles per year, which is low for the vehicle's age and suggests either light usage or extended periods of standing. Such a low annual mileage is consistent with second-car, short-journey, or garage-stored use, which carries its own mechanical implications. Infrequent use can accelerate corrosion of brake discs due to surface rust, cause brake calipers to seize or bind through lack of regular actuation, and lead to premature ageing of the 12V battery, drive belt rubbers, and various rubber seals. Conversely, very low mileage reduces wear on internal drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox, and engine bearings, so the major mechanical assemblies are likely to be in reasonable condition provided regular time-based servicing has been carried out. Several recurring advisories warrant specific attention during a physical inspection and test drive. The repeatedly noted nearside rear tyre perishing and inner edge cracking, first recorded in 2021 and reappearing in 2022 and 2023, indicates that age-related rubber degradation is a feature of this S-Max. On inspection, all four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, tread separation, and uneven wear patterns, particularly on the inner edges which can point to worn suspension bushes or weakened coil springs; the front brake discs noted as worn, pitted, or scored in both 2024 and 2025 should be checked for lipping, hot spots, and excessive runout, with attention paid to any brake shudder or pulsation under firm pedal pressure. The offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover noted as severely deteriorated in 2026 should be inspected for grease loss and play in the joint itself, and the test drive should be conducted over broken road surfaces to listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension, which would indicate worn bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar mountings. The exhaust mounting defect recorded as an advisory in 2021, 2022, and 2023 should be physically inspected underneath for secure hangers, and the exhaust system itself checked for corrosion at the joints, silencer, and mounting points, as sixteen-year-old exhaust systems are particularly susceptible to corrosion failure even at modest mileages. Beyond the documented advisory items, the buyer should carry out several age- and usage-appropriate checks. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing cracks regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with calendar age independent of wear, and any tyre older than six years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery should be load-tested or its age confirmed, as batteries typically fail between five and seven years. Brake caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for free movement, particularly given the low annual mileage which predisposes these components to seizing. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should all be regarded as overdue for renewal on a calendar basis, with brake fluid being hygroscopic and requiring replacement every two years regardless of mileage. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and subframe mounting points, is essential on a sixteen-year-old Ford S-Max, as these are known areas for age-related corrosion that would not necessarily be detected during a routine MOT test.