2020 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · EX70 VCG

A clear mechanical theme has emerged across the MOT history of this 2020 Ford S-Max: an otherwise clean roadworthiness record is now showing the first concrete signs of wear on the braking system. The most recent test on 2 September 2025 was a pass, but three advisories were issued at the same time, all relating to the front and rear brake discs and the front brake pads. Two earlier tests in September 2023 and September 2024 returned clean passes with no advisories, which means the braking wear has surfaced quite suddenly within the last twelve months rather than building gradually across multiple inspections. While none of the items were serious enough to cause a failure, three simultaneous brake-related advisories on a six-year-old vehicle is a meaningful indicator that the friction components are approaching the point at which refurbishment or replacement will be required. Recorded mileage stands at 46,797 miles across six years of life, which works out to roughly 7,800 miles per year on average. That figure is broadly typical for the age of the vehicle, suggesting neither heavy motorway use nor long periods of inactivity. The MOT history shows tests in consecutive Septembers of 2023, 2024 and 2025, which is consistent with continuous road use rather than a laid-up vehicle. The mileage gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests is around 8,000 miles, and a similar increment appears between 2024 and 2025, which is a steady and predictable accumulation pattern that gives no cause for concern in itself. For a prospective buyer, the priority on any inspection should be the braking system, which is the only area the MOT history flags as showing wear. The front discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened, and the same observation applies to the rear discs; the front brake pads were also flagged as wearing thin. A test drive should include several firm stops from around 30 to 40 mph to check for brake pedal vibration or judder through the pedal, which is a common symptom of disc run-out or uneven wear on pitted rotors. The car should also be checked at low speed for any pulling to one side, which can indicate a binding or partially seized caliper, particularly as the rear caliper mechanisms on S-Max models of this era are known to stick. Listen for any grinding or scraping noise from the wheels on light application, and feel for a pulsating sensation through the steering wheel under braking. Beyond the braking system, the absence of any suspension, steering, exhaust or corrosion advisories across three consecutive tests is a positive indicator, particularly given the S-Max's known susceptibility to rear suspension bush wear and front anti-roll bar link issues. On the test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle behaves over uneven roads and speed humps: any clonking, knocking or rattling from the front suspension area could indicate worn drop links or anti-roll bar bushes, while a vague or wandering feeling from the rear could point to worn trailing arm bushes. Inspect the underside visually if possible, paying particular attention to the rear subframe mounting areas and the front suspension arms for any surface corrosion. Given the brake components flagged, budgeting for a full front disc and pad renewal, and likely rear disc refurbishment, should be considered a near-term expense rather than an immediate one.