2012 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · FE12 VMW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding deferred mechanical repairs. While it passed its most recent test in March 2026 at 96,751 miles, the record reveals recurring advisories that have gone unresolved for a year. The persistence of play in both anti-roll bar linkage ball joints across the 2025 and 2026 tests indicates that the owner is opting for the minimum legal compliance standard rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a vehicle used for moderate annual commuting, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. There is a clear gap of roughly 5,000 miles between April 2023 and March 2024, and another 5,400-mile interval between March 2024 and April 2025. This steady usage suggests the car is not subjected to extreme stress, yet the failure in March 2025 due to a tyre cut and bulb failure shows that basic checks may have been neglected between annual inspections. A physical inspection must focus on the front engine bay to address the persistent oil leak which has been flagged since at least March 2025. While the tester described it as not excessive, its longevity suggests a slow weeping gasket or seal that will eventually require replacement to prevent fluid loss. The buyer should also inspect the rear anti-roll bar links, as both sides have been flagged for play in three consecutive tests and are likely nearing total failure, which will cause audible knocking and degraded handling if not replaced immediately.