2023 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Phev CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · FIB 334

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT inspection on 15 May 2026, indicating that it met the minimum legal safety requirements at the time of testing. While the overall maintenance trend appears stable as no major structural or mechanical failures were recorded, the presence of advisories regarding the rear tyres suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where consumable components require immediate replacement. The pass is technically successful, but the advisories serve as a clear warning that the vehicle's roadworthiness regarding tyre tread depth and wear patterns is nearing the threshold of a failure. With 46,965 miles recorded over a three-year period, the vehicle has covered approximately 15,655 miles per year. This represents a high rate of usage compared to typical UK averages for this vehicle class. From a mechanical standpoint, this accelerated mileage accumulation implies that components subject to friction and fatigue, such as brake pads, discs, suspension bushings, and tyres, will experience more rapid degradation. While high mileage often suggests consistent long-distance driving which can be less taxing on the engine and transmission than heavy urban stop-start traffic, it also means that the vehicle's service history must be scrutinised closely to ensure that all scheduled maintenance has been performed according to the manufacturer's high-usage intervals. The advisories specifically mention that both the nearside and offside rear tyres are worn close to the legal limit and exhibit uneven wear on the outer edges. This specific pattern of wear is a strong indicator of potential wheel alignment issues, such as incorrect camber or toe settings, or it could point to worn suspension components like rear axle bushes or dampers that are failing to maintain correct geometry. During a test drive, you should pay close attention to any vibration through the chassis, rhythmic humming from the rear, or any tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side when navigating corners or during straight-line driving. Given the high mileage, you must also conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system. Look for excessive scoring or thinning on the brake discs and listen for any grinding or squealing that might indicate worn pads or binding calipers. Because this is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), it is also vital to confirm that the service history includes all manufacturer-specified electrical and hybrid system checks. Ensure the 12V battery health is verified and that the cooling systems for both the internal combustion engine and the hybrid components have been regularly serviced to avoid thermal management issues.