2009 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · GH02 APH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension and structural integrity. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026 at 139,136 miles, the tester identified new defects including corroded front and rear coil springs and a deteriorated nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint cover. This follows a pattern of escalating mechanical wear seen in previous years, suggesting that components are reaching the end of their lifespan rather than being proactively replaced. At 139,136 miles over 17 years, the S-Max has averaged approximately 8,184 miles per year, which is consistent with a family vehicle of this age. The record shows steady usage, with roughly 5,000 miles covered between each annual test from 2023 to 2026. However, the low annual mileage has not prevented the onset of age-related degradation. The recurring advisories regarding sub-frame and suspension arms indicate that the vehicle is susceptible to significant environmental corrosion and rubber-component failures. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and lower suspension de-components. The rear sub-frame was flagged as corroded in 2024 and 2025, and the recent failure for corroded coil springs suggests the structural integrity of the suspension mounting points is a point of concern. Furthermore, the history of excessively worn suspension arm bushes and ball joints in 2025 indicates that the front geometry may be compromised, which likely caused the uneven tyre wear noted during those tests. The braking system also shows a reactive approach to maintenance. The failure in 2025 due to thin rear brake pads suggests that component wear is only addressed once reaching a legal failure limit. Any prospective buyer should verify the current state of the brake discs and calipers for binding or uneven pitting, and ensure that the front tyres have been aligned correctly to resolve the previous inner-edge wear issues.