2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · GN10 OTT

The vehicle presents a worsening maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT test on 28 August 2025 at 123,393 miles revealing an increasing number of advisories across multiple systems. While the vehicle passed, the tester flagged a minor exhaust leak, oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, and reduced damping on the nearside front unit. These findings suggest that the suspension components are nearing the end of their serviceable life. The presence of worn, pitted, and scored front brake discs, alongside worn suspension arm bushes, indicates that wear is progressing through the chassis and braking assemblies. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,700 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, moving from 93,653 miles in August 2022 to 123,393 miles in August 2025. There are no significant gaps in usage that would suggest long periods of stagnation, which typically helps prevent seal degradation. However, the consistent annual mileage has not prevented the gradual onset of mechanical wear, particularly regarding consumables and suspension geometry. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and damping systems. The recurring advisories for corroded rear coil springs in 2023 and 2024, combined with the recent shock absorber issues, suggest the underside of the vehicle requires close scrutiny for structural corrosion and component fatigue. The tester also noted a distorted nearside rear road wheel in July 2024, which warrants an investigation into the wheel rim integrity and potential previous impact damage. Braking components require immediate attention. The history shows a pattern of pitted and scored discs at both the front and rear from 2022 through to 2025, suggesting that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, the braking hardware is heavily aged. The recent advisory regarding the front exhaust leak also necessitates a check for further corrosion along the exhaust system to prevent more significant failures. Monitoring the power steering fluid levels is also advisable, following the low levels flagged during the July 2024 inspection.