2011 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · GV11 FXS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test in December 2025 at 172,726 miles shows the car passing only after failing on lighting issues and steering component wear. While the immediate failures were rectified, the presence of advisories regarding track rod ends and anti-roll bar linkages suggests that the front suspension is entering a phase of accelerated degradation where components are addressed only when they approach an MOT failure threshold. At 172,726 miles, this fifteen-year-old Ford has covered an average of approximately 11,500 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for an MPV. The data shows consistent mileage patterns, with roughly 6,500 miles driven between November 2023 and November 2024, and another 9,200 miles in the seven months leading up to the most recent test. This steady accumulation suggests the vehicle is used regularly, which explains the progressive wear on rubber-based suspension bushes and damping shock absorbers. A buyer should inspect the front and rear suspension geometry closely, as the record repeatedly flags wear in the trailing arm bushes and track rod ends. The tester noted a distorted nearside rear road wheel in 2024, which could indicate a past impact that should be checked for alignment or rim damage. Additionally, the misting on the nearside front shock absorber reported in 2024 indicates the seals are failing and will likely require replacement soon to maintain handling. The corroded rear heat shield mentioned in 2024 warrants a visual inspection of the exhaust system and structural mounting points to ensure surface rust has not progressed into thinning metal.