2014 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · GV14 XTA

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance profile, showing a recent shift from consumable wear towards more significant suspension components. While the November 2025 test at 86,519 miles resulted in a pass, the tester identified light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber and noted cracking on the front inner suspension arm bushes. This indicates a transition from simple tyre and brake replacement towards more complex mechanical repairs. The trend suggests that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, the aging suspension components are beginning to reach the end of their serviceable life. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,200 miles per year. The records show steady progression from 33,034 miles in August 2017 to the current 86,519 miles in November 2025. There are no significant gaps in the testing timeline, which implies the vehicle has been in regular use and subject to annual inspections. The gradual increase in mileage supports the conclusion that the mechanical wear observed is a natural consequence of long-term usage rather than sudden, heavy-duty operation. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension assembly. The recurring issues with tyres, such as the uneven wear noted in the October 2024 test at 71,492 miles and the failures in 2019 and 2023, often signal underlying alignment or suspension geometry problems. Given the recent advisories regarding shock absorber misting and worn bushes, I recommend checking for any play in the front suspension and verifying that the recent repairs have addressed the previous issues with track rod ends and steering components. Brake maintenance also requires scrutiny. The record shows a history of thin pads, specifically in the October 2022 test at 57,013 miles and the October 2023 failure at 62,357 miles involving the offside rear pad. The October 2024 test also flagged a low parking brake reading on the offside rear. These repeated brake-related advisories and failures suggest that while the vehicle is currently passing, the braking system and rear parking brake mechanism should be thoroughly tested for effectiveness and consistency.