2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · GV65 KSE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed its latest test in January 2026 at 129,236 miles, the failure just three days prior highlights a significant lapse in basic equipment inspections. The trend suggests that components are being run until failure, with the owner appearing to only address faults once they trigger an MOT failure rather than performing scheduled preventative maintenance. At 129,236 miles, this ten-year-old S-Max has covered a high mileage, averaging approximately 13,000 miles per year. The record shows consistent use, with roughly 13,000 miles driven between January 2024 and January 2025, and another 17,000 miles covered between January 2025 and January 2026. This high rate of accumulation places considerable stress on the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems, which reflected in the recurring wear issues noted across multiple testing cycles. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system. The history repeatedly flags thin brake pads across all four axles, with the nearside rear pads reaching a critical thickness of less than 1.5mm in early 2026. The failure caused by pitted and scored front brake discs indicates that the rotors have been neglected, leading to vibration or poor stopping performance. Additionally, the recurring low coolant levels noted in both 2024 and 2026 suggest a persistent leak or cooling system inefficiency that remains unaddressed. Specific attention should also be paid to the suspension and tyres. The January 2026 failure noted front tyres worn to the legal limit and on the edges, which often indicates alignment issues or worn shock absorbers. Given the high mileage and age of the vehicle, an inspector should check for perished arm bushes, worn coil springs, and leaking dampers. The windscreen damage also persisted across multiple years, necessitating a check for cracks that may have progressed and compromise the structural integrity of the glass.