2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · JM09 BEX

A consistent run of clean MOT passes from 2021 through to the most recent test on 20 May 2025 defines the roadworthiness picture for this 2016 Ford S-Max. Five consecutive passes and zero recorded defects or advisories across four years of testing demonstrates that, at the point of each annual examination, the vehicle has met the statutory standards for brakes, tyres, suspension, lighting, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity without any component being flagged for attention. This is a notably tidy record for a ten-year-old MP7, particularly as S-Maxes of this age are commonly observed with advisories relating to rear suspension bushes, coil spring corrosion, or front brake disc wear. The absence of any recorded items suggests either prompt rectification of wear items before test, or genuinely low wear rates on the inspected components at each annual check. Mileage accumulation over the recorded testing period appears entirely typical for the vehicle's age. With 85,445 miles shown against a 2016 registration, the annual rate works out to roughly 8,544 miles per year, which sits squarely within the expected band for a family-sized MP7 used for a mix of commuting, school runs, and longer journeys. There are no extended gaps between MOT tests that would suggest prolonged off-road storage, and the regular annual testing pattern through 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 indicates the vehicle has been in continuous use throughout. This consistent utilisation is mechanically beneficial, as regular driving keeps seals lubricated, prevents brake corrosion from setting in on the discs, and avoids the flat-spotting and sidewall flex issues that affect tyres left standing for long periods. At this mileage, the timing chain, dual-clutch or torque converter automatic transmission fluid, and coolant are all approaching or past their original replacement intervals even if the MOT examiner has not specifically flagged them. Because the MOT history is entirely free of advisories, a prospective buyer cannot rely on the test record to pinpoint weak components and must instead apply targeted inspection effort to the areas most likely to be wearing on a high-mileage Ford S-Max of this generation. On a test drive, pay close attention to the front suspension: listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front anti-roll bar drop links and wishbones over speed humps and uneven B-road tarmac, as these are a known wear item on S-Max vehicles approaching and exceeding the 80,000-mile mark. Feel for any vagueness through the steering wheel on the motorway, which can indicate worn top mounts or tired power steering rack bushes, and check for uneven front tyre wear, which on this model often points toward worn suspension geometry components rather than alignment alone. The rear suspension, particularly the coil springs and trailing arm bushes, should also be inspected for any sagging at the rear or knocking on acceleration and braking. The braking system warrants particular physical scrutiny even though no defects were recorded. With 85,000 miles covered, the front brake discs and pads are likely approaching their second or third set, and rear calipers and sliders on S-Maxes are known to bind with age, leading to uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. On the test drive, apply the brakes firmly from a moderate speed and feel for any judder through the steering wheel, which suggests front disc runout or hot spots, and check whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, which would indicate a seized caliper guide pin or a sticking rear caliper. Listen for any grinding or metallic squeal from the front wheels on light application, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on a steep incline, as rear caliper mechanisms can deteriorate silently. Finally, inspect the underside for any oil misting around the engine and transmission seams, check the coolant expansion tank for signs of chocolate-coloured residue that could indicate a failing head gasket or oil cooler, and confirm that the air conditioning blows cold, as the S-Max condenser and compressor are known wear items at this age. A clean MOT record is reassuring, though a pre-purchase inspection by a garage familiar with Ford products remains advisable given the mileage.