2012 Ford S-MAX 1.6L Petrol · LB61 AHV

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT, but the history indicates a reactive rather than proactive maintenance pattern. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 143,045 miles was a pass, it followed a failure just three days prior. This failure highlighted a serious fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber and a dangerous condition on the offside rear tyre with exposed cords. The trend suggests that mechanical and safety-critical components are only addressed once they reach the point of test failure rather than being serviced during routine maintenance intervals. At 143,045 miles over 14 years, the S-Max averages approximately 10,200 miles per annum, which aligns with typical national averages for a family vehicle. The mileage data shows consistent usage, with roughly 6,000 miles covered between the September 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 7,000 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests. This steady accumulation indicates the vehicle is used regularly, which places consistent wear on the suspension, braking system, and drivetrain components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension geometry, as the recurring reports of inner edge wear on multiple tyres in 2023 and 2024 suggest persistent alignment issues or worn suspension bushes. The serious leak on the front shock absorber in 2025 necessitates a check of the remaining dampers to ensure they have not also degraded. Furthermore, the record shows a history of thin brake pads and pitted discs across several years, indicating that the braking system is frequently nearing the end of its service life and requires close monitoring for uneven wear. The exhaust heat shield has appeared as a recurring advisory and failure since 2024, which while minor, reflects a general lack of attention to simple underbody repairs. The buyer should also verify the functionality of the seatbelts and the central stop lamp, as these were flagged as failures in recent tests. Given the high mileage and age, a specific check for structural integrity and corrosion corrosion on the sills and mounting points is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the vehicle.