2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Petrol · LD16 ABK

The 2016 Ford S-Max has demonstrated a stable roadworthiness trend over the past two years, with no recurring defects or advisories recorded during the most recent MOT tests. The vehicle passed both the 2025 tests—conducted just one mile apart on 20 June—without any failures, suggesting consistent compliance with UK roadworthiness standards at the time of inspection. The absence of advisories or repeated failures on critical systems like brakes, suspension, or emissions indicates that, at the point of testing, the vehicle met the minimum legal requirements. However, the near-identical mileage between the 2025 tests raises suspicion of a potential administrative error or deliberate retesting, which could imply either a rushed inspection or an attempt to bypass a genuine issue. Mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of approximately 8,385 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests remains consistent at around 12 months, with no extended periods of inactivity or rapid mileage spikes that might suggest neglect or heavy usage. The most notable anomaly is the 2023 test cycle, where the vehicle failed on 13 June at 64,276 miles before passing the retest just two days later at 64,289 miles. While the retest suggests a correction of a minor issue, the lack of recorded defects in either test makes it impossible to determine the exact nature of the failure. This pattern does not necessarily indicate poor maintenance but does warrant scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests to resolve an undocumented problem. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components that are not fully captured by the MOT test. Focus on the suspension system, particularly the condition of coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, as these are not routinely checked for wear beyond the MOT’s basic functionality test. The brakes should be thoroughly examined for uneven wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on the rear discs, especially if the vehicle has experienced wet or salted road exposure. Additionally, inspect the underbody for signs of structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and exhaust system, as these areas are critical for long-term integrity. The 2025 retest suggests the vehicle was driven shortly after failure, so check for any signs of rushed repairs or inconsistent maintenance work. Emissions systems, while not failed in this record, should be verified for leaks or degraded catalytic converters, as these are not always detectable without diagnostic tools.