2007 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LD57 TYS

The recorded DVSA MOT history for this 2007 Ford S-MAX is exceptionally sparse, showing just two successive passes on 2023-01-24 and 2022-01-19 with no advisories, defects, or component-level notes recorded at either test. This is unusual for a vehicle now nineteen years old, because the S-MAX platform is well known within UK MOT data for accruing advisories relating to rear suspension arms, trailing arm bushes, brake disc corrosion, and exhaust system deterioration once mileage climbs beyond the hundred-thousand-mile mark. The complete absence of any recorded advisory across these two tests strongly suggests either an extended period off the public road prior to the 2022 test, or that the vehicle has been tested at a centre that recorded no observations even where minor wear items were present. Either way, the official record alone is insufficient evidence of overall mechanical condition, and the absence of advisories should not be interpreted as confirmation of a well-maintained example. The most recent test confirms only that the vehicle met minimum roadworthiness standards on that specific date. A significant concern lies in the mileage and testing history itself. The vehicle was first recorded for testing in January 2022 and re-tested just twelve months later in January 2023, with no MOT history available for any of the preceding sixteen years of the vehicle's life. The current recorded mileage of 116,756 miles, accumulated across nineteen years, equates to roughly 6,145 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a family-use vehicle of this age and segment. However, without earlier test records it is impossible to verify whether the odometer reading is continuous, whether the vehicle has been used consistently throughout its life, or whether significant mileage has been added in short bursts between test dates. The 2022 and 2023 tests were both passed with no mileage-related notes, but the gap in testing history means that any chronic wear items typical of high-mileage Ford S-MAX vehicles would not appear in the data presented here. Buyers should treat the lack of historical MOT entries as an information gap requiring verification through service history documentation, previous invoices, and ideally an independent mileage audit via the DVLA or a commercial provenance check. Given the platform's known weaknesses and the absence of any recorded advisory history, particular attention should be paid during a physical inspection to the rear suspension geometry, which on the S-Max frequently develops wear in the rear wheel bearing hubs, the trailing arm bushes, and the anti-roll bar drop links. Listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension when traversing speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or when loaded heavily, as worn trailing arm bushes on this platform can also induce rear wheel camber changes that manifest as uneven rear tyre wear, particularly on the inner shoulder. At the front, check for play in the front strut top mounts, condition of the lower wishbone bushes, and any signs of weeping from the power steering rack, which is a known failure point on high-mileage S-Max examples and can present as a low fluid level on the reservoir or a whining noise during low-speed manoeuvring. Steering vagueness or a reluctance to self-centre after cornering can also indicate worn front suspension components not yet severe enough to trigger an MOT failure. The braking system on a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants close physical scrutiny even though the MOT record shows no advisory notes, as brake disc and pad wear is progressive and may have developed substantially since the last test in January 2023. On a test drive, assess for any vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm application, which suggests warped or excessively corroded front brake discs, and listen for any grinding or scraping that would indicate pads worn close to the backing plate. Examine the underside for any surface corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipe routing along the chassis rails, and fuel line clips, as the S-Max is prone to underbody corrosion in areas where road salt accumulates. The diesel and petrol variants, depending on which applies here, should also be checked for oil leaks from the cam cover gasket, timing chain tensioner noise on cold start, and turbocharger whine if fitted. Finally, verify the operation of the dual sliding rear doors and tailgate, as the electrical mechanisms and central latching components on the S-Max are frequent failure points that would not appear in MOT data but have a direct bearing on daily usability.