2013 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LG63 WCZ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 08 August 2025 at 106,081 miles, resulted in a pass, confirming the vehicle meets the minimum roadworthiness standards at that time. However, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The day prior, on 07 August 2025, the vehicle failed the same test with multiple defects, indicating a pattern of neglect followed by reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. The tester flagged excessively worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides and rear brake pads wearing thin. The suspension wear is a recurring theme, having been noted as worn but acceptable in the July 2024 and July 2023 tests at 94,670 and 85,606 miles respectively. This progression from "worn" to "excessively worn" within a year suggests these components are now past serviceable limits and likely require immediate replacement. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,160 miles per year is entirely typical for a 2013 vehicle of this age. The record shows a steady and plausible progression from 77,346 miles in August 2022 to 106,081 miles by August 2025, with no significant gaps or suspicious jumps in the odometer readings. The vehicle has been used consistently, which is generally preferable to long periods of inactivity that can cause its own issues with seized brakes and perished rubber components. The failure and subsequent pass occurring on consecutive days at the identical mileage of 106,081 miles confirms the faults identified were rectified immediately before the retest, a common but sometimes rushed practice. A buyer must inspect the rear suspension carefully. The repeated advisories and the outright failure for excessively worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes point to a known weak point on this model. Check for play, knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, and inspect the condition of the rear subframe and mounting points for corrosion, a common issue on older Ford MPVs. The rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin at the most recent test, so verify the condition of the rear brake discs for scoring and lipping, and check the handbrake mechanism on these rear calipers, which are prone to sticking. The intermittent position lamp fault and windscreen damage noted in the failed test appear to have been addressed, but examine the windscreen chip closely to ensure it has not spread and remains outside the driver's primary field of vision as the tester allowed.