2014 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · LL14 AWJ

A Ford Kuga of this vintage presenting a fully clean MOT history across the last four test cycles is a genuinely reassuring starting point for any prospective buyer. Each pass between 2022 and 2025 has been recorded without a single advisory, defect, or component flagged for attention, and even the 2025 retest outcome did not alter that record of roadworthiness. That said, the absence of recorded advisories is not the same as a confirmed all-clear on every consumable, because MOT testing only scrutinises items once they have worn beyond the legal minimum. For a 2014 Kuga now well into its second decade of service, you should still treat the clean sheet as evidence of structural and safety compliance at the time of test rather than a guarantee of how the braking, suspension, and underbody components are ageing between tests. At 91,244 miles over twelve years, the annual accumulation of roughly 7,600 miles sits comfortably within the typical range for a family crossover of this age, neither pointing to heavy motorway use nor to extended periods of standing. There are no recorded gaps in annual testing that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for any length of time, and the mileage progression between consecutive MOTs appears steady and consistent. That kind of regular, moderate use is generally kind to a Kuga, keeping seals, brakes, and drivetrain components working as intended rather than suffering the drying-out effects of infrequent running. Mechanically, it suggests the turbocharged EcoBoost engine and the dual-clutch or torque-on-demand transmission should have been kept warm and lubricated regularly, while consumables such as brake discs, pads, and tyres should have worn at a predictable rate. Despite the clean history, components inherent to this model and age bracket warrant close physical inspection before purchase. Pay particular attention to the rear suspension arm bushes and the trailing arm links, which are known wear items on the Kuga platform and can develop play that only becomes apparent over speed humps or rough tarmac. Listen for clonking from the front end when turning into a driveway, as worn anti-roll bar drop links and stabiliser bar bushes tend to announce themselves with a characteristic knock rather than a squeak. On a test drive, feel for any vibration through the column on braking, which could indicate warped front discs even though they passed last October, and check for pulling to one side that might suggest a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Inspect the underside for any surface corrosion on subframe mounting points and brake pipe runs, especially around the rear axle where road salt collects, and verify that the exhaust system remains securely mounted without any blowing joints. Finally, it is worth carrying out a few stationary checks that complement the MOT record. With the engine cold, look for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover and the turbo inlet pipe, as the 1.6 and 2.0 EcoBoost units of this generation can weep seals once they pass the 80,000-mile threshold. Confirm that the cooling system holds pressure without needing frequent top-ups, and verify that the power steering reservoir remains free of the aerated foam that suggests a failing pump. Inside the cabin, run the climate control through all settings to ensure the blend doors respond correctly, a known weak point on Kugas of this era. Provided these physical checks come back clean and the test drive remains free of warning lights, knocks, or pulling, this particular example presents as a solidly maintained family SUV whose clean MOT record genuinely reflects its condition.