2017 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LL17 LCJ

The 2017 Ford S-Max shows a stable but inconsistent MOT history, with the most recent test on 20 November 2023 at 57,363 miles passing without defects. This suggests the vehicle has remained roadworthy since then, though the record reveals two failed tests in 2021 and 2022—both at the same mileage (47,544 and 53,906) but separated by just three days in September 2022. The immediate retest passing on 26 September 2022 implies the issues were minor and rectified promptly, but the lack of recorded defects in either failure is unusual—this could indicate non-structural faults (e.g., minor emissions, lighting, or consumable wear) that were corrected between tests. The final pass in November 2023, just over six months ago, means the vehicle has not undergone an official inspection since, leaving a gap of nearly two years without verified roadworthiness. The mileage progression of roughly 6,374 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the abrupt retest in September 2022—just 14 miles after the first failure—stands out as anomalous. The 2021 tests, both at 47,544 miles and spaced days apart, suggest either a rushed or poorly documented repair cycle. No significant gaps in mileage exist, but the pattern of retesting without recorded defects raises questions about whether underlying issues (such as recurring brake or suspension concerns) were overlooked or resolved informally. The absence of a pre-November 2023 MOT means no recent professional assessment of wear items like brake pads, suspension bushes, or corrosion has been confirmed. Given the lack of defects in the latest pass, the most critical areas for an in-person inspection should focus on components prone to wear at this mileage: the rear brake system (noted for binding in past tests, though unrecorded here), suspension bushes and coil springs (common failure points in this model), and structural corrosion—particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the rear subframe. The repeated failures at similar mileages hint at potential neglect in brake servicing or suspension maintenance, so buyers should verify recent service records for pad/throttle thickness, caliper binding, and bush wear. Exhaust emissions should also be checked, as unrecorded failures could indicate catalytic converter or sensor issues. Finally, the interior and exterior should be examined for signs of deferred maintenance, such as worn wiper blades or faded paint, which often accompany inconsistent MOT outcomes.