2017 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · LL67 UPS

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, accompanied by several advisories relating to tyre condition and rear brake components. Reviewing the full MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a broadly stable maintenance trend, with annual passes and no repeat failures since the singular major defect recorded on 3 November 2021 for leaking rear shock absorbers. The fact that the rear dampers have not reappeared as an advisory since their replacement suggests that rectification was effective and the suspension system has remained serviceable through subsequent tests. However, the appearance of multiple brake and tyre advisories at the latest test, after three consecutive clean passes in 2022, 2023 and 2024, indicates a gradual deterioration of consumable items consistent with progressive wear. A prospective buyer should treat this not as a cause for immediate concern but as a prompt to verify that the advised components have been attended to or to budget for their imminent replacement. Recorded mileage stands at 36,930 miles over approximately nine years, equating to an annual average of around 4,100 miles. This is notably below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age and class, and it suggests either light regular use, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both. Low annual mileage can be beneficial in terms of limiting wear on internal drivetrain components, clutch and engine internals, but it introduces its own mechanical considerations. Vehicles that stand for prolonged periods are prone to brake disc corrosion, particularly on the rear axle where the handbrake mechanism and caliper pistons may seize; oil seals and gaskets can weep after dormancy; and battery life is often compromised. The recorded mileage appears consistent across the MOT records without any obvious gaps or rapid accumulation, indicating no irregular usage patterns that would raise suspicion. The advisories recorded on the 2025 test warrant particular attention during physical inspection and test drive. The nearside rear and offside front tyres were noted with slight damage or perishing, and this aligns with a recurring theme in the history, as tyre cracking was flagged across all four tyres as far back as 2021. Tyre sidewall perishing is a calendar-age phenomenon rather than a mileage-driven wear issue, and on a 2017 vehicle approaching its tenth year, the rubber compound will inevitably be hardening and losing elasticity, particularly if the car has been stored under cover or in conditions with limited UV exposure. The buyer should examine all four tyres closely for hairline cracks in the sidewalls and between the tread blocks, and verify that the tyres fitted are no more than five years old by checking the DOT date code on the sidewall. The advisories concerning rear brake disc wear and the thinning rear brake pads suggest that the braking system is approaching a service interval, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for any squeal or grinding from the rear axle, feel for brake shudder under firm pedal application, and observe whether the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline, as rear calipers on low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to binding or seizing. Given the low annual mileage and the age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should undertake additional checks beyond those prompted by the MOT record. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries on infrequently used vehicles often fail prematurely after four to six years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades over time regardless of mileage, so the fluid should be assessed for moisture content and a replacement every two to three years is prudent. Coolant and automatic transmission fluid, where applicable, also suffer calendar-based degradation. Given the history of rear shock absorber failure in 2021, the rear suspension should be inspected for any fresh signs of leakage or corrosion around the damper bodies, and a test drive over uneven surfaces should be conducted to detect any clonks or knocks from the rear axle, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or top mounts. Finally, given the vehicle's age, a thorough inspection for corrosion on the underbody, wheel arches, suspension components, and brake lines is essential, as standing vehicles in damp conditions are particularly vulnerable to surface and structural oxidation.