2008 Ford S-MAX 1.8L Diesel · LM08 SZK

The April 2026 MOT at 165,286 miles passed, yet the history reveals repeated brake disc wear, shock absorber oil leaks and a prior failure with a serious near‑side front shock leak, a snapped bonnet cable and a chafed brake hose, showing a mixed rather than steadily improving maintenance trend. Mileage has risen from 138,427 miles in the November 2020 test to 165,286 miles by April 2026, an average of about 9,183 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for an 18‑year‑old vehicle and shows no large gaps that would suggest long periods of standing. Recurring issues centre on the front brake system – discs are worn, pitted and scored but not seriously weakened – and on the front suspension, where the offside shock shows light oil misting and the near‑side shock exhibited a serious fluid leak in the March 2026 failure, while the front brake hose was noted as excessively chafed and the bonnet cable snapped. A buyer should inspect the front suspension bushes and shock absorbers for leaks or excessive movement, examine the condition of the front brake discs, pads and hoses for wear or chafing, verify tyre tread depth and edge wear on all wheels, check the steering rack gaiters for splits, and look for any structural rust around the trailing arms or chassis, especially given the missing rear seat(s) recorded in the March 2023 test.