2014 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · LM64 KXT

A consistent thread running through this Kuga's MOT record is edge wear on the tyres, flagged at every test from 2023 onwards, paired with thinning brake pads noted in the same year. The most recent examination on 27 July 2026 was a clean pass with no advisories recorded, which sits at the end of a generally stable run, with five passes out of six tests over the cycle and only one recorded failure. That single failure on 28 July 2020 was an offside wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively, a straightforward component-level issue rather than anything structural, and the vehicle passed later the same day after the advisory noting engine bay covers and undertrays fitted. Mechanically, the advisory pattern suggests a car that is fundamentally roadworthy yet wears its consumables in a specific, repeating fashion worth investigating rather than dismissing. The recorded mileage of 68,902 against a 2014 registration equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 5,742 miles, which is on the low side for a vehicle of this age and points to either genuinely light use or extended periods of standing. The MOT history itself does not show any prolonged testing gaps, with annual tests recorded consistently from 2020 through 2026, so there is no evidence in the record of a multi-year lay-up that would raise concerns about seized brakes, perished rubber, or a flat battery. However, low annual mileage combined with edge-specific tyre wear is a useful clue, as it can indicate kerbing damage, alignment drift from minor impacts, or suspension geometry wear that is disproportionate to the odometer reading. The brake pad advisories from August 2023, both front and rear wearing thin at the same test, suggest a full set was likely replaced around that point, and the absence of further brake advisories since then is consistent with relatively low ongoing usage. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the suspension and steering geometry, given the recurring pattern of front tyres worn on both edges in 2024 and 2025, and the rear tyres in 2023 showing asymmetric edge wear (outer edge nearside, inner edge offside), which is a classic indicator of rear axle misalignment or worn rear bushes. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages, which are known wear points on this generation of Kuga. Check for pulling to one side under braking or any vibration through the steering wheel, which would suggest either warped front discs or a brake caliper that is not releasing evenly. Inspect the rear trailing arm bushes for cracking or separation, as these directly influence the rear tyre wear pattern observed in 2023, and have a competent technician measure the rear wheel alignment if the inner and outer tread depths still show a noticeable disparity. Under-bonnet and under-floor checks should also be on the agenda, particularly the condition of the timing chain, oil filter housing, and coolant expansion tank on the 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engines commonly fitted to this model, as none of these items are assessed at MOT but are recognised weak points. Listen for any diesel knock on cold start and check the oil filler cap for mayonnaise residue, which would indicate a failing water pump or head gasket seal. Finally, examine the undertrays and engine covers noted as fitted in several advisories, as these must be removed for a proper visual inspection of the subframe, steering rack, and front subframe mounts for corrosion, and any refusal to remove them should be treated as a red flag during a pre-purchase evaluation.