2013 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · LS13 BXW

The 2013 Ford S-Max presents a stable roadworthiness record over its recent MOT history, with the most critical test—November 2025 at 75,846 miles—showing no defects and a clean pass. The absence of advisories or failures in the last three consecutive tests (November 2024, October 2023, and May 2022) suggests the vehicle has been well maintained in key structural and mechanical areas. The only anomaly is the duplicate entry for October 2023, where the same mileage (57,008) appears once as a pass and once as a fail—a likely administrative error rather than a mechanical issue. For a buyer, this consistency reduces immediate concerns about major hidden problems, though the lack of advisories may also indicate the tester overlooked minor wear items not requiring immediate attention. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation—averaging just 5,834 miles per year—is unusually low for its age, particularly when compared to typical UK usage patterns. The gap between the May 2022 test (43,175 miles) and the October 2023 tests (57,008 miles) spans nearly 17 months with only 13,833 miles covered, hinting at either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. This slow mileage buildup could mean reduced wear on consumables like tyres and brake pads, but it also raises questions about whether fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering) have been regularly checked or replaced. The absence of mileage jumps suggests no aggressive driving history, though this also means components like suspension bushes and coil springs may not have been stressed to their typical limits. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of areas not routinely tested—such as the suspension geometry for worn bushes or sagging coil springs, which could develop silently under light use. The rear brakes should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as past tests show no recorded issues, but binding calipers can persist without MOT detection. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be examined closely, especially if the vehicle has spent time in damp conditions. While the MOT record offers reassurance, the low mileage and sparse advisory history mean some wear items may have been deferred rather than neglected. Finally, the duplicate test entry in October 2023—though likely a clerical error—serves as a reminder that even clean MOT histories can obscure minor oversights. A pre-purchase inspection should verify fluid levels, tyre condition (including sidewalls for cracking), and any signs of previous damage, particularly in high-stress areas like the front subframe or exhaust mounts. The vehicle’s age and usage pattern suggest it may have been stored or used sparingly, so checking for signs of moisture ingress or battery health would be prudent.