2013 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · LS13 GVK

A thirteen year old Ford S-MAX with no advisories or failures across the last four consecutive MOT tests presents an unusually clean roadworthiness profile, with the most recent examination on 2 April 2025 returning a pass and absolutely nothing flagged against tyres, brakes, suspension, lights, or structure. This unbroken run of clean results since 2022 indicates a vehicle that has not surfaced any of the typical wear items that examiners routinely catch on cars of this age and platform, from corroded brake pipes and worn drop links to perished exhaust mountings or early subframe corrosion. While a record this sparse can occasionally mean the vehicle has simply been presented before defects deteriorated to failure level, it does suggest the core mechanical and structural components are holding up well at this stage of the car's life. The odometer reading of 55,041 miles against a 2013 registration equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,234 miles, which is markedly below the typical mileage of around 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year expected for a family-orientated MPV of this type. This lower than average usage means the engine, gearbox, clutch, and braking system have experienced reduced mechanical wear relative to peers, with brake discs and pads likely still retaining substantial original material and the diesel or petrol powertrain unlikely to have accumulated high internal hours. However, low annual mileage on a vehicle of this age also warrants attention to items that degrade through time rather than use, particularly rubber and polymer components such as suspension bushes, steering rack gaiters, anti-roll bar drop links, coolant hoses, drive belts, and the air conditioning compressor seals, which can harden, perish, or weep even when mileage is modest. The MOT history shows no testing gaps or sudden mileage jumps, with the consistent annual pattern indicating regular, light use rather than extended periods of standing or significant mileage spikes between tests. Because the official record carries no advisories to anchor component-specific guidance, the inspection focus should fall on the known S-MAX weakness areas that examiners would typically flag once they begin to deteriorate. Pay particular attention to the front suspension, listening for clonks or knocks from the anti-roll bar drop links and wishbone bushes when traversing speed humps or uneven B-roads, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel that could point to worn top mounts or track rod ends. On the test drive, evaluate the braking system for any pulling to one side under firm pedal pressure, a spongy pedal feel suggesting corroded brake pipes or a binding caliper, and any vibration through the steering wheel under deceleration that could indicate warped front discs. Under the bonnet, inspect for oil seepage from the engine cam cover, timing chain area, and power steering pipes, while underneath check the rear axle and subframe mounting points for any bubbling corrosion that could later progress to an MOT failure. Finally, because the test history does not reveal the condition of consumables such as tyres, brake fluid, or the cambelt timing chain service interval, these warrant direct verification before purchase. The tyres should have a minimum of 3mm of tread across the full width and show even wear rather than inner or outer shoulder feathering, which could indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. The timing chain on the higher mileage S-MAX variants should be checked for any rattle on cold start, and the service book consulted to confirm the cambelt or chain replacement interval has been honoured according to Ford's schedule. A road test on a dual carriageway will reveal any steering drift, vibration, or transmission hesitation, while a visual inspection underneath should confirm the exhaust system, subframe, and brake lines are free from significant corrosion given the vehicle's thirteen years of service, even if this clean MOT history suggests those areas remain in sound condition today.