2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LS62 HFP

A 2012 Ford S-Max showing 128,974 miles presents an interesting roadworthiness picture given the sparse and somewhat unusual MOT history on file. The most recent test on 25 March 2025 returned a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, but it is worth noting that an entry also exists for the same date marked as failed with no defects recorded, which is unusual and may indicate an administrative correction rather than a mechanical problem. Prior to that, the vehicle passed cleanly at every annual test stretching back to March 2022, with no advisories logged throughout that entire period. This is a notably clean record for a 14-year-old people carrier with substantial mileage on it, suggesting either minimal advisory-worthy wear at the time of inspection or that minor issues have not been flagged during testing. For a buyer, the lack of any recorded advisories means there is no documented pattern of specific component deterioration to track, but it also means you have less visibility into the vehicle's wear trajectory. With 128,974 miles accumulated over roughly 14 years, this S-Max averages approximately 9,200 miles per year, which is fairly typical for a family MPV and consistent with regular but not excessive use. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing history that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for any significant period, and the relatively even annual mileage accumulation points to consistent running rather than periods of heavy use interspersed with long standstills. Mechanically, this kind of steady usage is generally favourable because regular driving keeps seals lubricated, prevents moisture build-up in the exhaust system, and avoids flat spots on tyres. However, at this mileage level, consumables such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, shock absorbers, clutch, and dual-mass flywheel components will all be approaching or past their expected service life on a vehicle of this age and weight class. Given the absence of specific component flags in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should focus their inspection on areas commonly affected on S-Max vehicles of this vintage and mileage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn front lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, both known weak points on this model. Check for any pulling under braking or a soft brake pedal, as the S-Max's rear calipers can suffer from binding due to corroded guide pins, and at this mileage the front discs are likely on their second or third set. Inspect the rear subframe and suspension mounting points for surface corrosion, as well as the underside of the front bumper support beam, which is prone to rust perforation on early 2010s examples. Additional checks should include a thorough visual inspection of the engine bay for any signs of oil seepage from the timing chain cover, which is a common area on the 2.0 TDCi and 1.6 TDCi units often fitted to this model, and verify the timing chain itself has been replaced if approaching high mileage. On cold start, listen for any rattle from the timing chain area that settles after a few seconds, which would indicate chain stretch. Examine the rear wheel arches, tailgate lower edge, and around the rear light clusters for bubbling paintwork or rust, as these are known corrosion hotspots on the S-Max. Finally, ensure the dual-clutch Powershift transmission, if fitted, shifts smoothly through all gears without hesitation or judder, and check that the parking brake holds firmly on an incline, as the electronic parking brake motors can fail on higher-mileage examples.