2012 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · MF62 WUU

The most recent MOT on 30 April 2026 was a pass, albeit with an advisory that the rear brake pads are wearing thin. Over the last two‑year span the vehicle has moved from a failure in April 2024 (dangerous front‑neighbour tyre damage) and a failure in April 2026 (fractured rear coil spring and a compromised front prop‑shaft CV boot) to a clean pass in May 2025 and the latest pass in April 2026. This indicates that the owner has addressed the most critical safety failures, but the persistence of advisories on the brakes, suspension and CV boots shows that the maintenance trajectory is only marginally improving and that several wear items remain unresolved. At 62 468 miles for a 2012 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 4 500 miles per year, well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. The low utilisation suggests long periods of inactivity, which can be as detrimental as high mileage for components such as rubber bushings, seals and batteries. Conversely, the recorded mileage does not reveal any sudden spikes that would point to heavy short‑term abuse, so the wear observed is more likely to be age‑related rather than driven‑by‑distance. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear suspension and the front drivetrain. The near‑side rear coil spring was recorded as fractured; a broken spring will cause uneven rear ride height, clunking over bumps and reduced load‑carrying capacity, so the spring and associated mounting points must be inspected and replaced if any deformation or corrosion is evident. The off‑side front prop‑shaft CV boot was flagged as no longer preventing dirt ingress, and a previous MOT noted severe deterioration of the off‑side drive‑shaft CV boot; these boots protect the constant‑velocity joints from moisture and debris, and a compromised boot will lead to joint wear, vibration and eventual joint failure. On a test drive listen for a whine or clicking when turning, feel for any shudder under acceleration, and inspect the boots for cracks, dried‑out rubber or grease leakage. The rear brake pads are already thin, so the discs should be examined for scoring or glazing, and the pads will need replacement imminently; any pulsation in the pedal or squealing at low speed would confirm the need for service. The near‑side front tyre was recorded as dangerous with damaged ply or cords and must be replaced straight away, while the off‑side tyres showed cracking and perishing – visual inspection for sidewall dry‑rot, tread depth below 3 mm, and uneven wear patterns is essential before committing to purchase. Beyond the specific defects, the vehicle’s age and low‑usage profile demand a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Check the 12 V battery for sulphation and verify that it holds charge, especially if the car has been stored for extended periods. Examine all suspension bushings, ball joints and mounts for rubber hardening or corrosion, as long idle times accelerate degradation. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil – have been changed according to time intervals rather than mileage, looking for signs of moisture, sludge or discoloration. Finally, inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches and sills, and ensure that the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive corrosion. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the Kuga’s true roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable, safe condition.