2009 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · ML09 OAV

A clean and unblemished MOT history defines this 2009 Ford S-Max, with the most recent assessment on 14 February 2025 recording a pass and no advisories or defects of any kind. Across every recorded test spanning from early 2023 through to February 2025, the vehicle has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness, with no component-level concerns flagged by DVSA examiners. Two failed tests appear in the record on 13 February 2025 and 15 February 2024, but both are immediately followed the next day by a pass, strongly suggesting these were administrative in nature or required minor rectification carried out prior to retest rather than substantive mechanical defects. The absence of any recurring advisories for items such as corroded brake pipes, worn suspension components, binding brake calipers, or oil leaks points to a structurally sound and well-maintained example, which is particularly reassuring for a seven-seat MPV of this age that often sees heavy family use and is susceptible to chassis and underbody wear. With 122,949 miles accumulated over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle is averaging around 7,232 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a family MPV that has likely seen mixed commuting and longer journey use. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would indicate the car has been laid up for extended periods, nor is there any evidence of sharp mileage escalation between tests that might suggest a recent change of use or heavy commercial application. This steady, consistent usage pattern is mechanically beneficial, as it typically translates to even wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, and a reduced likelihood of dried-out seals, perished hoses, or seized calipers that often plague vehicles subjected to long periods of inactivity or conversely to excessive short-trip abuse. The 122,949-mile odometer reading, while not low for the age, should not in itself raise concern given the consistent annual accumulation. Given the absence of any flagged components in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should focus their inspection on the areas most prone to age and mileage-related deterioration on a Ford S-Max of this generation. Particular attention should be paid to the rear trailing arm bushes, front lower wishbone bushes, and the anti-roll bar drop links, as these are well-known wear items on the S-Max platform that can develop play without necessarily triggering an MOT failure until the deterioration becomes pronounced. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering, and pay attention to any rear-end instability under braking or cornering, which could indicate worn rear suspension geometry. Inspect the front brake discs for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and check for any judder through the steering wheel under firm braking, as warped discs are a common issue at this mileage. It is also worth closely examining the underside of the vehicle for any signs of corrosion, particularly around the rear axle mounting points, the subframe, and the brake and fuel lines, as these are areas where a vehicle of this age can begin to show surface or even structural rust even without it having been flagged at the time of test. Check for any signs of oil leakage from the engine and transmission, staining on the driveway or undertray, and ensure the exhaust system is solid when tapped, with no rattling suggesting broken mounting rubbers or an internally corroded silencer. Verify that all warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminate and extinguish correctly on ignition, and confirm the operation of the air conditioning system, the rear tailgate mechanism, and the electrically operated rear seats if fitted, as these features are known to develop faults on the S-Max. A pre-purchase inspection by a technician with access to a lift would be prudent to confirm the condition of those underbody and suspension components that cannot be fully assessed from a standard road test.