2014 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · MM14 FWH

The most recent MOT on 7 May 2026 was passed, but it carried five advisories covering tyre tread, front‑inner brake disc condition and wear on both rear suspension arm pins or bushes. Over the last six years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded for split CV‑joint boots in 2022 and a dangerous brake‑pad thickness in the same year, and a series of advisory‑only results in 2023 and 2025. Although the latest test cleared the car, the pattern shows a history of intermittent component wear rather than a steady improvement, so the overall maintenance trend can be described as marginally stabilising but still requiring close scrutiny of the recurring weak points. At 122 031 mi the S‑Max averages just over 10 000 mi per annum, which is typical for a 2014 model and suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme mileage spikes. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate long periods of storage, so wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension is likely to be proportional to age and normal use rather than accelerated by high‑speed, high‑load duty cycles. Nonetheless, the cumulative mileage means that wear items will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives and should be examined for signs of fatigue. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the front tyres – the tread is already close to the legal minimum and edge wear can lead to reduced grip and uneven wear patterns, especially if the suspension bushes are beginning to loosen. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, a common issue on cars of this age, and verify that the tyre pressure holds steady after a short drive. The front inner brake disc was noted as pitted; listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel for pulsation through the pedal, which would indicate that the disc may need resurfacing or replacement. The rear suspension arm pins and bushes were flagged as worn, so push the rear corners upward and watch for excessive play or clunking over bumps; any looseness may require bush replacement. The constant‑velocity joint boots on both front drive shafts have been recorded as split, so look for grease leakage around the joints and feel for a clicking or vibration under acceleration, symptoms that would signal imminent joint failure. The exhaust back‑box mounting bracket was reported broken, so inspect the rear exhaust for loose movement or rattles, and ensure the mounting hardware is reinstated to avoid excess vibration and possible exhaust leaks. Finally, verify that all external lights (high‑level brake, registration plate lamp) and the side mirror are functional, and inspect the rear seat belt for fraying, as these were previously noted as damaged. Beyond the specific items above, the car’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and consider a load test, as a twelve‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect the engine bay for any fresh oil or coolant leaks, and confirm that the oil and coolant have been changed at roughly twelve‑month intervals, since fluids degrade with time even if the car is not driven heavily. Look for rust on the wheel arches, sills and underbody, especially if the vehicle has spent periods stationary, and verify that the chassis is free of structural corrosion. A thorough test drive should include listening for any unusual noises from the suspension, steering and drivetrain, feeling for smooth brake modulation, and checking that the gearbox shifts cleanly. Addressing the highlighted wear items and confirming the general condition of age‑related components will give you a realistic picture of the S‑Max’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable, long‑term state.