2014 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · N29 CAD

The most recent MOT on 6 October 2025 was passed, the only comment being an advisory that the off‑side front tyre is close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. Earlier that month the vehicle failed because the nearside front tyre was below the 1.6 mm minimum and the off‑side rear tyre had a cut extending to the ply, while a year earlier it failed on a seriously weakened rear brake disc and rear pads below 1.5 mm. Prior to those incidents the car recorded clean passes in 2024 and 2022, with a mixture of minor advisories in 2021. Overall the maintenance trend appears to be stabilising – the most serious brake failure has been rectified and the car now passes, but tyre wear remains a recurring issue that will need prompt attention. At 87,769 miles the Kuga has averaged roughly 7,300 miles per year over its twelve‑year life, which sits comfortably within normal private‑use levels. There are no obvious periods of high mileage accumulation that would suggest severe wear on the engine or transmission, but the modest annual usage does mean that many components are ageing rather than being heavily fatigued. Consequently, wear items such as suspension bushings, coil springs, and drivetrain bearings are likely to be in a condition dictated more by calendar age than by mileage, while the tyre tread depth and condition reflect the vehicle’s recent usage patterns. A prospective buyer should give the tyres immediate scrutiny. Both front tyres are flagged as near the legal limit and the rear off‑side tyre previously suffered a ply‑cut; verify the current tread depths, sidewall integrity and the DOT manufacture date – tyres older than six years can harden and lose grip even if the tread appears adequate. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that could indicate uneven wear, and feel for a loose or “wobbly” steering response that may point to worn front suspension bushes or mis‑aligned wheels. Inspect the rear brake assembly for signs of disc corrosion, scoring or excessive rust, and check that the pedal feels firm without pulsation; a weakened disc or thin pads will manifest as a shudder or reduced braking efficiency, especially under hard stops. Beyond the tyre and brake concerns, address the minor advisories that have persisted. The oil‑leak note from 2021 suggests a possible valve‑cover gasket or oil‑separator issue – look for fresh oil around the sump or under the engine bay. Service‑brake fluctuation on the nearside rear may indicate a sticking caliper or uneven pad wear, so verify that the brake pedal returns smoothly and that the rear wheels do not pull to one side when braking. Confirm that the wiper blades are intact and clear the windscreen effectively, and that the position lamps are clean and functional. Given the vehicle’s age, check the 12 V battery voltage and cranking performance, examine coolant hoses for hardening or cracking, and look for any surface rust on the chassis or under‑carriage that could signal prolonged standing. A full service history, recent oil and filter change, and any evidence of timed‑service stamps will further reassure that the Kuga has been kept in a sensible state of care.