2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · ND67 AAU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 8 December 2025 with a single advisory noting that the nearside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Looking back over the recorded test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with passes at each annual assessment and no outright failures. The recurring theme is front tyre wear, which first appeared as an advisory on both front tyres in November 2022, was absent from the 2023 and 2024 tests, and then returned specifically on the nearside front tyre in December 2025. A separate advisory in December 2021 highlighted thinning front brake pads, which has not reappeared since, suggesting either successful replacement or acceptable remaining material. The absence of any structural or corrosion advisories across five consecutive tests is a positive indicator of the vehicle's overall condition. Against an eight-year age, the recorded mileage of 81,815 miles equates to an average annual mileage of approximately 10,227 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this type and likely driven as a family or commuter car. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears consistent, with no sudden jumps that would suggest extensive motorway use or, conversely, significant gaps that would indicate long periods of standing. This steady accumulation of mileage means wear is likely distributed evenly across mechanical components, including the clutch, drivetrain, suspension bushes, and engine ancillaries, rather than being concentrated from infrequent short trips or extended inactivity. Given the recurring front tyre edge wear advisory, particular attention should be paid to the wheel alignment geometry during a pre-purchase inspection. Uneven or one-sided inner or outer edge wear on a tyre is frequently symptomatic of incorrect camber or tracking settings, worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, ball joints, or droplinks, or even a failing top mount. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for vague or wandering steering response. The nearside front tyre should be inspected carefully for any remaining legal tread depth and for feathering along the inner or outer edges, and if it has not already been replaced since December 2025, replacement should be budgeted for alongside a four-wheel alignment check to prevent the issue from simply recurring. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age of the vehicle warrants a number of standard time-based inspections. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as Ford units of this era are prone to failure after six to seven years, and the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be verified as being within their manufacturer-recommended service intervals, since brake fluid is particularly susceptible to moisture absorption over time. Inspect the underside of the vehicle, paying close attention to the rear axle bushes, exhaust mounting rubbers, and any signs of fluid weeping from the power steering rack, which is a known weakness on Kugas of this generation. Finally, confirm a full service history with verifiable stamps in the book or digital records, as consistent oil and filter changes are critical for the durability of the 1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre TDCi engines offered in this model, and ensure that the timing belt or chain replacement interval has been adhered to in line with Ford's published schedule.