2013 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · NK13 XGC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of deferred mechanical preventative maintenance. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 111,557 miles passed, it flagged several advisories that mirror previous failures and warnings. Specifically, the persistent deterioration of the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover was noted in May 2024 and reappeared in 2026, indicating that the owner is failing to address recurring suspension wear despite it being identified by the tester. The mileage pattern is consistent with typical annual use for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 8,600 miles per year. However, there is a significant spike in usage between the May 2023 test at 57,505 miles and the 2024 test at 93,226 miles, representing over 35,000 miles driven in a single year. This period of high intensity coincides with the sharp decline in maintenance standards observed in 2024, where the vehicle failed on multiple points including the steering rack gaiters and suspension arm bushes. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front and rear suspension geometry. The history of missing or damaged steering rack gaiters in 2024 suggests a risk of premature steering rack failure if these components have not since been replaced. Furthermore, the recurring issues with the trailing arm bushes and the anti-roll bar linkage indicate that rubber components are reaching the end of their functional life. The repeated mention of the offside rear tyre being near the legal limit across multiple years suggests a lack of proactive attention to consumables, which often correlates with neglected fluid changes and general mechanical upkeep.