2011 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · RE11 EZM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed the latest test on 29 May 2026 at 85,487 miles, it failed just one day prior due to critical safety issues including tyres below the legal tread limit, thin brake pads, and low brake fluid levels. The recurrence of thin brake pads and suspension wear across the last three years of testing suggests that the owner only addresses faults when they cause a failure rather than during scheduled service intervals. The mileage profile is low for a 15-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,700 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage, moving from 65,481 miles in May 2023 to 85,487 miles in May 2026. However, low mileage often masks age-related degradation of rubber and metal components. The presence of corroded rear coil springs noted in 2025 indicates that the vehicle's age is beginning to impact its structural and component-related wear despite the relatively low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the suspension and braking system. The tester repeatedly flagged thin brake pads and worn rear arm bushes, which indicates the suspension geometry is nearing the end of its functional life. The recorded play in the steering rack inner joints from 2024 should be re-checked to ensure this has not progressed into a significant mechanical failure. Additionally, the corroded rear coil springs from the 2025 advisory require visual inspection for fractures or further thinning, as these components are prone to snapping over time when exposed to the elements.