2014 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · RF14 HNW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach. While the most recent test on 14 August 2025 at 60,321 miles passed, it followed a failure just the previous day for multiple tyre and lighting issues. The persistent presence of an inoperative nearside registration lamp across tests in 2023 through 2025 suggests that the owner only addresses defects when forced to by an MOT failure rather than performing routine preventative checks. At 12 years old, the recorded mileage of 60,321 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. The interval between the August 2024 test at 58,445 miles and the August 2025 test at 60,321 miles shows only 1,876 miles driven in a year. This low usage often correlates with less engine wear but can lead to rubber-based components, such as bushes and seals, drying out or degrading due to age rather than distance. A buyer must physically inspect the offside front outer CV boot, which was flagged as split in August 2024. If this was not replaced, the grease leak and dirt ingress will eventually destroy the drive joint, leading to an expensive mechanical failure. The recurring issues with nearside tyres being worn to the legal limit in both 2024 and 2025 indicate potential alignment problems or a neglect of basic tyre maintenance. Given the low mileage, a thorough check of the chassis for corrosion and the brake calipers for seizing is essential, as vehicles that sit stationary for long periods are prone to surface rust and binding brakes.