2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · RF66 FYN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 20 November 2025, although it is worth noting that this pass followed an earlier test on the same day which recorded a Major defect for an offside front windscreen wiper not clearing the screen effectively, meaning the wiper was rectified between tests. Looking at the broader history, the pattern is one of consistent passes with an escalating volume of advisories rather than outright failures, suggesting that the vehicle has been broadly maintained but is now entering a phase where age-related consumables are requiring closer attention. The single prior failure in November 2023 is particularly relevant, as it included a Dangerous nearside front tyre below the legal tread limit and a Major offside front brake caliper hydraulic leak that prevented a brake performance test, both of which point to historic weaknesses in the braking and tyre condition which a buyer must verify have been properly rectified. With approximately 71,117 miles recorded over ten years, the vehicle is running at an average of around 7,100 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests steady rather than arduous use. This kind of moderate annual mileage is generally favourable for long-term mechanical health, as it avoids the extreme wear associated with high-mileage motorway use while still ensuring the drivetrain, suspension, and brakes receive regular exercise rather than being left to deteriorate through extended standing. There is no evidence in the recorded history of significant gaps in MOT testing that might suggest prolonged inactivity, although the relatively even annual rate warrants the usual checks for time-based degradation regardless of mileage covered. The most persistent advisory across multiple test cycles concerns the nearside rear tyre, which has been flagged for slight damage, cracking, or perishing on three consecutive tests dating back to 2023. Tyre sidewall perishing is a classic age-related phenomenon in rubber compounds and tends to worsen regardless of tread depth, so a prospective buyer should physically inspect this tyre closely for hairline cracks in the sidewall and consider replacing all tyres as a precautionary measure on a ten-year-old vehicle. Equally, the November 2025 advisory for rear brake pads wearing thin indicates the pads are approaching the end of their service life, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for any metallic squeal or grinding from the rear axle under light braking, as well as feeling for any rear brake imbalance or pulling. Because the 2023 test recorded a leaking offside front brake caliper, the caliper condition on that corner should be specifically inspected for seized slide pins, uneven pad wear across the caliper, and any residual brake fluid seepage around the piston boot, with a road test including firm pedal application to detect any sponginess or excessive travel. Given the vehicle's age and the MOT history pointing towards wear in tyres, brake pads, and previously the front brake caliper, additional inspection priorities should include a thorough check of the front suspension for worn bushes, drop links, and coil springs, as these are known wear items on a vehicle of this vintage and can produce audible clonking over speed humps or uneven tyre wear if degraded. The wiper issue flagged on the failed test may simply have been a perished rubber blade, but it is prudent to confirm the wiper linkage operates smoothly and does not bind. Under the bonnet, the coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be inspected for their age and condition, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be renewed regardless of mileage on a ten-year-old vehicle. Finally, the 12V battery should be load-tested, the exhaust system checked for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubber, and the underside examined for any surface corrosion consistent with a UK-kept car of this age, ensuring that the structural integrity remains sound for the next test cycle.