2007 Ford S-MAX 1.8L Diesel · RM04 HUT

The 2007 Ford S-MAX presents a roadworthiness profile that is largely uneventful on the surface, with a mechanical story defined more by what is absent from the record than by what is documented. The most recent test on 13 March 2025 returned a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive indicator for any prospective buyer. However, the same date also shows a fail entry without recorded defects, a pattern mirrored in March 2024, where a pass and fail are logged within days of each other. This pattern of closely paired pass and fail entries on the same dates is typical of vehicles that have required minor post-test remedial work to clear, or that have been presented for retest after addressing immediate issues, and it warrants a slightly more cautious inspection than a straightforward clean pass would suggest. Across the five recorded tests spanning 2023 to 2025, no advisory defects have been logged, which suggests either that the vehicle has not yet developed wear items significant enough to be flagged, or that it has been maintained to a sufficient standard to keep components within tolerance at each annual assessment. With 133,094 miles recorded over approximately 19 years, the S-MAX is accumulating around 7,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a large familyMPV of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression between annual tests appears consistent with regular, mixed-use driving. At this odometer reading, the mechanical expectations for a petrol or diesel Ford of this era include natural wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and the dual rear wishbone arrangement that the S-Max uses, as well as consumable wear on brake discs and pads, clutch components if manual, and the typical age-related degradation of engine and gearbox mounts. The absence of any advisories relating to these areas is encouraging but does not eliminate the possibility of wear items that have not yet reached the threshold for an MOT failure or advisory, particularly given the relatively high mileage. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means the inspection should be proactive rather than reactive, focusing on areas that commonly deteriorate on a high-mileage MPV but may not yet have been flagged. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, both known wear points on the S-Max. Pay particular attention to any knocking or creaking from the rear suspension, as the S-Max's independent rear setup is susceptible to bush wear that only becomes audible under load. Steering should feel precise without excess play, and any vagueness on centre could suggest worn top mounts or track rod ends developing play. The braking system should be tested firmly from higher speeds, watching for any pull to one side or vibration through the pedal, which would suggest warped front discs, a common issue on vehicles that have seen sustained motorway use. Given the mileage and the lack of any recorded advisories, it is also worth inspecting areas not always covered thoroughly during an MOT. Check the underside for any signs of surface corrosion or oil misting around the engine and gearbox, particularly around the sump gasket, cam chain cover, and power steering rack, all of which are known seepage points on higher-mileage Ford vehicles of this era. The condition of the tyres should be examined for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can indicate worn suspension geometry components. On cold start, listen for any timing chain rattle from the front of the engine, as the 2.0 TDCi and 1.8 TDCi units fitted to S-Max models of this period are known for chain stretch issues at higher mileages. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection on a ramp is highly advisable given the mileage, focusing on subframe integrity, brake pipe condition, and exhaust system soundness, as these are areas where age-related deterioration is common on a 19-year-old vehicle regardless of its MOT history.