2013 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · RO13 DZS

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension wear and component neglect. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 91,648 miles passed, it introduced new defects including an inoperative registration plate lamp, an insecure exhaust heatshield, and a worn offside rear suspension arm bush. This latest failure marks a recurring issue that has appeared in three of the four tests, suggesting that the previous owner was deferring mechanical repairs rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 13-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. The record shows a steady accumulation of mileage, with 7,538 miles driven between 2024 and 2025, and 6,332 miles between 2025 and the current 2026 test. This consistent usage suggests the car does not sit for long periods, yet the wear on rubber components like suspension bushes indicates that age-related degradation is now the primary driver of MOT failures despite the relatively low total distance driven. A buyer must specifically inspect the rear suspension assembly, as the trailing arm bushes and pins have been flagged since 2023 at 69,878 miles. The persistence of this fault across multiple years indicates that the components have not been replaced, which will eventually lead to handling instability and uneven tyre wear. You should also check the braking system, as the 2025 test noted thin nearside rear pads, and verify the current tyre condition since previous tests showed a history of running tyres near the legal limit. The insecure exhaust heatshield noted in the latest test should be checked to see if a simple tightening or replacement is required to prevent noise or potential damage to the exhaust system.