2009 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · RX59 FNA

The 2009 Ford S-MAX holds a current MOT valid from 4 March 2025, passing at 165,769 miles after a failure the previous day on 3 March 2025. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring minor faults and one notable structural repair. The most recent failure identified a corroded and seriously weakened offside rear lower suspension arm, which was rectified before the pass. Exhaust emissions also exceeded the manufacturer's specified limit at that failure, yet cleared on retest, suggesting a temporary issue rather than a persistent engine fault. Advisories for headlamp lens deterioration and a deteriorated rear registration plate have appeared consistently across multiple tests, indicating cosmetic neglect rather than a safety risk. The vehicle has covered approximately 9,751 miles per year on average, which is typical for a 17-year-old MPV. The record shows a gap of roughly 8,800 miles between the March 2023 pass at 151,799 miles and the March 2024 failure at 160,602 miles, followed by a jump of 5,167 miles in the single year to March 2025. This suggests the car has seen consistent recent use after a period of lighter mileage accumulation between 2023 and 2024. The mileage progression is plausible and does not raise immediate concerns about rolling back, though a buyer should verify the service history to confirm this pattern aligns with documented servicing intervals. The MOT record exposes a pattern of suspension and braking wear that warrants close physical inspection. The 2024 failure flagged a nearside front suspension arm ball joint at risk of detachment, nearside and offside front tyres below the 1.6mm legal minimum with exposed ply on the offside, and nearside rear inner brake pads worn below 1.5mm. These faults suggest the front end and braking system have endured significant stress, likely from the 8,800-mile interval between 2023 and 2024. A buyer should examine the front suspension arms, ball joints, and anti-roll bar links for play or deterioration, and inspect the condition of all four brake discs and pads. The 2025 failure for a corroded rear lower suspension arm raises a structural concern, particularly given the vehicle's age. Any underbody corrosion around the rear subframe and suspension mounting points should be assessed by a qualified mechanic, as corrosion in load-bearing components can compromise long-term structural integrity. Exhaust emissions failures in both 2024 and 2025 point to a recurring issue with combustion efficiency or catalytic converter performance. While both cleared on retest, the repeat occurrence suggests the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors may be degrading. A buyer should request a live emissions readout and check for stored engine fault codes. The persistent headlamp lens haze and registration plate deterioration are minor but indicate the car has not received cosmetic attention. Overall, the vehicle appears mechanically functional with a current MOT, but the suspension and emissions history justifies a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the front and rear suspension geometry, brake component thickness, and exhaust system health.