2015 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · SC65 JCZ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 October 2025, was a pass but was accompanied by several advisories: a child‑seat obstruction to the adult belt, a nail in the off‑side front tyre and both front tyres reported as worn close to the legal limit on the tread edge. Earlier in the same year the vehicle had failed a MOT on 16 October 2024 due to a major fault – the nearside rear service brake was found to be excessively binding – and an oil‑leak advisory was also recorded. That failure appears to have been rectified as the subsequent 2024 test passed, and from 2023 onward the MOTs have shown no further failures, only routine wear advisories. Overall the maintenance trend shows an initial deterioration around 2021‑2024, followed by corrective action and a stabilising pattern in the last two years, suggesting the current owner has addressed the most serious issues. At 76,978 mi the S‑Max averages roughly 7 000 mi per annum, which is typical for a vehicle of its 2015 vintage. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would indicate severe wear on high‑stress components, nor are there long gaps that might hint at prolonged storage and associated ageing problems. The mileage level is moderate for the age, meaning that wear items such as suspension bushes, CV joints and the timing chain are likely to be within normal service intervals, but they should still be inspected for any signs of fatigue or excessive play. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front tyres. The presence of a nail and edge‑wear advisories indicates that the tyres may have been close to replacement at the last test; check the tread depth across the whole surface, look for side‑wall cracking, and verify the manufacture date – tyres older than six years can deteriorate even if the tread appears adequate. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that could signal a developing tyre defect, and feel for any pull or vibration that would suggest uneven wear or mis‑alignment. Also examine the rear brake system: the previous binding fault may have been remedied, but you should press the brake pedal at low speed and note whether it feels firm and returns promptly, and at higher speed listen for any squeal or pulsation that could indicate a caliper still sticking or a warped disc. The oil‑leak advisory, although not deemed excessive, warrants a visual check for any fresh oil deposits around the sump, valve cover or front and rear main seals, and a watch for any oil spots on the garage floor after the car has been parked. Verify that the oil level and condition are correct and that the oil has been changed at appropriate intervals. Given the vehicle’s age, inspect the condition of the suspension bushings, ball joints and steering rack for any looseness or corrosion, and assess the 12 V battery for cranking performance and electrolyte level if it is a conventional type. Finally, confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid have been flushed within the last 2‑3 years, as time‑based degradation can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, soft brakes or harsh shifting even on a relatively low‑mileage car.