2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · SC65 VMZ

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 14 August 2026, although this followed a failure necessitated by a dangerous tyre and a faulty position lamp. The overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening over time. While the vehicle has maintained its roadworthiness, there is a persistent pattern of neglecting basic consumables and a progressive increase in corrosion across the chassis and suspension components, suggesting a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle care. The recorded mileage of 86,250 miles is typical for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,625 miles per year. This level of usage suggests a consistent driving history without prolonged periods of standing or excessive heavy-duty use. Mechanically, the vehicle is at a mileage threshold where primary wear-and-tear items, specifically suspension bushings, dampers, and braking components, typically require replacement, which aligns with the defects noted in the recent inspection history. Prospective buyers should focus heavily on the rear suspension and the vehicle's underside. The history shows chronic corrosion affecting the coil springs, rear sub-frame, and suspension arms, coupled with current advisories for worn rear suspension arm pins and bushes. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvres, as these are primary symptoms of perished bushes. A visual inspection of the rear coil springs is essential to check for heavy scaling or fractures, as previous reports of bad corrosion indicate these components are nearing the end of their functional life. The MOT record reveals a recurring failure to replace tyres before they reach the legal limit, culminating in a dangerous failure in 2026. This suggests a lack of attention to routine safety checks. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, which may further indicate wheel misalignment or the aforementioned suspension wear. Given the repeated mentions of sub-frame and shock absorber casing corrosion, a thorough inspection of the underside is critical to ensure that surface rust has not progressed to structural degradation that could compromise the vehicle's long-term integrity.