2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · SH10 LAE

The vehicle's overall roadworthiness is currently failing, as evidenced by the most recent MOT entry on 2025-06-14, which indicates a serious mechanical condition requiring immediate attention. This failure represents a clear deterioration in the vehicle's condition, marking a significant shift from the previous successful test in September 2023. The consistent failure of the central and offside front wheel bearings, combined with extensive corrosion of all suspension, braking, and steering components, demonstrates that the mechanical integrity has been compromised. While the 2023-06-26 test passed, the persistent issues in the 2025-06-14 test confirm that the structural and functional components have deteriorated beyond acceptable limits. The mileage pattern reveals a distinct gap between the vehicle's age and its operational history. With approximately 16 years of age and 157,317 recorded miles, the vehicle has accumulated roughly 9,832 miles per year, which is typical for a used model. However, the maintenance history shows a stark contrast: the vehicle has passed MOT tests for 2024 and 2023, yet failed both the 2025-06-14 and 2023-06-19 checks, indicating that the owner has likely skipped routine inspections or performed them at intervals too far apart. The rapid accumulation of mileage without corresponding maintenance, especially given the high mileage per year, suggests that the vehicle has been under heavy use or that the owner has prioritized other tasks over vehicle care. Given the recurring failure of critical components including the wheel bearings, suspension, brakes, and structural corrosion, the buyer should inspect the vehicle in person to identify the extent of the damage. The most immediate concern is the structural integrity of the chassis and the condition of the wheels, as the offside front and rear wheel bearings have slight play, and the tyres have worn close to the legal limit. The extensive corrosion of all suspension and braking components, particularly the rear sub-frame and lower suspension arms, indicates that the vehicle may require a full suspension overhaul and brake replacement. The buyer must be prepared to undertake a thorough inspection of the entire drivetrain and suspension system, as a single failure could lead to total vehicle failure.