2009 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · SM09 MDY

The vehicle holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 22 July 2025, but the maintenance trend indicates a worsening mechanical state. While the car passed its most recent inspection, the preceding day saw a significant failure involving multiple major safety defects, including structural corrosion on a rear suspension arm, a leaking brake caliper, and a missing exhaust back box. The presence of these critical failures immediately prior to a pass suggests that repairs were performed only to meet the minimum legal threshold for roadworthiness rather than addressing the underlying degradation of the vehicle systems. The recorded mileage of 143,724 miles over 17 years averages approximately 8,454 miles per annum, which aligns with typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows consistent annual testing between 2023 and 2025, confirming the vehicle has remained in regular operation. There are no significant gaps in the testing timeline, though the escalation from a clean pass in July 2023 to a list of major failures in July 2025 highlights a rapid decline in the condition of key mechanical components. Prospective buyers should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension mounting points and arms, as the 2025 failure for corrosion indicates a structural vulnerability that may persist or spread. The braking system requires careful scrutiny, specifically the condition of the front discs which were flagged as pitted and scored at the last test. Given the history of exhaust leaks and the previous failure regarding a missing back box, the entire exhaust system warrants a detailed check for integrity and secure mounting. The risk level is high, and the buying score is 35 out of 100.