2007 Ford S-MAX 1.8L Diesel · SW07 WKP

The 2007 Ford S-MAX holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 12 January 2026 at 149,958 miles, but the maintenance trend is not reassuring. The most recent test passed with two corrosion advisories on both nearside and offside rear coil springs, a recurring defect that first appeared in December 2024 and has persisted through successive inspections. This pattern suggests the rear suspension springs are deteriorating progressively rather than being addressed proactively. The vehicle has not failed a test since December 2024, yet the repeat coil spring advisories indicate a slow decline in structural suspension condition rather than genuine resolution. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,893 miles per year over nineteen years is broadly typical for a large MPV of this age. The record shows steady annual use with no dramatic gaps or sudden spikes, and MOT entries appear at consistent yearly intervals from November 2022 through January 2026. The 3,330-mile increase between the December 2024 and January 2026 tests is slightly above the annual average, but not enough to raise concern about sustained high-mileage abuse. The data set itself is clean and well-documented, with no missing years or irregular test intervals. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the rear suspension. Both rear coil springs have been flagged for corrosion across two consecutive annual tests, meaning the corrosion has had at least fourteen months to worsen since the January 2026 advisory. Surface rust on coil springs can progress to pitting and reduced load-bearing capacity, particularly on a vehicle that may carry heavy passenger or cargo loads. Have a technician measure spring free height and inspect for visible pitting or cracking, especially at the lower seat where moisture collects. The anti-roll bar linkage dust covers on both front corners were flagged as severely deteriorated in December 2023, and while they were not re-flagged in 2024 or 2026, deteriorated covers allow water and grit ingress that accelerates ball joint wear. Check for play in both front anti-roll bar links and track rod ends, as the December 2023 test also noted slight play in the offside track rod end. The braking system shows moderate but manageable wear. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in December 2023 at 143,126 miles, yet no brake-related advisory appeared in the subsequent 2024 or 2026 tests, suggesting they were replaced in the interim. The December 2024 failure for a worn nearside rear tyre and a recut offside rear tyre indicates at least one previous owner was deferring basic tyre maintenance. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and remaining tread depth. The 2022 advisory for rear underbody corrosion and a minor oil leak also warrants attention. Get the vehicle on a lift and examine the rear subframe mounting points, sills, and floor pan for advanced corrosion, particularly around the rear suspension pickup points where the corroded coil springs sit.