2006 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · VA06 AFE

The 2006 Ford S-Max has demonstrated a stable but inconsistent MOT history, with the most recent test occurring just eight months ago on 11 December 2024. Despite passing the final examination at 109,360 miles, the record shows two consecutive retests in the same month—one failure at 109,358 miles and a subsequent pass—suggesting either a minor administrative oversight or a last-minute correction to a non-structural issue. No defects were logged in any of the five recorded tests, which implies the vehicle has not been flagged for major mechanical or safety-critical failures during its most recent MOT cycles. However, the pattern of retests raises caution, as it indicates either a lack of pre-test preparation or a component nearing failure that was narrowly avoided. The recorded mileage of 109,360 miles over nearly 20 years reflects an unusually low annual average of approximately 5,468 miles, which could point to either infrequent use or prolonged periods of storage. There are no gaps in the MOT record that suggest extended periods off the road, but the consistent low mileage between tests—such as the 4,787 miles covered between the December 2023 failure and the December 2024 retest—may imply the vehicle was not driven regularly. This could accelerate wear on fluid-sealed components like suspension bushes, power steering hoses, or brake caliper seals due to prolonged inactivity. Conversely, the lack of high mileage between tests means there is no evidence of aggressive driving or excessive stress on the drivetrain. Given the absence of recorded defects, the most prudent areas for a prospective buyer to examine in person would be the suspension geometry and bushings—particularly the rear, where wear can go unnoticed until binding occurs. The brakes, though not explicitly failed, should be inspected for uneven wear on discs or glazed pads, as the retest pattern hints at potential pre-failure conditions. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, is a critical concern for a vehicle of this age, even with low mileage; rust penetration in these areas can compromise structural integrity without obvious external signs. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions components should be checked for leaks or excessive corrosion, as these are common failure points in older models that may not always trigger an MOT failure until they become severe.