2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · YA65 RWZ

The vehicle shows a consistent pattern of deferred maintenance regarding braking components and rubber elements. In the most recent January 2026 test at 58,818 miles, the car failed due to an excessively binding offside rear service brake and thin pads, alongside pitted front discs. While it passed seven miles later at 58,825 miles, the tester still flagged worn front lower suspension arm bushes and tyres reaching the legal limit. The recurring nature of thin brake pads and discs across multiple years suggests the owner only addresses mechanical faults when an MOT failure is imminent, rather than following a preventative service schedule. At 58,825 miles, this decade-old vehicle has covered relatively low mileage, averaging roughly 6,000 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to age-related degradation of components that do not wear out through mileage. The record confirms this with 2024 and 2025 entries noting age-related cracking and perishing on tyres despite sufficient tread depth. The uneven wear on the front tyres noted in 2026 also indicates a potential alignment issue or worn suspension geometry that requires immediate attention to prevent premature replacement of new rubber. A buyer should inspect the front suspension geometry closely, as the worn bushes were flagged in January 2026 despite being present in previous tests. The binding rear brake identified in the latest failure indicates a seized caliper or worn slider pin, which should be checked for heat damage or corrosion. Given the history of pitted discs and thin pads, a full set of rotors and pads is likely nearing the end of its functional life regardless of the low mileage.