2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · YR62 OKO

The 2012 Ford S-Max shows a stable roadworthiness trend over the past four MOT cycles, with the most recent test on 22 July 2025 confirming no defects and a clean pass. The vehicle’s compliance with all mandatory checks—including emissions, brakes, suspension, and structural integrity—has remained consistent since the last failure in July 2023, which was unusually noted without recorded defects, suggesting either a minor oversight or a test anomaly. The absence of advisories or recurring issues across the 2022, 2024, and 2025 tests indicates that major components like coil springs, suspension bushes, and binding calipers have not been flagged, though this does not preclude hidden wear. The vehicle’s most recent MOT was conducted just over a year ago, which is within the acceptable window for a car of this age, though buyers should verify if the test was conducted at or near the 121,228-mile mark. The recorded mileage of 121,228 miles aligns with typical usage for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging around 8,659 miles annually—a rate that suggests regular but not excessive driving. There are no evident gaps in mileage reporting, and the progression between tests remains steady, with no sudden spikes or prolonged periods of inactivity that might indicate neglect or storage-related issues. The lack of a 2023 failure record is notable, as it implies either a technical error or that the vehicle passed all critical checks despite potential wear. Still, the consistent mileage pattern does not raise immediate red flags for consumable components like brake discs or tyres, though deeper inspection would be prudent. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough examination of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear axle and bushes, as these are common failure points in this model at this mileage. The brakes, including caliper binding and disc thickness, should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion, especially if the vehicle has experienced wet or salted conditions. Structural corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is another critical area, as Ford S-Max models are prone to rust progression over time. Finally, the exhaust system—particularly the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors—should be inspected for leaks or excessive soot, as emissions compliance has not been explicitly called out in the MOT records. While the MOT history is reassuring, these components are not tested comprehensively during the annual inspection and may require independent verification.