2011 Ford S-MAX 1.6L Diesel · YT61 ALU

The 2026‑04‑30 MOT at 97,664 miles resulted in a pass, indicating the vehicle currently meets the minimum legal standards. However, the preceding 2026‑04‑28 test at 97,653 miles recorded a failure with serious deficiencies in the rear anti‑roll bar, parking brake efficiency, exhaust mounting and insufficient brake reserve travel, and the 2023‑09‑12 failure highlighted severe suspension fluid leaks, critically low brake pads and excessive play in track‑rod ends. This pattern shows a history of recurring mechanical and structural faults rather than a stable or improving trend. Mileage has risen from 53,158 miles in September 2018 to 97,664 miles by April 2026, an average annual increase of roughly 6,500 miles, consistent with typical usage for a 15‑year‑old vehicle. The interval between the 2023‑09‑12 and 2024‑05‑03 tests was only eight months and 4,238 miles, while the 2022‑09‑06 to 2023‑09‑12 period covered 9,293 miles in a single year, indicating steady accumulation without prolonged standing periods. A buyer should therefore concentrate on the suspension system, examining the condition of rear and front suspension arm pins, bushes, ball joints, shock absorbers and anti‑roll bar mounting, all of which have been flagged repeatedly. The brake assembly warrants close inspection of disc wear, pad thickness, caliper operation and parking brake function, given the multiple advisories on worn discs, low reserve travel and pad wear under 1.5 mm. Structural integrity must be assessed for corrosion on the rear sub‑frame, coil springs and underside panels, while the exhaust mounting, coolant level and tyre tread depth should also be verified. Although the latest test cleared many items, the cumulative record reveals persistent wear and recurring failures that could affect safety and longevity; a thorough in‑person evaluation of the highlighted components is essential before purchase.