Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g (2008)
2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g
CarHunch analysed 131 real MOT records for the 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2008 S-MAX Zetec TDCi is a significant reliability concern, with only 30.5% passing first-time against the UK average of 80%—meaning nearly 7 in 10 will need repairs before MOT. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at 0%, but the persistently low pass rate reflects genuine structural issues with this specific generation and engine combination.
At 144,500 miles median, these vehicles are well-used family cars, and the 0.53 average failures per test suggest recurring problems rather than isolated wear items. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on the diesel engine and transmission, as the pattern here indicates systematic weaknesses that only proper diagnostics will reveal.
What to check before buying a 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 130 | 30.2% | 0.52 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 1 | 70% | 3 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g vehicles fall between 122,865 and 161,820 miles.
2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 13 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (28% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g: