Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g reliable?

Based on MOT data from 131 vehicles, the 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g has a first-time MOT pass rate of 30.5%, indicating below-average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g (2008)

131 real MOT outcomes analysed • 30.5% first-time pass rate

2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g

CarHunch analysed 131 real MOT records for the 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.

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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

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.

We have limited data for the 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

30.5%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.53

Over 2.7 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

145k

Middle half: 123k–162k

For context

These stats describe 131 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 131 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g cars.

Before you buy a 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g

Based on MOT data from 131 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch →

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (99%)	130	30.2%	0.52

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

144,504

typical

122,865

low mileage

161,820

high mileage

Half of all 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g vehicles fall between 122,865 and 161,820 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 122,865 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 122,865–161,820 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6gs sit.

⚠ Over 218,457 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 28% of 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6gs are still active.

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.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

2.7

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.53

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g: All S Max Zetec Tdci 6g years → Which year to buy? →

2007

Or browse all models: Ford →

Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 6g stacks up against a rival.

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