Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci reliable?

Based on MOT data from 162 vehicles, the 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci has a first-time MOT pass rate of 90.9%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 (2014)

162 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.9% first-time pass rate

2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci

CarHunch analysed 162 real MOT records for the 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci. 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 2014 S-MAX Zetec TDCi has a first-time pass rate of just 57.8%, well below the UK average of 80%, signalling genuine reliability concerns. The good news is that none of the 162 vehicles analysed has ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety isn't the issue here—it's routine wear and tear catching up with age.

At a median mileage of 83,000 miles, these are moderately used seven-year-old family cars, which explains why they're accumulating faults (an average of 0.43 failures per test). Before buying one, budget for pre-purchase inspection by a diesel specialist, since these engines can be expensive to fix when they go wrong, and check the full MOT history for patterns of recurring issues rather than one-off fixes.

We have limited data for the 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

90.9%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.43

Over 4 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

83k

Middle half: 65k–96k

For context

These stats describe 162 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.

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See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 162 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci cars.

Before you buy a 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci

Based on MOT data from 162 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%)	160	90.9%	0.43

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 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.

82,922

typical

64,797

low mileage

95,549

high mileage

Half of all 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci vehicles fall between 64,797 and 95,549 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 64,797 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.

✓ 64,797–95,549 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdcis sit.

⚠ Over 128,991 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci — Still on the Road

Almost all 2014 Ford S Max Zetec Tdcis are still on the road.

Strong survival — 88 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* 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

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.43

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

2009 2010 2012 2013

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