Big Car Club - MPV and SUV Forums

We have a MK2 V6 automatic and love it,!even though it has a hole in the fuel tank that can't be fixed...

I've noticed that 2.5t S Max's are down to 4-5k with 100k miles on the clock. Like the V6 they seem to be owned by few owners and in good nick.

I'm just wondering how people have faired with theirs at this sort of mileage. I'm not afraid of over 100k mile cars but like to know what to expect.


On the MK2 I was prepared for driveshafts, suspension, coil packs and autobox issues. Sorted the wipers thanks to this site.

I wouldn't look at auto S Max, only manual.
I've heard the crank case breather is come on these (Ã,£350-500 bill).
I should expect worn suspension especially up front but any major/custom/super expensive bits unique to the 2.5t?
Do the driveshafts last?

Could make for an interesting replacement bus if not too ruinous to maintain. I expect they will have a bigger hole in the fuel tank than my current v6 but luckily I like stopping every 200-250 miles for fill!

im probably wrong but iirc it uses a Volvo engine.

Yep it is a Volvo unit.
Volvo forums say they Ford installation used inferior parts like cooling system clamps etc but it's the same unit. I think engine wise it's solid but like my V6 it's all the bits around it that can get expensive/need attention.
Hence me ruling out the automatic - a Powershift (DSG) box as nice as it is going to be expensive when it needs attention (and I might not have to have have auto as the wife will probably never drive it).
I see a few manuals on sale state new clutch which is probably about driving style more than anything (although the remapped Focus ST with this engine tend to slip clutches once they get up to around 280bhp with stage 1 tuning).
Turbos of course add complexity but this isn't a highly stressed unit in a performance hatchback so I think that helps longevity.