2004 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · YU04 AKV

The most recent DVSA examination for this 2004 Ford Mondeo took place on 26 April 2025, at which point the vehicle achieved a PASS outcome with no advisories or defects recorded against it. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the car has demonstrated a stable maintenance trend, having passed its tests in May 2024, June 2023, and again in April 2025. The two prior FAIL entries in June 2023 and April 2025 are recorded without specific defect details, which is unusual but suggests those failures were either rectified promptly under the rules of presenting within 24 hours, or were of a sufficiently minor nature not to be documented. Overall, the pattern indicates that the vehicle is being maintained to a roadworthy standard on test day, with no accumulating advisories to flag developing concerns from previous examinations. With 145,545 miles recorded against an age of approximately 22 years, this Mondeo has covered roughly 6,616 miles per year on average, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of its vintage. There is no evidence of unusually high annual accumulation that would point to excessive wear on major drivetrain components, nor is there an indication of extended standing periods that might accelerate corrosion of brake discs, exhaust hangers, and underbody structural components. That said, the mileage is by no means low, and at this point the vehicle will have already lived through multiple cycles of consumable replacement, including clutches, brake systems, suspension bushes, and likely a cambelt or timing chain service depending on engine variant. The mileage profile suggests a car that has been used consistently rather than neglected, which is generally favourable for long-term mechanical integrity. Despite the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should approach a 22-year-old Mondeo with eyes wide open to age-related deterioration that an annual roadworthiness test cannot fully capture. Tyres should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than simply checking tread, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. Similarly, brake discs may exhibit corrosion pitting or lipping even though they passed on test day, particularly if the vehicle has seen any periods of standing. Inspect the brake calipers for binding, which can cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking, and check the discs visually for rust between applications. The handbrake mechanism, rear drum components where fitted, and the condition of the flexible brake hoses should all be examined for signs of perishing or fluid weeping. Beyond braking components, attention should turn to the cooling system, ancillary drive belts, and the general condition of coolant and brake fluid, which degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely through use. A 22-year-old Mondeo will be approaching the limits of its original battery life, so verifying that a recent premium battery has been fitted is worthwhile. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints, hangers, and heat shields, which commonly fail MOT on age rather than mileage. Listen for suspension clonks over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the front subframe, wishbone bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links, all known wear items on this generation. On test drive, monitor for clutch slip under load, any hesitation or misfire from the engine suggesting ignition coil or plug degradation, and confirm that the cooling fan cuts in appropriately. Finally, verify that the service book contains stamps or invoices for regular oil changes, and ideally obtain a current snapshot of the cambelt or timing chain replacement interval for the specific engine fitted, as this is a critical service item on these vehicles.