2004 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Petrol · AV54 XSH

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent pattern of deferred repairs regarding braking and suspension. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 99,636 miles passed, the car continues to carry multiple advisories that have appeared across several years. The trend is stable in its neglect, as recurring issues with fluctuating service brakes and worn shock absorbers remain unaddressed, suggesting the owner only meets the minimum requirements to pass rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 99,636 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year. This low usage profile explains the heavy corrosion and pitting on the brake discs, which often occurs when vehicles sit stationary for long periods rather than being driven. Between March 2024 and February 2026, the vehicle covered roughly 8,400 miles, indicating consistent but light-duty use. The gap between tests shows the car is susceptible to age-related degradation rather than mileage-related wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear chassis, specifically targeting the area flagged in March 2024 where the offside rear integral body structure showed significant corrosion. Although this specific failure was rectified, structural rust on older Fords tends to spread if the surrounding metal is not treated. The braking system requires immediate attention as the tester has repeatedly flagged fluctuating brakes and pitted discs on all corners for three years, indicating the rotors are warped or the calipers are failing. The suspension also demands scrutiny, as both rear shock absorbers have shown a reduced damping effect since at least March 2024. This lack of damping will affect handling and lead to uneven wear on other components. Furthermore, the nearside rear tyre was already nearing the legal limit in early 2026 and should be checked for dry rot, given the vehicle's age and the low distances driven.