2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · AV59 ODL

The roadworthiness of this vehicle is currently concerning following a worsening trend in mechanical and safety-related failures. The latest test in December 2025 at 139,136 miles resulted in multiple failures ranging from structural components to critical fluid levels. While the vehicle passed in late 2024, the subsequent appearance of issues like an ineffective bonnet retaining device and an oil leak suggests that the owner is only addressing faults once they trigger a failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 139,136 miles, the vehicle has covered an average of approximately 8,184 miles per year, which is consistent with a 17-year-old car. However, the data shows a significant spike of nearly 19,000 miles driven between November 2023 and December 2025. This period of higher usage over a short two-year window has likely accelerated the wear on the suspension and drivetrain, as evidenced by the recurring degradation of rubber bushes and ball joints noted in the MOT history. A buyer must inspect the front and rear suspension thoroughly, as the record shows a history of wear in anti-roll bar linkages, ball joint boots, and suspension arm bushes. The December 2025 failure regarding the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover indicates that dirt ingress is actively causing component failure. Furthermore, the reported oil leak and low coolant levels in the most recent test require a professional pressure test and visual inspection to rule out head gasket failure or significant seal degradation. The history also highlights a pattern of neglected basic consumables, with multiple tyres flagged for reaching the legal limit or showing uneven wear across several years. This suggests potential alignment issues or a failure to monitor tire pressure. Given the age of the vehicle and the failure of the bonnet retaining device, a detailed check for structural integrity and corrosion on the mounting points is essential to ensure the car remains safe for continued use.