2016 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · AX16 BYP

The most recent MOT on 21 June 2025 resulted in a failure, classified as Dangerous, because both the nearside and off‑side rear tyres were found with tread depths below the legal 1.6 mm limit. Earlier in the same day the vehicle had initially recorded a pass, but the tyre condition overrode that outcome. Over the preceding six years the MOT record shows a gradual accumulation of advisories – tyre wear on the fronts in 2019 and 2024, brake pad and disc thinning from 2022 onward, a loose nearside front track‑rod end flagged in 2020 and a repeat advisory for rear tyre wear in 2025. The pattern indicates a maintenance trajectory that is deteriorating rather than stabilising, with wear‑related items now reaching unsafe thresholds. At 253 473 miles the Mondeo has covered roughly 25 000 miles per annum, well above the average for a ten‑year‑old family saloon. Such a mileage rate suggests the vehicle has been used heavily, likely on a mix of motorway and urban driving, which accelerates wear on tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine components. The high cumulative distance also raises the probability of internal corrosion in the cooling system, wear on the timing chain or belt (if applicable), and progressive thinning of the exhaust system. Any long periods of low mileage or storage would be evident as gaps in the log, but the record shows consistent annual testing, implying regular use rather than prolonged sitting. Prospective buyers should give immediate attention to the rear tyres – they must be replaced before any further use, and the new set should be matched with a correct wheel‑alignment to avoid premature wear on the fronts. Inspect the front tyres for side‑wall cracking or age‑related perishing, as the vehicle is now ten years old; even if the tread appears adequate, rubber degradation can cause sudden failure. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when turning, which would indicate a lingering issue with the nearside front track‑rod end or worn ball joints, and feel for any looseness in the steering column. Examine the brake pedal for sponginess or a pulsating sensation under firm pressure, which would betray worn pads, thinning discs or possible caliper binding; the MOT advisories from 2022 and 2024 suggest the pads are already near the end of their service life, so a full brake inspection and likely replacement of pads and possibly discs is advisable. Beyond the immediate tyre and brake concerns, a thorough visual check of the suspension bushes, especially the rear trailing arms and rear shock absorbers, is prudent given the high mileage; any creaking or excessive bounce indicates bush wear. Verify the condition of the battery – a ten‑year‑old unit may have reduced cranking power and could be nearing the end of its service life, so a load test is recommended. Inspect for corrosion on the chassis, particularly around the wheel arches and under the vehicle, as prolonged exposure to road salts can compromise structural integrity. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil, filter and coolant changes at the manufacturer‑specified intervals; if service stamps are missing or the intervals are irregular, anticipate a comprehensive fluid change and a possible inspection of the timing chain or belt, as these items are time‑ and mileage‑sensitive on a high‑kilometre Mondeo.