2016 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · BN16 WTJ

The most recent MOT test dated 13 February 2026 resulted in a Pass, with the only advisory noting slight damage, cracking, or perishing on the nearside rear tyre. However, evaluating the overall maintenance trend requires looking beyond this single pass, as the previous day, 12 February 2026, the vehicle failed its MOT with two dangerous defects: an offside front tyre with ply or cords exposed and nearside rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, alongside the same nearside rear tyre advisory. The trend is therefore one of intermittent but significant mechanical concern, with the braking and tyre components having reached a dangerous state just prior to the pass. Furthermore, the February 2025 test cycle also featured a fail for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, accompanied by advisories for low coolant and an offside front tyre worn almost to the cords on the inner edge. This pattern of dangerous tyre wear, low brake pad material, and fluid level shortfalls suggests that while the vehicle has passed its tests, it has been operating with components at or beyond their service limits, indicating a maintenance regime that is reactive rather than proactive. With approximately 111,438 miles recorded over a ten-year lifespan, this Ford Mondeo has covered an average of roughly 11,144 miles annually, which is a typical usage rate for a vehicle of its age and segment. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage history, suggesting consistent use rather than prolonged periods of standing or storage. Given this continuous service, wear-related defects on consumable components such as tyres and brake friction material are entirely consistent with the mileage profile, though the rapid recurrence of dangerous tyre and brake wear within a single year suggests the previous keeper may have been operating the vehicle right up to the legal minimums rather than replacing components preventatively. Routine mechanical degradation of suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and engine mountings should also be expected at this mileage. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing physical inspection should focus on the braking and tyre condition. Given that the nearside rear brake pads were recorded as dangerously thin in February 2026, a thorough inspection of all four brake calipers, discs, and pads is essential, looking for binding calipers, scored or lipped brake discs, and uneven pad wear. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application, scraping noises, or a spongy brake pedal, and confirm the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. The tyres warrant close scrutiny as well; check the nearside rear for any sidewall perishing or cracking, which is an age-related rubber degradation issue, and inspect the offside front for uneven inner-edge wear, which can point to suspension geometry problems such as worn wishbones, track rod ends, or top mounts. Given the front tyres are a 235/45 R19 size, replacement is a relatively significant cost, so verify the remaining tread depth across the full width. Beyond the recorded defects, a comprehensive buyer inspection should verify the rectification of all previous advisories, particularly confirming that the coolant level is now maintained at the correct mark and that the tyre pressure monitoring system is functioning correctly across all four sensors. With the vehicle now a decade old, age-related deterioration should also be assessed, including 12V battery health and load test results, the condition of the timing belt or chain service history, and the state of all under-bonnet fluids for any signs of emulsification or degradation. Examine the underside and wheel arches for any structural corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension components for split rubber bushes or weakened coil springs, which are common at this mileage. Finally, review the service book stamps to verify regular oil and filter changes, and ensure that the brake fluid and coolant have been refreshed according to calendar-based intervals regardless of mileage.