2013 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · DP13 HHX

The Ford Mondeo most recently passed its MOT test on 12 August 2026, receiving two advisories relating to rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit with edge wear and cracking, and a minor windscreen chip within zone A. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the vehicle has maintained an uninterrupted pass record since at least 2019, which is reassuring, but the recurring nature of the advisories indicates a gradually worsening maintenance trend rather than genuine improvement. Suspension component wear was first flagged in 2023 and reiterated in 2024, tyre edge wear has appeared in virtually every test across both axles since 2020, and brake component advisories emerged in 2020 and 2021. The trajectory suggests a vehicle whose consumables and suspension ancillaries are approaching the threshold of more substantive replacement work, even though it remains legally roadworthy. Recorded mileage stands at 95,454 miles over approximately thirteen years, giving an annual accumulation of around 7,343 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of its vintage and suggests reasonably consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no obvious extended gaps in the mileage progression that would indicate long periods of standing, which is beneficial because it reduces the likelihood of severe brake disc corrosion from inactivity, seized caliper sliders, or significant age-related degradation of rubber components. However, at nearly 100,000 miles, mechanical wear on major drivetrain and chassis components should be expected, and the advisories recorded align sensibly with a vehicle that has covered substantial but not extreme distances. Given the recurring advisories on the rear suspension, particular attention must be paid to the trailing arm bushes and pin wear that have been noted over consecutive tests. The trailing arm bush deterioration tends to progress gradually, producing clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, vague or wandering rear-end behaviour during direction changes, and uneven inner-edge tyre wear which is itself already documented. The coil spring corrosion advisory from 2023 is also significant, as corroded springs can weaken and potentially fracture, and any visible flaking, scaling, or paint loss on the spring coils warrants further inspection. On a test drive, listen carefully for rear suspension noise over speed humps and rough tarmac, and verify that the vehicle tracks straight without requiring constant steering correction. The tyre advisories across multiple consecutive tests are arguably the most pressing concern for an immediate purchaser. Edge wear on both inner and outer positions across both axles typically points to either suspension geometry misalignment, worn bushes allowing excessive camber variation, or simply ageing rubber compounding the issue. The cracking noted on the rear tyres in 2025 and 2026 is particularly noteworthy, as sidewall perishing from age can render a tyre unsafe regardless of tread depth, and on a thirteen-year-old vehicle this should be evaluated carefully. A prospective buyer should budget for a full set of replacement tyres, a four-wheel alignment check, and further inspection of the rear trailing arm bushes with a view to replacement if movement has progressed beyond advisory levels. Additionally, given the vehicle's age, it would be prudent to verify the timing belt or chain service history according to Ford's recommended interval, check the condition and age of the 12-volt battery, confirm the coolant and brake fluid have been changed within their calendar intervals, and ensure the service book demonstrates regular oil and filter changes, as these time-based items are equally important as mileage-based servicing for a vehicle of this maturity.