2007 Ford Mondeo 1.8L Diesel · EF57 SXL

A nineteen-year-old Mondeo with this mileage profile presents a recurring rear suspension story that dominates its MOT record. Across four of the last five tests, examiners have flagged the trailing arm front bushes, first as advisories on both sides, then escalating to a Major failure in August 2021 when the nearside bush was deemed excessively worn. The component appeared again as an advisory on both sides at the September 2023 test, alongside a corroded rear coil spring, suggesting the suspension overhaul noted in 2021 was not comprehensive or that further wear has developed in the intervening years. The most recent examination in September 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories recorded, which breaks the advisory pattern but does not erase the documented trajectory of bush wear over the prior four years. Front-end issues also warrant attention: the 2023 failure included a rough nearside front wheel bearing and deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers on both sides, the latter of which had already been flagged as a Minor in 2022, indicating progressive deterioration that was ultimately resolved to pass standard but may have masked joint wear. Annual mileage of roughly 9,080 miles over nineteen years is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, and the testing history shows continuous annual MOT compliance from 2020 onwards, with no extended periods off the road that might raise concerns about standing-start degradation. There is a six-week interval between the failed September 2023 test and its subsequent pass, indicating prompt rectification, while the 2021 failure-to-pass gap was just eleven days. The mileage itself, however, places this Mondeo firmly in high-wear territory for consumables and suspension components, which is consistent with the pattern of brake, tyre, and suspension advisories recorded throughout the history. The 2022 advisory noting the brake hydraulic reservoir close to the minimum mark is a minor item but, combined with the other brake-related observations over the years, points to a braking system that has seen consistent use and would warrant thorough inspection. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection area is the rear suspension. The trailing arm front bushes should be physically checked by rocking the trailing arms vertically and laterally to detect any play beyond the slight movement permitted within MOT tolerance. Listen for clonking or knocking from the rear axle over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate the bushes have moved past advisory stage since the 2025 test. The rear coil spring recorded as corroded in 2023 should be visually inspected for advanced surface rust, pitting, or any signs of cracking, as corroded springs can fail suddenly under load. Examine the trailing arms and surrounding subframe areas for rust, particularly around mounting points, given the vehicle's age and exposure to road salt over nearly two decades. The front axle also demands close attention despite the absence of recent advisories. The 2023 failure for a rough nearside front wheel bearing means a replacement was likely fitted, but verify that no rumble remains during a road test at speed, particularly when cornering under load, as bearing noise is often speed-dependent. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, which had deteriorated dust covers in both 2022 and 2023, should be checked for play by hand and inspected for perished or split boots that may have worsened since. On the test drive, pay particular attention to steering response, as worn drop links can introduce vagueness or a knocking sensation over bumps. Finally, the repeated inner-edge tyre wear advisories on all four corners in 2021 suggest a tracking or suspension geometry issue that may or may not have been resolved; uneven or rapid inner shoulder wear on any fitted tyres during inspection would warrant a four-wheel alignment check and further investigation into the rear bush condition.