2007 Ford Mondeo 1.8L Diesel · EK57 PCV

The DVSA history for this nineteen year old Mondeo presents an unusually sparse mechanical record, with only three MOT tests captured across the most recent five year window and one of those ending in a failure. Notably, the 30 November 2023 test resulted in a failed outcome with no advisories or defect codes recorded by the examiner, followed just four days later by a pass on 4 December 2023, suggesting a minor rectification was carried out between the two visits. There are no advisory entries logged for corroded brake lines, worn suspension components, oil leaks, or perished exhaust sections at any point, which on a high mileage vehicle of this age is atypical and likely reflects either a gap in testing history rather than the true mechanical condition. The absence of recurring advisories across multiple tests means there is no documented pattern of wear, leaving the current roadworthy state unverified beyond the single pass. Against a nineteen year lifespan, the recorded 142,228 miles equates to roughly 7,486 miles annually, which sits within typical expectations for a car of this vintage and prior use. However, the MOT coverage itself is irregular, with the 2022 test appearing as the only entry in that calendar year and large gaps in the recorded history prior to 2021. Critically, mileage accumulation between the recorded tests cannot be verified from the data supplied, meaning the odometer reading presented should be cross-referenced against the V5C document and any service history invoices to ensure it is a true continuous figure rather than a replaced unit reading. A gap of several years in testing history on an older Ford of this type commonly allows corrosion to advance unchecked on underbody components, brake pipes, and suspension subframes, even when subsequent tests return clean results, because corrosion below the threshold of failure may not have been recorded. For a prospective buyer, the priority should be a thorough physical inspection of the underbody and structural areas that would not necessarily generate a test failure if only surface-level deterioration is present. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and lower control arm bushes, as these are common wear items on Mondeos of this generation and would typically register as advisories well before failing a test. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and feel for imprecise steering with wandering or a vague centre point, both of which suggest worn suspension linkages. Brake pedal feel should be firm without excessive travel or judder under heavy application, which would point to either warped front discs or a binding caliper, both common on higher mileage examples. The 2007 Mondeo's Zetec and Titanium variants of this era are also known for rear axle bush degradation, which can produce a slightly unsettled feel at speed and vague response during direction changes, so a steady high speed run on a dual carriageway would help reveal this. Check for any oil residue around the cam cover gasket, the front crankshaft seal, and the power steering rack pipes, as seepage in these areas frequently develops beyond 100,000 miles and can lead to advisory entries on subsequent tests if ignored. The exhaust system, particularly the front flexi section and rear mounting rubbers, warrants a physical check for blowing gases and corrosion cracking, as a nineteen year old system is typically approaching the end of its service life. Finally, verify that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after engine start and that the cooling system shows no signs of recent topping up without explanation, as head gasket failures are a recognised concern on this engine family and a clean MOT record would not necessarily preclude an emerging issue between tests.