2003 Ford Mondeo 1.8L Petrol · EN52 TSU

A pattern of recurring headlamp and brake‑related advisories defines this Mondeo’s MOT history, with the most recent test on 2 February 2026 confirming a pass but still noting product on both front lenses, a pitted front brake disc and wear on the rear sub‑frame pin/bush. Earlier years show repeated headlamp aim failures, a serious headlamp lens defect in 2021 and a persistent gearbox oil‑leak advisory, indicating that while no current safety‑critical failures are recorded, the vehicle has required continual attention to lighting, braking and sub‑frame components. At 62,285 mi spread over 23 years the annual average is roughly 2,700 mi, well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Such low mileage often points to periods of limited running or storage, which can accelerate ageing of rubber seals, bushings and tyre compounds despite the modest distance covered. The MOT record shows no gaps in annual testing, suggesting the car has been regularly presented for inspection, but the low utilisation means that wear on consumables may be uneven and that components such as hoses, mounts and tyre sidewalls could have deteriorated from age rather than mileage alone. Prospective buyers should give the headlamp assemblies close scrutiny: examine the lenses for haze or film, verify that the aim meets the statutory limits, and be prepared to replace or professionally clean the units if the product on the glass affects illumination. The front brake disc, flagged as pitted and scored, should be measured for remaining thickness and inspected for deep scoring; thin front pads noted in 2024 also warrant a pad thickness check and a feel for pedal pulsation or increased stopping distances during a road test. The rear sub‑frame pin or bush, recorded as worn, may manifest as clunking noises when traversing bumps or a slight rear‑wheel wobble; a hands‑on inspection of the bush condition and a test for excessive rear‑wheel play are advisable. Tyre health requires particular attention: the near‑side rear tyre shows slight damage or cracking, the off‑side front tyre was close to the legal limit, and the near‑side front tyre has similarly approached the limit. Verify tread depth across all four wheels, look for sidewall cracks, bulges or uneven wear that could hint at alignment or suspension issues. Finally, the gearbox oil‑leak advisory, although not a failure, should be followed up by checking for oil stains beneath the vehicle, confirming the oil level and condition, and ensuring the leak source is identified and rectified before committing to purchase.