2004 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · EN54 EWD

The vehicle currently presents a critical roadworthiness state following a significant decline in mechanical standards and structural integrity. While the car passed consecutive tests between 2020 and 2021, the March 2022 inspection at 140,050 miles revealed a catastrophic failure with fourteen separate defects. This trend indicates a transition from basic maintenance to severe neglect, as the tester flagged multiple safety-critical failures in braking, steering, and structural components that were ignored in the preceding years. The recorded mileage of 140,050 miles over 22 years averages to approximately 6,366 miles per year, which is consistent with low-use patterns for this age. However, the data shows a concerning gap in activity between March 2021 and March 2022, where the vehicle covered only 2,257 miles in a year. This period of low use often correlates with the deterioration of rubber components and the accelerated corrosion of metalwork, which explains the extensive rust and brake pipe issues identified in the 2022 failure report. A buyer must prioritise a thorough structural inspection of the chassis and sub-frames. The 2022 test noted excessive corrosion on the towbar mounting chassis legs and heavy surface rust on both the front and rear sub-frames. These are not merely cosmetic issues but represent risks to the vehicle's integrity. Furthermore, the braking system requires immediate attention as the record notes significantly worn discs, imbalanced axles, and a parking brake operating at less 50 percent of the required efficiency threshold.