2013 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · EX13 AAF

The Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi diesel typically returns 50-60 mpg on a mix of motorway and town driving, though real-world figures for a 13-year-old example are likely closer to 45 mpg. Road tax (VED) for a diesel of this age and CO2 bracket falls into a relatively expensive band — expect to pay around £165-£190 per year under the current system, as vehicles registered between March 2001 and March 2017 are charged based on CO2 emissions and do not benefit from the cheaper first-year rates. Insurance for a 2013 Mondeo is generally modest; it typically sits in insurance group 22-25 depending on the exact variant, making it a relatively affordable car to cover, though premiums will depend on the driver's profile.

Maintenance costs for this generation of Mondeo are reasonable thanks to its popularity and parts availability, but expect to budget for ongoing wear items given the MOT history. Brake disc and pad replacement typically costs £250-£400 per axle, and the 2023 failure plus subsequent advisories suggest this is likely to be a recurring expense. A timing belt replacement on the 2.0 TDCi costs approximately £400-£600 if overdue, and this is a critical service item that should not be deferred. Other common running costs include suspension components, tyres, and diesel particulate filter (DPF) maintenance, particularly if the car is predominantly used for short journeys. Overall annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance, are estimated at approximately £2,400-£2,800.

The 2023 MOT failure and subsequent advisories point clearly to the braking system as a priority inspection area. The vehicle failed on seriously weakened rear brake discs, rear brake pads below 1.5mm, and has since received advisories for front brake disc wear in 2024 and 2025, plus pitted/scored front brake discs in 2025. Physically inspect the discs and pads on all four corners, checking for lipping, scoring, and remaining pad material. A temperature gun after a short drive can reveal seized brake components. Given the persistent pattern, ask the seller to demonstrate recent receipted brake work or budget for it yourself.

The 2026 MOT advisory noted corroded rear suspension arms and a deteriorated track rod end dust cover. Inspect the rear suspension arms for visible corrosion, cracking, or distortion — seriously weakened components would fail the test, so the advisory suggests progressive deterioration. Check the track rod ends for play by rocking the steering wheel with the front wheels off the ground, and inspect the dust covers for tears. The nearside front tyre sidewall damage noted in 2026 should also be inspected; if the tyre has not been replaced, a sidewall bulge or crack warrants immediate replacement. Finally, check the headlamp alignment, as the 2023 failure for incorrect beam pattern could recur if the adjustment has shifted, and inspect the condition of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) by asking about driving patterns and checking for warning lights on the dashboard.