2014 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · FD63 WBZ

The most recent MOT on 20 July 2026 was passed, but it carried an advisory that both rear trailing‑arm bushes are beginning to split. Over the last three years the vehicle has repeatedly failed major items – front suspension arm wear, a split CV boot, a missing steering‑rack gaiter and an insecure rear‑exhaust back box – each of which was subsequently rectified to achieve a pass. While the pattern shows that the owner has been addressing defects promptly, the recurrence of front‑suspension wear and the new rear‑bush splitting suggest a trend of progressive component fatigue rather than a fully stabilised condition. At 123,114 mi the Mondeo averages just over 10 000 mi per year, which is typical for a 2014 model. There are no obvious large mileage gaps in the MOT record, indicating the car has been driven fairly consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This level of use means that wear items such as bushings, ball joints, brake discs and tyre tread will be approaching the latter half of their service life, and any sudden spikes in mileage would have accelerated those consumables further. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension and rear sub‑frame. Inspect the off‑side front suspension arm pin and bush for any play, uneven wear or oil contamination, and check the nearside ball joint for excessive movement when the wheel is rocked. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps or turning, and feel for any looseness in the steering. The rear trailing‑arm bushes flagged in the latest advisory should be examined for cracks or split fibres; a failing bush can cause rear‑wheel mis‑alignment and noisy handling. Verify that the rear‑exhaust mounting is secure and that there is no rattling or exhaust fumes entering the cabin, and confirm that the steering‑rack gaiter is intact to keep dirt out of the rack internals. Finally, examine the CV joint boot on the nearside drive shaft for tears, dried‑out rubber or grease leakage, as a compromised boot can lead to joint failure and costly repairs. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough general inspection. Check all four tyres for side‑wall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or suspension issues. Test the 12 V battery voltage and assess its ability to hold charge, especially if the vehicle has spent periods stationary. Inspect brake discs for surface rust, scoring or excessive thickness loss, and ensure calipers move freely without binding. Examine fluid levels and condition – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider that calendar‑based degradation may have occurred even if mileage is modest. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around suspension mounting points and exhaust brackets, and verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service for a 2014 Mondeo. Addressing these points will give a clearer picture of the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.