2002 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · FH02 GDK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 28 February 2025, although the test did record three advisories and one minor defect. Across the documented test history from 2019 onwards, the pattern is one of largely consistent passes, with the only failure occurring in March 2023. That earlier failure was centred on a split nearside drive shaft CV boot and a perished suspension arm ball joint dust cover, both of which were resolved sufficiently to allow a pass at the subsequent attempt. The advisories, however, have accumulated steadily, particularly in relation to brake pipe corrosion, suspension arm corrosion, and exhaust deterioration, suggesting that while the vehicle remains roadworthy at the point of each test, the underlying trend is one of gradual age-related wear progression rather than active deterioration. The recorded mileage of 90,507 miles over an approximate 24-year vehicle age equates to around 3,771 miles per year, which is notably below average usage. This low annual mileage profile raises the dual consideration of whether the vehicle has been used gently or, conversely, has experienced extended periods of standing. Where a vehicle has accumulated relatively low miles for its age, components such as brake discs, calipers, suspension bushes, and the 12V battery are often more prone to age-related degradation than high-mileage wear items, simply due to the effects of corrosion, fluid stagnation, and infrequent loading on moving parts. The MOT history does not reveal any significant mileage anomalies between tests, suggesting that usage has been broadly consistent throughout. Turning to the specific advisories on record, the brake pipe corrosion noted on multiple tests across 2021, 2022, and the 2025 test is a recurring theme that warrants close physical inspection. Brake pipes on a 24-year-old vehicle are particularly vulnerable to corrosion at jacking points, underbody runs, and where the pipe passes through body panels. While the previous tester has consistently noted this as covered in grease or other material rather than an outright failure, a prospective buyer should arrange for the underbody pipes to be inspected without their protective coating, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, to establish the true extent of any wall thinning. Similarly, the rear suspension arm corrosion advisories from 2024 should be checked visually for any progression, and during a test drive the buyer should listen for clonks or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest advancing wear at the bushes or arm mounting points. The 2025 advisory regarding an offside front tyre worn on its inner edge is also significant, as this pattern of wear is frequently indicative of suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, a perished top mount, or tracking misalignment, and should prompt a close inspection of the front suspension components and a four-wheel alignment check. The drive shaft CV boot advisories are a further recurring concern, with a near-split boot recorded as a major failure in 2023, followed by severe deterioration advisories in both 2024 and 2025. While boots can be replaced relatively economically as a standalone repair, if grease has been lost and contamination ingressed, the joint itself may be approaching the end of its service life. On a test drive, any clicking or knocking from the front of the vehicle during full lock manoeuvres or on turn-in would suggest the joint itself is now worn. Beyond the documented MOT items, a vehicle of this age and low annual mileage benefits from a thorough inspection of items that deteriorate primarily with time rather than use. The buyer should inspect all tyres, including the spare, for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on older vehicles regardless of tread remaining. Brake calipers are particularly prone to seizing on low-use cars, so a test should confirm the vehicle rolls freely when released and that braking is smooth without pulling. Brake discs may show extensive surface corrosion from standing; light rust is normal but any significant pitting or lipping, especially given the 2021 advisory noting pitted and scored rear discs, should be assessed. Coolant, brake fluid, and the timing belt replacement interval should be verified, as time-based servicing is critical on older vehicles, and the battery should be load-tested given the age of the vehicle. Finally, a compression test or at least a cold-start observation would be valuable to confirm internal engine health on a low-mileage example that may have experienced extended periods of inactivity.