2006 Ford Mondeo 2.2L Diesel · FM06 AAZ

The most recent MOT on 17 February 2025 resulted in a failure, although no specific defects were recorded on the certificate. Over the last three years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures – a pass in October 2023 and October 2022, each preceded by a failure a few days earlier. The lack of documented faults suggests the failures may have been administrative or related to minor items that were rectified before the next test, but the pattern does indicate that the car has not enjoyed a consistently clean MOT record. Overall the maintenance trend appears erratic rather than steadily improving, and a prospective buyer should verify that any remedial work undertaken after each failure has been properly documented and that no latent issues remain. At 106,798 mi the Mondeo averages roughly 5,300 mi per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a 20‑year‑old family saloon. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or long-term storage. While reduced wear on engine and transmission components can be a benefit, prolonged standing can accelerate the ageing of rubber components, corrosion of metal parts, and degradation of fluids. The mileage figure alone does not reveal any sudden spikes, so there is no indication of rapid wear, but the buyer should be mindful that components such as suspension bushings, brake discs and tyre rubber may have deteriorated from age rather than mileage. Given the absence of recorded defects, the inspection should focus on age‑related wear. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot and tread depth; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement even if the tread appears adequate. Inspect the suspension for any play in the ball joints, worn bushings or corroded mounting points, and listen for clunking noises over bumps during a test drive. The brake system should be checked for surface rust on the discs, especially if the car has been stationary for extended periods, and the calipers should be exercised to ensure they are not binding; any shudder or pulsation when applying the brakes warrants further attention. A thorough check of the 12 V battery’s state of charge and electrolyte level is advisable, as batteries lose capacity when left idle for long periods. Verify that the service book contains regular oil, filter and coolant changes, and consider that brake fluid and coolant typically require replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage. Look for any signs of fluid leaks around the engine bay, exhaust system and under the chassis, and confirm that the emission control components, such as the catalytic converter, are free of excessive black soot or rattling. Addressing these time‑based items will give a clearer picture of the Mondeo’s current roadworthiness and help the buyer anticipate near‑term maintenance costs.