2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · FP09 PPK

The most recent MOT test on the 2009 Ford Mondeo was conducted on 2022-12-14 and resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround following a series of failures and advisories in the preceding years. While the vehicle’s MOT history displays a pattern of recurring issues—particularly with suspension components, tyre wear, and minor electrical faults—there is no evidence of a worsening trend in the most recent tests. The 2022 pass, alongside the absence of any major failures or dangerous conditions since then, suggests that the vehicle has either undergone necessary repairs or that the defects identified in prior tests have been mitigated or are no longer critical. However, the presence of persistent advisories, such as the offside front seat belt webbing damage and the exposed near-side front tyre from the 2021-12-13 failure, indicates ongoing wear and potential long-term risks that must be addressed to ensure long-term roadworthiness. The recorded mileage of 138,712 miles for a vehicle aged 17 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,160 miles per year, which is typical for its age and class. This figure does not suggest excessive wear from high annual mileage alone, as the Mondeo’s suspension and tyres have shown signs of wear that could be influenced more by prolonged static conditions or infrequent use rather than sheer distance travelled. The gaps between MOT tests—particularly the 2021 failures occurring just weeks apart—could imply that the vehicle was either not maintained regularly or was driven under conditions that accelerated component fatigue, such as rough roads, heavy loads, or prolonged idling. For such a vehicle, the suspension components, in particular, may have been subjected to cumulative stress, leading to the observed wear on ball joints and suspension arm bushes. Buyers should be cautious of any signs of excessive play or clunking in the suspension during a test drive, as these could indicate further deterioration. Given the vehicle’s MOT history, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, focusing on the front and rear lower suspension arms, ball joints, and anti-roll bar connections. The near-side front lower suspension arm ball joint was flagged as excessively worn in multiple tests, which could lead to steering instability, uneven tyre wear, or even a loss of control if not replaced soon. Symptoms to watch for during a test drive include a noticeable clunking or rattling when the vehicle is driven over bumps, reduced steering responsiveness, or a vibration that correlates with suspension movement. The offside front tyre’s exposed ply from the 2021 failure is a critical concern, as this indicates severe tread degradation and a risk of sudden tyre failure, which could be dangerous. The buyer should also verify that the tyre’s sidewall is free of cracks or perishing, as this can compromise structural integrity over time, especially in a vehicle of this age. Additionally, the offside front seat belt webbing damage suggests a history of stress, which may not be immediately hazardous but could pose a risk in a crash scenario, warranting replacement if the webbing is frayed or compromised. For fluid systems, the buyer should check the brake fluid level and condition, as the 2020 advisory of a worn, pitted, or scored front brake disc could indicate underlying brake system issues. Standing corrosion on brake discs or calipers, particularly if the vehicle has been parked for extended periods, is a common problem in older vehicles and may lead to binding or reduced braking effectiveness. The rear exhaust mounting defective box from 2019 also merits attention, as this could contribute to emissions issues or structural instability if not repaired. A test drive should include a check for any unusual noises from the exhaust system, such as rattling or hissing, and a visual inspection of the exhaust for leaks or damage. For the 12V battery, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for prolonged static use, the buyer should test its charge cycle and ensure it holds a charge without significant deterioration. Lastly, while the MOT history is not entirely clean, the absence of recent failures and the stable maintenance trend suggest that the vehicle is passable for a prospective buyer provided that the identified advisories are addressed promptly. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic would be advisable to confirm the absence of hidden mechanical issues and to ensure all critical components are in safe working order.