2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · FP59 HBG

The vehicle remains roadworthy but exhibits a clear and worsening trend of deteriorating mechanical components and structural oxidation. The most recent test in October 2025 at 168,498 miles shows a pass only after failing on multiple points including shock absorbers, exhaust mountings, and lighting. While the owner addressed the immediate failures to secure compliance, the presence of surface corrosion on the integral body structure indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where structural integrity will require increasingly close monitoring. At 168,498 miles, the Mondeo has averaged approximately 10,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical annual usage for a seventeen-year-old car. The data shows consistent use, with roughly 6,000 miles covered between the September 2023 and October 2024 tests, and another 5,400 miles leading into the 2025 inspection. This regular interval suggests the car has not suffered from long periods of standing, yet the high mileage places significant stress on aging drivetrain and suspension-related components. A buyer must prioritise a thorough underside inspection of the chassis, as the tester has repeatedly flagged corrosion within 30cm of mounting points in both 2024 and 2025. The progression from surface corrosion to noted corrosion in structural areas suggests the protective coatings on the metalwork are failing. Furthermore, the front shock absorbers have transitioned from light oil misting in 2023 to a reduced damping effect by 2025, indicating the suspension is nearing the end of its life and requires replacement. The maintenance history also reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care, evidenced by recurring issues with tyres and thin brake components. The 2024 failure noted a nearside tyre bald on the inside edge, which often points to alignment issues or worn suspension bushes. The buyer should also inspect the state of the exhaust system, as the central and rear mountings were flagged in the latest test, and check the front brake discs to ensure the pitting and scoring noted in 2023 have not progressed into structural thinning.