2015 Ford Mondeo 1.5L Diesel · FP65 SYF

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, accompanied by an advisory noting that the front brake pads are wearing thin. Reviewing the broader trend across the seven recorded MOT events, the maintenance profile is broadly stable but shows a pattern of recurring braking and tyre related advisories rather than any progressive deterioration. Passes are consistent year on year, with the only recorded failure occurring on 15 December 2023 when the rear brake pads were assessed as dangerously below the 1.5 mm minimum thickness, an item also flagged at the same test as an advisory for worn, pitted, or scored rear brake discs. Combined with the recurring brake pad advisories in December 2022 and December 2025, there is a clear pattern of the vehicle consuming its braking consumables at a steady rate, which is entirely consistent with its accumulated use and an indicator that any prospective buyer should treat the braking system as the primary area for inspection and budget. At 141,785 miles over an 11 year life, the annual mileage equates to approximately 12,890 miles per year, which is notably above the UK average for a vehicle of this age and profile. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT timeline and the mileage accumulation appears steady and continuous, suggesting the Mondeo has been used as a regular, working vehicle rather than left standing for prolonged periods. High sustained mileage of this nature places proportionally greater wear on items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, wheel bearings, clutch and dual mass flywheel (if applicable to the transmission variant), engine mounts, and the timing belt or chain service intervals. It also accelerates brake disc and pad wear, as evidenced by the test history, and makes it important to verify the full service record and timing belt replacement schedule if the vehicle is fitted with a belt driven camshaft. Given the recurring brake and tyre advisories, particular attention should be paid to the condition of all four brake discs, looking for lipping, hot spots, or corrosion pitting, and to the caliper sliders and guide pins for seizing or binding, which is common on higher mileage vehicles. On a test drive, listen for any squeal or grinding under light braking, feel for brake shudder through the pedal or steering wheel which would indicate disc distortion, and check for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking which suggests a seized caliper or uneven pad wear. The front pads should be physically measured and, given the advisory, replacement is likely imminent. Additionally, inspect the tyres themselves for uneven shoulder wear which could point to worn bushes or tracking misalignment, and check the sidewalls carefully for cracking or perishing given that tyres fitted several years ago may have aged even with legal tread remaining. Beyond the recorded advisory items, an 11 year old high mileage Mondeo warrants a comprehensive inspection of the timing belt or chain service history, the condition of the cooling system including the radiator, thermostat, and expansion tank, and verification that all major services with associated fluid changes have been carried out on schedule. Check the 12V battery health, as a unit over five years old may struggle in cold weather, and inspect for any evidence of fluid leaks from the engine, power steering, or around the front suspension turrets where corrosion can initiate. The exhaust system should be examined for corrosion and blown joints, particularly at the mounting brackets and flexi section, and the underside should ideally be inspected on a ramp for structural corrosion, brake pipe corrosion, and general oil leak residue. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps illuminate correctly, that the air conditioning functions effectively, and that the service book stamps align with the high recorded mileage, as continuity of servicing is the strongest indicator of long term mechanical reliability on a vehicle of this usage profile.