2002 Ford Mondeo 1.8L Petrol · FX52 HBL

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by persistent, recurring issues with the braking system. While the car passed its most recent test on 23 April 2025 at 101,995 miles, the inspector flagged corroded rear brake pipes and a deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover. The brake pipe corrosion is a long-standing issue, appearing in almost every test since at least 2020. Although the 2024 test at 100,357 miles noted that all brake pipes had been undersealed, the reappearance of corrosion in the 2025 record suggests that the previous remedial work was either insufficient or the underlying oxidation remains a systemic problem. The mileage profile indicates very low usage for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,250 miles per year. The data shows steady, incremental growth, such as the 1,031 miles covered between the April 2024 and April 2025 tests. This low annual mileage often correlates with vehicles that spend significant time stationary, which frequently accelerates the degradation of rubber components. This is evidenced by the 2025 advisory regarding a perishing offside rear tyre and the 2024 advisory concerning a severely deteriorated nearside front drive shaft CV boot. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and braking hardware. The repeated mentions of corroded brake pipes, even when undersealed, indicate a high risk of structural or hydraulic failure in the braking system. You should specifically examine the condition of all brake lines and connections for signs of weeping or heavy scale. The history of suspension issues, including the broken nearside rear coil spring in 2018 and the deteriorated ball joint cover in 2025, suggests that the rubber bushings and suspension components are reaching the end of their serviceable life due to age rather than mileage. Finally, pay close attention to the exhaust system and lighting. The 2023 test at 99,326 miles identified a minor exhaust gas leak, and the recurring issues with headlamp lenses suggest the vehicle's external plastics are aging poorly. Given the pattern of rubber deterioration and corrosion, a mechanical inspection should prioritize the integrity of the CV boots, suspension joints, and the underside of the vehicle to ensure that the low mileage has not masked significant age-related decay.