2017 Ford Mondeo 1.5L Petrol · LM67 KHC

The most recent MOT recorded a pass in September 2022, following a clean pass in 2021. The maintenance trend appears stable, as there are no recorded failures to suggest systemic mechanical neglect or structural integrity issues. However, the presence of a tyre advisory in the 2022 test indicates that consumable components are beginning to reach the end of their service life, which is a standard progression for a vehicle of this age. With a recorded mileage of 33,354 over nine years, this Mondeo has averaged approximately 3,700 miles per annum. This is significantly below the UK national average and classifies the vehicle as low mileage. While this suggests minimal wear on the engine, gearbox, and suspension geometry, such low usage patterns often imply the vehicle has been subject to long periods of standing. This can lead to specific mechanical issues that are not typically associated with high-mileage vehicles, such as moisture accumulation in the engine oil and exhaust system, or the degradation of rubber-based components and seals. During your inspection, you must pay close attention to the condition of the tyres. The previous advisory regarding nearside front tyre wear on the edge suggests a potential issue with wheel alignment or suspension geometry; ensure the car does not pull to one side during the test drive and inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur due to age regardless of tread depth. Furthermore, because the vehicle has likely been driven infrequently, inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion and test the calipers for binding. A test drive should be used to listen for any suspension clunks or knocks that might indicate perished bushes or worn coil springs. Given the low annual mileage, you should verify that the service history includes regular oil and filter changes based on annual time intervals rather than just distance, as engine oil degrades chemically over time. It is also advisable to check the health of the 12V battery and inspect all fluid levels, including coolant and brake fluid, for signs of contamination or moisture ingress. Finally, check the underside of the vehicle for any signs of weeping from seals or gaskets, as rubber components can dry out and fail when not regularly lubricated by moving parts.