2014 Ford Mondeo 1.6L Diesel · LR14 CLF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 February 2026, was passed with a single minor defect – the off‑side registration‑plate lamp was inoperative. This follows a series of earlier failures in 2021 (major lighting and CV‑joint faults) and a minor windscreen damage note in 2022, but the intervening years of 2023, 2024 and 2025 were clean passes. The pattern therefore shows a clear improvement after the 2021 issues, and the vehicle now appears to be maintaining a stable roadworthiness status, with only a cosmetic lighting fault remaining. At 129 755 miles the Mondeo has logged roughly 10 800 miles per year over its twelve‑year life, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious periods of accelerated mileage that would suggest excessive short‑term abuse, nor any long gaps that would point to prolonged storage. The mileage level indicates that major wear items such as suspension bushes, engine mounts and drivetrain components will be in the mid‑life stage, and consumables such as brake pads, discs and tyres are likely approaching the end of their serviceable life unless they have been replaced recently. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the rear brake assemblies that were flagged as thin in 2021. Verify pad thickness and inspect the discs for scoring or rust‑induced pitting; any pulsation or shudder under braking would signal that the pads may be close to the minimum limit. The off‑side headlamp aim was recorded as incorrect in 2025, so check the headlamp alignment and ensure the beam pattern is symmetrical – a mis‑aim can be caused by worn steering‑rack bushings or a bent suspension component and may affect night‑time visibility. The CV joint boot on the off‑side front outer drive shaft was noted as split in 2021; examine the boot for cracks, the joint for any clicking or vibration under acceleration, and confirm that the joint has been repacked or replaced, as a compromised boot can allow dirt ingress and lead to joint failure. Finally, because the vehicle is now twelve years old, age‑related checks are essential regardless of mileage. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension issues; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement even if tread depth appears adequate. Test the 12 V battery voltage and look for signs of sulphation, especially if the car has spent periods idle. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in line with calendar intervals, as fluids degrade over time even without high mileage. Confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and that any major items highlighted in the MOT history, such as the CV joint and lighting, have been rectified, and listen for any abnormal noises from the suspension, steering or drivetrain during a short drive.