2017 Ford Mondeo 1.5L Diesel · LR67 HSZ

A high-mileage 2017 Mondeo with a largely clean pass history, but one carrying a clear pattern centred on its front lighting and brake wear. The most recent test on 4 November 2025 recorded a clean pass with no advisories or defects, continuing the trend established at the 30 October 2024 retest which immediately followed a same-day failure for non-functioning nearside and offside front position lamps. A prior minor defect on 2 November 2023 noted reduced light intensity on the nearside front position lamp, suggesting the front lighting circuit on this vehicle has been a recurring weak point rather than a one-off electrical fault. The earlier 17 November 2022 pass is also notable for flagging worn front brake discs and thinning pads on both axles, items that, given the odometer reading, are highly likely to have been replaced by now but merit confirmation on inspection. At 145,024 miles against a nine-year registration, this Mondeo has covered approximately 16,114 miles annually, a figure well in excess of the typical 7,000 to 10,000 mile average for a privately driven car of this age. Such consistent high usage is consistent with motorway commuting or fleet-style operation and places considerably greater cumulative stress on the engine, clutch or torque converter, turbocharger if fitted, suspension components, wheel bearings and the braking system than a lower-mileage equivalent. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record to suggest prolonged storage, meaning the wear pattern observed in 2022 advisories would have continued accumulating uninterrupted. A buyer should therefore weigh the known component fatigue that comes with this mileage band against the relatively short MOT history available, which only documents four test events and may understate the maintenance expenditure required. Given the front brake disc and pad advisories from late 2022, the prospective buyer should establish precisely what was replaced and verify the current condition of the discs, pads and calipers. A test drive should focus on pulling under braking, any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal suggesting disc runout, and listening for grinding or squealing that might indicate worn pads or sticking caliper slides. The handbrake holding on an incline should also be checked given the rear pad advisory. Beyond the brakes, the Mondeo of this generation is known for wear in the front suspension, particularly the lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links and front coil springs, so listen for clonking or knocking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for imprecise steering or wandering at motorway speeds that could point to tired bushes or top mounts. The recurring front position lamp issues, covering three of the four recorded test events, warrant close attention to the wiring harness, bulb holders and earth points at the front of the vehicle, as corrosion in the multi-plug connectors is a common cause of intermittent lamp failure on this model. On inspection, both front position lamps should be operated with the engine running to confirm consistent illumination and check for flickering. Under-bonnet, the oil filler cap and surrounding areas should be examined for mayonnaise residue suggesting failed head gasket concerns known to this engine family, while a thorough check underneath for any signs of fluid leaks, corroded brake lines, exhaust box deterioration or subframe corrosion is essential given the high accumulated mileage. A compression test or at minimum an oil analysis would be prudent before committing to purchase, given the mechanical demands this usage profile places on the powertrain.