2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6L Diesel · LS12 LFN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 26 November 2025, was passed but returned several advisories, notably near‑side front tyre tread at the legal limit, a front brake disc showing scoring, a non‑functioning registration‑plate lamp and a coolant‑system leak. Over the preceding three years the pattern has moved from a clean record in August 2022 to a succession of tyre‑wear warnings, shock‑absorber oil mist, a minor rear‑exhaust leak and, in August 2025, a failure for a faulty hazard‑warning switch and excessively worn front‑suspension arm and anti‑roll‑bar ball joints. Although the latest test succeeded, the history indicates a gradual deterioration rather than an improving trend, suggesting that some of the major suspension items have likely been remedied but that wear on tyres, brakes and the cooling system remains unaddressed. At 220 417 miles the Mondeo averages roughly 15 700 miles per year, well above the typical 8‑10 000 miles expected for a family saloon of its age. Such a high annual utilisation accelerates wear on consumables – tyres, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings and fluid seals – and increases the likelihood of fatigue in engine and transmission components. The mileage record shows no obvious long gaps, implying the vehicle has been in regular use rather than stored for extended periods, which reduces the risk of age‑related perishing but heightens the importance of checking for cumulative wear. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and anti‑roll‑bar ball joints, confirming that any replacement parts are genuine and correctly torqued; a test drive should reveal any clunk or knock when steering over bumps or during hard braking. The front brake disc, already noted as pitted, should be measured for thickness and inspected for scoring that could cause brake shudder or reduced stopping performance, and the brake pads examined for uneven wear. Both front tyres are flagged as close to the legal tread limit and exhibit edge wear, so a visual inspection for cupping, sidewall cracking and uniform tread depth is essential, and the rear tyres, also near the limit, should be assessed for similar signs. The coolant leak advisory warrants a pressure test of the radiator and hoses, and the driver should monitor the temperature gauge for any rise under load, while the minor rear‑exhaust leak may manifest as a faint ticking or increased exhaust noise at idle. The light misting of oil from the rear shock absorbers suggests deteriorating seals; any perceptible loss of ride comfort, excessive bounce or fluid on the tyre sidewalls should be taken as a cue for replacement. Beyond the specific MOT items, a vehicle of this age and mileage benefits from a thorough age‑related check: verify the 12‑volt battery’s cranking voltage and inspect for corrosion on terminals, examine the under‑carriage for rust on the chassis and suspension mounting points, and confirm that all fluid levels – engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are clean and have been changed at appropriate intervals. A complete service book, with stamps for timing‑belt or chain service, coolant flushes and major component replacements, will give confidence that the Mondeo has been maintained proactively despite its high mileage.