2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · ML09 BDY

The vehicle most recently underwent its MOT on 2023-01-04 and achieved a pass, although a single advisory was recorded against the nearside rear suspension arm, noting corrosion that was not deemed seriously weakened at that time. Looking across the available DVSA test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with some notable concerns. Between 2018 and 2021 the vehicle passed three consecutive tests without any recorded defects, suggesting a period of sound mechanical condition. However, two of the four most recent tests resulted in failures, with issues identified around emissions, exhaust security, rear suspension components, tyre tread depth, and engine warning lamp operation. The advisory from the 2023 test indicates that corrosion on the rear suspension arm has now been noted, which aligns with the historic concerns raised in 2019 regarding worn trailing arm bushes on both sides. Prospective buyers should treat this as a vehicle that has been generally maintained but exhibits a recurring pattern of rear suspension wear and exhaust or emissions-related defects. With 140,565 miles accumulated over approximately 17 years, this Mondeo has covered an average of around 8,269 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and suggests regular but not excessive use. The MOT history does not reveal any extended gaps that would imply long periods of standing, although there were two tests conducted within a few days of each other in both late 2021 and late 2022, which simply reflects failed attempts being quickly retested. Mileage accumulation at this rate means wear items such as brake discs, pads, clutches (if applicable), and drivetrain components will have experienced a normal service life. The relatively steady annual usage is favourable compared with low-mileage examples that can suffer from corrosion through standing, and it suggests mechanical components have been regularly worked through their operating temperatures. Given the recurring rear suspension advisories and the failure in December 2019 for excessively worn trailing arm bushes on both sides, a prospective buyer should conduct a careful physical inspection of the rear suspension assembly. The trailing arm bushes should be examined for cracking, perishing, or visible movement when load is applied, and the rear suspension arm itself should be checked for advanced corrosion, particularly where it meets the body mounting points. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces and observe whether the vehicle feels unsettled or exhibits poor wheel alignment. Any signs of uneven rear tyre wear could also indicate that worn bushes have allowed geometry to alter. Since the 2019 test also flagged a dangerous tyre with tread depth below the legal minimum, all four tyres should be thoroughly inspected for current tread depth, sidewall cracking or perishing given the vehicle age, and even wear patterns consistent with correct alignment. The December 2022 failure for the engine management indicator lamp being inoperative or indicating a malfunction, combined with excessive exhaust emissions, suggests a potential issue with the engine management system, lambda sensors, catalytic converter efficiency, or underlying fault codes that may not have been fully resolved. Before purchase, it would be prudent to have any stored fault codes read via an OBD diagnostic scan and verify that the vehicle is running cleanly. Additionally, given the noted insecure rear exhaust system failure in late 2021, the exhaust mounting rubbers, hangers, and joints should be physically checked for security and corrosion. Other age and mileage related considerations for a 2009 Mondeo at this mileage include the 12 volt battery health, which can deteriorate after many years regardless of use, the condition of the brake discs which may show lipping or corrosion from regular service, and verification of time based servicing such as cambelt replacement intervals (if applicable to the engine variant), coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid changes. Confirming a full service history with documented stamps would provide important reassurance given the mileage covered.