2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Petrol · OV59 YRU

A persistent theme across the MOT history of this 2009 Ford Mondeo is the gradual onset of rear-end corrosion and suspension wear, with the rear coil springs and rear subframe mounting areas being flagged on multiple consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 9 September 2023 produced a fail alongside a pass record, with the failure solely attributable to an inoperative offside rear stop lamp, while the advisories recorded that same day pointed to a non-excessive front oil leak, corroded rear coil springs on both sides, slight cracking/perishing on both rear tyres, and corrosion of the rear subframe mounting prescribed area. Looking back to 2022, the rear coil spring corrosion was already present, joined that year by worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides and a nearside rear tyre showing similar perishing, confirming that the rear axle hardware has been deteriorating steadily for at least three test cycles. A pair of completely clean passes in 2018 and 2021 shows the car has been fundamentally roadworthy throughout its life, but the trend across 2022 and 2023 is clearly toward accumulating chassis and suspension advisories rather than clean bills of health. At 144,220 miles over roughly seventeen years, this Mondeo has covered an average of about 8,484 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and indicates regular rather than occasional use. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest the car was laid up for long periods, and the mileage accumulation appears to have been reasonably consistent year on year, consistent with normal commuter or family mileage. This pattern is mechanically relevant because suspension components, brake discs, tyres, and rubber bodyshell mounts all accrue wear in proportion to mileage and time; even at a moderate annual rate, seventeen years of exposure to British road conditions places genuine demands on the rear axle bushes, coil springs, and underbody protection, which aligns directly with the advisories recorded. For a prospective buyer, the rear axle components flagged in the MOT record should be the primary focus of any physical inspection. The corroded rear coil springs recorded in both 2022 and 2023 can be checked visually for surface rust and flaking, and on a test drive any knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps or potholes, would suggest the springs have cracked through or that the associated top mount bearings have failed. The rear suspension arm pin or bush wear flagged in 2022 should be evaluated by rocking each rear wheel laterally at the bottom to detect excess play, as worn bushes commonly produce a vague, drifting feel through the steering and a tendency for the rear end to wander over uneven tarmac. The rear subframe mounting corrosion, while deemed not yet excessive in 2023, warrants a thorough underbody examination from beneath with a torch, paying close attention to the mounting points for any signs of advanced section loss or cracking around spot welds, as this area progresses rapidly once surface corrosion establishes itself. The front-end issues recorded are comparatively minor but still worth addressing during a viewing. The non-excessive front oil leak noted in 2023 was judged acceptable for test purposes, but a buyer should inspect the undershield and lower engine area for fresh oil staining and check the oil level on the dipstick for any reduction since the vehicle was last serviced. The front brake discs that were noted as worn and pitted in 2020 should be inspected through the wheel spokes for lipping and a heavily scored surface, with any judder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm braking indicating the discs have worn beyond their skim limit and require replacement. Additionally, the headlamp aim issue that caused a fail in 2019 and the insecure battery noted in 2020 are easily rectified items but serve as a reminder to verify correct headlamp alignment and a properly clamped battery before purchase. Finally, the cracking and perishing observed on the rear tyres in both 2022 and 2023 suggests the car may have been standing for periods between journeys, and any sidewall cracking visible on closer inspection would mean immediate replacement is required regardless of remaining tread depth.