2012 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · PR12 PRR

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 January 2026, was passed but returned several advisories, chiefly that the rear brake disc is worn, pitted or scored and that there is slight surface corrosion. Over the preceding six years the record shows a steady accumulation of brake‑related advisories – front and rear discs increasingly marked as worn, rear pads repeatedly noted as thin, and a dangerous failure for rear pads in November 2020. Anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint play has been flagged each year since 2023, and the registration‑plate lamp has been inoperative on several occasions. The pattern indicates a maintenance trend that is gradually worsening, with wear items not yet replaced and a few minor electrical faults persisting. The odometer reads 156,306 mi on a 2012 model, equating to roughly 11,000 mi per annum – a usage rate that sits squarely within the normal band for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity in the MOT chronology, suggesting the car has been driven fairly consistently rather than being stored for long stretches. This steady mileage implies that consumables such as tyres, brake components and suspension bushings have been subjected to regular wear, and any premature degradation is more likely to be a function of component age than of excessive mileage spikes. A prospective buyer should give the braking system the highest priority. Inspect the rear brake disc for scoring depth and measure the remaining thickness; a disc that is merely “worn” may be approaching the minimum legal limit and could soon require replacement, especially if the pads are already thin. Examine both front and rear brake pads for a remaining thickness above 3 mm; pads below this threshold will need changing soon and may already be contributing to reduced braking efficiency or pedal pulsation. On a test drive listen for a faint grinding or squeal when applying the brakes, feel for any pulsation that could indicate warped discs, and note any pull to one side that might reveal uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper. The repeated advisory on rear anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint play warrants a hands‑on check of the rear suspension bushings and ball joints; any clunk or looseness when the car is pushed over a speed bump or when cornering at low speed is a clear symptom of excessive play that may soon require ball‑joint replacement. Verify that the nearside rear tyre, previously flagged as close to the legal limit, still has adequate tread depth and even wear across the width; uneven edge wear can point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect for age‑related issues independent of mileage. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, especially on the front tyres which may have been stored for periods. Examine the 12‑V battery terminals for corrosion and test the charge; a battery older than five years often loses capacity and may fail unexpectedly. Look for surface corrosion on the chassis and under‑tray, and ensure that any rust is superficial rather than penetrating structural members. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and that the timing belt (if applicable) has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s interval; fluid condition should be clear, without sludge or a burnt smell, as degraded fluids can accelerate wear on the engine and transmission.