2016 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · RF65 HPZ

The MOT record for this ten-year-old Mondeo presents a notably clean roadworthiness profile, with every annual test since 2023 returning a straightforward pass and no advisories raised in the three most recent examinations. The single advisory on file, issued at the January 2024 test, related solely to front brake disc wear recorded as not excessive, and the absence of any further brake-related notes in the 2025 or 2026 tests suggests those discs were either replaced, machined, or have worn within acceptable limits since. The vehicle has therefore avoided the more common failure points seen on high-mileage saloons of this era, such as corroded suspension components, exhaust blowing, or lighting and wiring defects, indicating structurally the car has held up well through official testing. The most recent pass on 27 March 2026 with no recorded defects continues this stable trend and demonstrates ongoing compliance with statutory roadworthiness requirements. With 138,175 miles accumulated over ten years, the Mondeo has covered roughly 13,800 miles annually, which sits firmly in the high-mileage bracket for a car of its age and considerably above the typical 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year average. There are no significant gaps between successive MOT tests, with annual examinations recorded from 2023 through 2026 and mileage appearing to progress at a consistent rate between tests, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for any extended period. Mechanically, this sustained level of use accelerates wear on consumables including brake pads and discs, clutch components if manual, timing chain or belt items depending on the engine variant, and turbocharger hardware if fitted. It also places greater demand on suspension bushes, drop links, wheel bearings, and drivetrain mounts, all of which should be regarded as closer to the end of their service life than they would be on a lower-mileage equivalent. Given the front brake disc advisory from the 2024 test, particular attention during a physical inspection should focus on the condition of the front braking system. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping noise from the front wheels under light braking, which would suggest pads have worn down to the metal or that the discs have lipped beyond service limits. Feel for any vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm stopping, a classic indicator of warped or unevenly worn front discs, and check for pulling to one side under braking which can indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Inspect the discs visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any scoring or blueing from overheating, and verify the brake fluid is a healthy colour and was changed within the last two years given the high annual mileage. Beyond the recorded brake advisory, the high overall mileage warrants a thorough check of suspension and drivetrain components. With the car likely covering motorway and A-road miles, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which can point to worn anti-roll bar drop links, control arm bushes, or top mount failures common to this Mondeo platform. Inspect the exhaust system for any blowing joints, corrosion around the box and rear silencer, and check for oil misting or weeping around the engine and turbo if applicable. On the test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, misfire, or unusual engine noise under acceleration, and feel for clutch slip or roughness through the gearshift in higher gears. Finally, examine the underside for any surface corrosion or fluid leaks, and confirm the timing belt or chain service interval has been adhered to according to the engine variant fitted, as failure to observe this on a high-mileage vehicle can result in catastrophic engine damage.