2007 Ford Mondeo 1.8L Diesel · RO57 LBK

The vehicle achieved a Pass on its most recent MOT test dated 11 August 2026, with a single advisory recorded for corroded coil springs across all four corners. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend presents as broadly stable but with clearly accumulating wear items rather than improving condition. The four most recent tests have all been passes with advisories, and the only outright failures within the available record (in 2024 and 2023) involved a suspension ball joint dust cover and exhaust emissions/smoke, both of which were subsequently remedied to achieve pass status. The recurring and progressively worsening nature of the coil spring corrosion advisories, moving from rear springs in 2024 to all four springs by 2026, combined with persistent trailing arm bush perishing on the rear suspension, indicates an ageing chassis exhibiting typical nineteen-year-old structural and suspension deterioration that warrants close attention. With 161,257 recorded miles accumulated over approximately nineteen years, the vehicle is averaging around 8,487 miles annually, which sits within the expected range for a car of this vintage. The mileage progression appears consistent year on year, suggesting regular rather than sporadic use, which is generally beneficial for preventing the issues associated with prolonged standing such as seized brake calipers, dried rubber seals, and degraded fluids. However, the higher-than-average total mileage places additional wear on the major drivetrain and undercarriage components, and combined with the vehicle's age, consumables such as the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger (given the earlier smoke-related emissions failure), and engine internal wear should be considered as approaching or beyond their typical service life. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring suspension advisories. The progressive coil spring corrosion across all four springs represents an MOT failure risk at the next test and can manifest on the road as a visibly lower or uneven stance, reduced ride quality, or knocking noises over uneven surfaces. The persistent trailing arm bush perishing on both rear sides should be checked for excessive movement by hand pressure on the rear wheel arch while the vehicle is raised, and during a road test listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over bumps and on full lock. The earlier lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover failure on the offside front is also worth re-examining, as deteriorated covers allow contamination ingress that rapidly destroys the joint itself, producing a distinct knocking or rattling noise from the front suspension. Given that the front anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers were flagged as severely deteriorated in 2021 and the offside front inner CV boot showed signs of grease loss, both items should be visually inspected for splits, grease contamination on the surrounding components, and any clicking or vibration on full-lock steering, indicative of a failing CV joint. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age and mileage-related items merit physical inspection prior to purchase. Brake discs and calipers on a vehicle of this age and mileage are likely approaching the point of refurbishment or replacement, so check for scored or corroded discs, particularly any binding tendency in the calipers which can be felt as the vehicle pulling to one side under light braking. The earlier minor exhaust leak advisory and the more serious turbocharger-related smoke failure suggest the exhaust system and turbo seals warrant a thorough examination for black soot deposits, blue smoke on startup indicating oil combustion, and any blowing or ticking noises from the turbo area. The persistent oil leak advisory, recorded since 2021 and repeated in 2025, should be traced to its source, with attention paid to the engine sump, cam cover, and turbo oil feed/return pipes. Additionally, given the age, verify the production date codes on all four tyres, as rubber perishes regardless of tread depth, inspect the 12V battery for hold-down security and terminal condition, and confirm evidence of recent timing belt or chain service, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil changes in the service history, as time-based fluid degradation can cause internal corrosion and component failure long before mechanical wear thresholds are reached.