2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · RO59 TYY

The most recent MOT inspection for this 2009 Ford Mondeo passed on 18 November 2025, but the historical data reveals a concerning trend regarding the vehicle's rear suspension and chassis integrity. While the car has successfully passed its recent tests, there is a clear pattern of recurring advisories concerning worn suspension arm pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside rear. Furthermore, the 2024 inspection highlighted significant corrosion on the rear sub-frame and both rear suspension arms. Although these were noted as not being seriously weakened at the time, the persistence of these issues suggests a progressive degradation of the rear end components that requires close monitoring to prevent future structural failure or MOT rejection. With a recorded mileage of 144,071 over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,475 miles per year. This represents typical, moderate usage for a vehicle of this age and suggests it has not been subjected to extreme high-speed motorway mileage, nor has it been left to sit idle for extended periods, which can often lead to different sets of mechanical issues. However, the mileage is high enough that wear and tear on consumables such as timing belts, water pumps, and various rubber bushings is expected. The moderate annual mileage means the vehicle has likely seen a consistent mix of urban and rural driving, which is consistent with the observed wear on the suspension and anti-roll bar components. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension during a test drive. Given the history of worn bushes and corroded suspension arms, you should listen for rhythmic knocking, clunking, or thudding sounds when driving over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps. Any lateral instability or a feeling of the rear end swaying through corners could indicate that the worn bushes have progressed beyond the advisory stage. Additionally, because the rear sub-frame has been flagged for corrosion, it is vital to inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of advanced scaling or structural thinning. If the corrosion has spread or if the metal appears to be flaking away in large chunks, the vehicle may soon face a major failure. Finally, you must verify the recent service history to ensure that the recurring suspension advisories have been addressed or are being managed. Check the service book for evidence of recent replacements of anti-roll bar links or suspension arms, as the 2023 failure for worn ball joints suggests these components are a known weak point on this specific vehicle. You should also inspect the condition of the tyres, noting the 2023 failure for insufficient tread depth, to ensure they are not only legal but also show even wear, which would indicate the suspension geometry is currently correct. Given the vehicle's age, also check for any signs of perished rubber seals or fluid leaks from the dampers, which would further indicate the need for immediate suspension maintenance.