2013 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · RV13 AVK

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-09-29, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. While the car passed, the persistent issues with rear suspension bushes, rear tyre perishing, and front brake wear indicate a pattern of deferred attention to wear items. The fact that both rear suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in every test since 2023, and that rear tyres have been failing progressively since 2022, suggests a lack of proactive maintenance rather than a sudden mechanical failure. The brakes, while not critical at the time of the last test, were already showing pad thinness and disc wear — a condition that will accelerate if not addressed. Mileage progression shows a steady, low annual average of around 5,247 miles over 13 years, which is unusually low for a 2013 model. The gap between MOTs is consistently 12 months, with no signs of rapid mileage accumulation or long periods of inactivity. The 68,213 miles recorded at the 2025 test represent a cumulative increase of just 4,554 miles over the last 12 months — a modest rise that does not explain the severity of the wear observed. This low usage likely preserved the engine and drivetrain, but it also means the suspension, tyres, and brakes have been sitting under load for extended periods without replacement or adjustment, accelerating fatigue in rubber and metal components. Buyers should inspect the rear suspension arms and bushes closely, as these have been flagged for wear in every MOT since 2023 and show no signs of repair or replacement. The rear tyres, now perished and cracked, must be replaced immediately — not just for legal compliance but for safety, as perishing compromises grip and structural integrity. The front brake discs and pads, while passing, are already near the wear limit; a full brake service is advisable. Any corrosion on the rear coil springs, noted as slight in 2022, should be checked for structural integrity, as rust can weaken suspension components over time. The absence of defects in 2021 suggests the car was well maintained then, but the subsequent decline indicates a shift in ownership or care. The vehicle’s mechanical condition reflects a history of neglect in routine wear item replacement rather than catastrophic failure. A buyer should budget for immediate tyre and brake work, and consider a full suspension inspection to assess bush wear and alignment. The low mileage is a positive, but the recurring faults suggest the car has been driven with known issues for years — a risk that must be evaluated against the cost of rectifying them.