2012 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · SA12 WWH

The 2012 Ford Mondeo presents a mixed maintenance profile, with a recent MOT pass in November 2025 at 151,734 miles masking a worsening trend in suspension component degradation. The most recent test on 2025-11-25 flagged worn rear suspension arm pins and bushes on both trailing arms, alongside a persistent front oil leak. While these advisories did not constitute a failure, the progression from slightly worn bushes in 2024 to worn components on both sides in 2025 indicates an accelerating deterioration of the rear suspension geometry. Brake wear appears to have been addressed following a failure in October 2023, but the underlying mechanical neglect suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance. Accumulating 151,734 miles over fourteen years equates to roughly 10,838 miles annually, a typical usage figure for a vehicle of this age. The MOT records show consistent annual testing, with mileage increments aligning predictably between tests. Between October 2022 and October 2023, the car covered 3,835 miles, but the subsequent twelve months saw a jump of 4,094 miles, culminating in the final 4,094 miles logged between November 2024 and November 2025. No significant gaps or rapid accumulations disrupt the chronology, ruling out long periods of dormancy or extreme motorway saturation. A physical inspection must prioritize the rear suspension and braking system. The recurring advisories for worn trailing arm bushes and suspension rod pins point to degraded structural integrity, which can cause unpredictable handling and uneven tyre wear. The tester flagged a front oil leak as recent as November 2025; a buyer must determine the source, whether that be a failing camshaft seal or a degraded sump gasket, to prevent potential engine damage. Although the October 2023 failure for excessively worn brake pads and scored brake discs resulted in a pass the same day, the history of headlamp aim defects and edge-wearing front tyres hints at possible tracking issues or previous impact damage. Inspect the inner front tyre edges closely and verify the suspension mounting points for any signs of corrosion or cracking. The repeated replacement of front tyres close to the legal limit, combined with worn suspension bushes, indicates the previous owner tolerated component wear rather than proactively rectifying the root cause. Check the condition of the rear brake discs, as they were scored and pitted in 2023, and ensure the replacement pads have not themselves worn unevenly.