2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · SC09 FRV

The most recent MOT, conducted on 30 June 2025 at 87,309 miles, passed but carried a dense advisory list signalling a worsening maintenance trend. Multiple corrosion-related advisories were recorded simultaneously across the sub-frame, rear axle, suspension mounts, seat belt anchorages, and a rear coil spring. The tester also flagged both front brake discs as worn, pitted or scored, along with slight play in the rear anti-roll bar linkage and a worn rear anti-roll bar bush. This represents a clear deterioration from the completely clean tests recorded in 2022, 2023, and 2024, suggesting the vehicle has either been stored for extended periods, exposing steel components to surface corrosion, or has recently been subjected to harsh use without corresponding preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2009 vehicle. Between the June 2022 test at 65,655 miles and the June 2025 test at 87,309 miles, the car accumulated roughly 21,654 miles over three years, averaging approximately 7,200 miles annually. However, the bulk of that increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, with the 2023 test recorded at 72,593 miles. From mid-2023 through mid-2025, the odometer moved only 14,716 miles across two full years. This pattern is consistent with a vehicle that spent long periods stationary, which directly explains the widespread corrosion advisories. Standing vehicles are particularly vulnerable to moisture ingress in sub-frame mounting points, trailing arm bushes, and exhaust systems, as protective road grime dries off and bare metal begins to oxidise. The June 2023 failure is the most mechanically significant entry in this record. Both rear trailing arm front bushes were excessively worn, the nearside front shock absorber was misting oil, and the nearside rear coil spring was fractured. The fact that a completely clean pass followed just two days later at virtually the same mileage indicates these components were replaced immediately prior to re-testing. Any prospective buyer should verify that the rear trailing arm bushes, shock absorbers, and coil springs remain in sound condition now, as these are wear items that degrade with time regardless of mileage. A hands-on inspection should focus on the structural corrosion flagged in the most recent test. The sub-frame, rear axle, rear suspension mounting points, and seat belt anchorage sills all require close examination with a torch and probe to confirm that surface corrosion has not progressed to perforation or section loss. The front brake discs should be measured for minimum thickness and checked for lipping or heat scoring. The rear anti-roll bar linkage and bush should be assessed for play, as these advisories often precede clunking over uneven surfaces and degraded handling stability. Given the vehicle's age and the corrosion pattern, a thorough underbody inspection on a ramp is essential before purchase.