2015 Ford Mondeo 1.5L Petrol · SC65 GJO

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 August 2026 returned a Pass, although the test exposed a noteworthy accumulation of advisories spanning structural, suspension, exhaust, and braking components. A prior test seven days earlier on 5 August 2026 resulted in a Fail, with the same rear suspension arm bushes and central body corrosion issues flagged alongside rear brake pads recorded as wearing thin, suggesting an active deterioration in the rear axle area between the two visits. Comparing the trajectory across the last four annual tests, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening rather than stable, as the 2023 and 2022 tests were passed with no defects recorded at all, while the 2024, 2025, and 2026 entries have progressively introduced tyre perishing advisories, suspension component wear, and finally the exhaust and structural items. A prospective buyer should therefore anticipate that several deferred maintenance items are now approaching the threshold where they will be refused at the next MOT. The recorded mileage of 130,605 miles over an 11 year life equates to approximately 11,873 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a family-sized Mondeo of this era and suggests the vehicle has seen consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no significant mileage gaps in the MOT record that would indicate prolonged standing periods, so component degradation is more likely to be wear-driven than corrosion-from-idleness driven. However, the average annual figure should not disguise the fact that the rear brake pads, rear suspension bushes, exhaust, and anti-roll bar linkage have all reached advisory status within a short window, which is consistent with the higher wear accumulation typically seen on the driven axle of a higher mileage vehicle. The fact that no powertrain or clutch-related advisories have appeared is reassuring, but the buyer should verify that service intervals have been observed given the mileage load. Specific defects warrant careful physical and dynamic inspection before purchase. The central rear integral body structure corrosion should be examined on a ramp or with a torch, as advisory wording under 6.1.1 (c) (i) can progress rapidly on a Mondeo of this vintage, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points, wheel arches, and under-floor seams; tapping the area with a screwdriver will reveal whether the corrosion is surface scaling or whether it has begun to perforate. The nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes should be inspected for play by hand and by listening for clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces, speed humps, and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, as the wear noted is likely to worsen quickly and could lead to excessive movement and a future test failure. The front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showing slight play should be checked for any deterioration into rattling or knocking over broken tarmac, and the rear exhaust minor leak should be investigated for its source, whether joint, flexi section, or pipe corrosion, as small leaks often progress to blowing and increased cabin noise. Beyond the recorded advisories, a thorough age and mileage appropriate inspection is strongly recommended. The 2024 and 2025 advisories on both rear tyres for slight damage, cracking, or perishing indicate the rubber compound is aging regardless of tread depth, and all four tyres should be checked closely for sidewall cracking, bead damage, and DOT date codes, with replacement likely imminent. The rear brake pads noted as wearing thin during the recent fail should be confirmed as replaced before purchase, and the corresponding rear brake discs examined for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting given the standing periods that can occur between drivers. Time-based servicing should be verified, including the age and condition of the 12V battery, which typically fails between five and seven years, the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid replacement intervals, and the timing belt or chain service history depending on the engine variant fitted. A compression or leak-down test on a diesel or petrol engine approaching this mileage, together with evidence of recent cambelt and water pump replacement if applicable, would provide additional peace of mind before committing to the purchase.