2010 Ford Mondeo 1.8L Diesel · SH60 CTF

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 3 March 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, marking the fourth consecutive clean pass since 2023. Looking at the broader history, the trend appears largely stable, though there were notable concerns flagged between 2021 and 2022. The 2021 test initially resulted in a failure for incorrect colour rear direction indicators and an excessively worn nearside rear suspension arm pin or bush, alongside advisories for a corroded exhaust system and noisy front top strut mounts. By 2022, these issues appeared to have been addressed in part, though new advisories emerged regarding an oil leak from the lower engine area and a minor exhaust gas leak from the rear section. The fact that no further advisories have appeared since 2022 suggests that significant remedial work may have been undertaken, resulting in the clean outcomes of the last four tests. With 110,498 miles recorded over approximately 16 years, this Mondeo has covered roughly 6,900 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with the national average for a vehicle of this age and type. There are no large unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage progression that would suggest clocked readings or extended periods of standing, nor does there appear to be any unusually rapid accumulation that would indicate hard use such as towing or motorway commuting. This typical annual mileage suggests a balance of urban and mixed driving, which generally promotes reasonable longevity of components but does mean that consumable wear items such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension bushes will have experienced normal service life demands over the years. Despite the clean recent MOT history, a prospective buyer should pay close attention to the earlier recurring advisories concerning the exhaust system and suspension components. The previously noted exhaust repairs and corrosion from 2021, followed by a 2022 advisory for a rear exhaust gas leak, indicate that this system has been subject to age-related deterioration. On inspection, look for signs of further corrosion along the full exhaust length, paying particular attention to joints, mounting rubbers, and the catalytic converter area, as exhaust components on a 2010 Mondeo at this mileage are nearing the end of their typical service life. On a test drive, listen for escaping gases, ticking or hissing noises from underneath when the engine is warm, and any rattling indicative of a failing heat shield or internal baffle breakdown. Given the noted oil leak from the lower engine area, it is worth checking the underside for fresh oil residue, oil level on the dipstick, and signs of oil contamination on lower transmission components. The 2021 advisory for noisy front top strut mounts and the worn rear suspension bush also warrant physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or creaking noises from the front suspension during low-speed turns and over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn strut top bearings or mounts. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the rear axle, could point to deteriorated bushes still affecting geometry. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, even with a clean current MOT, the buyer should carry out age-appropriate checks beyond the standard test items. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing and cracking from age-related rubber degradation, even if tread depth remains legal. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges and binding, and the 12V battery is likely due for replacement given its calendar age. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable will have suffered time-based degradation and may not have been refreshed recently, so verifying recent service stamps and the condition of all fluid reservoirs is highly advisable.