2003 Ford Mondeo 2.5L Petrol · V6 XAC

Running a 2.5-litre V6 petrol Mondeo of this vintage is unlikely to be cheap. Real-world fuel economy typically sits in the mid-20s mpg, and combined with the £330-ish annual VED for a 2.5-litre petrol of this age band, fuel and tax alone will run to several thousand pounds a year depending on mileage. Insurance should be reasonable — the Mondeo generally sits in lower insurance groups — but parts for the V6 are pricier than for the four-cylinder variants and the car is now old enough that sourcing good secondhand components matters. Expect general servicing to be modest, but budget for age-related wear on suspension bushes, exhaust components, cooling system parts, and ignition coils on this engine. Overall estimated annual running cost: £1,200–£1,600 assuming moderate use.

Focus your inspection on the items that have appeared across multiple MOT advisories. The persistent oil leak noted on every test since 2022 needs to be traced to its source — common culprits on this V6 include the timing cover, sump gasket, and camplock gaskets. Brake components warrant close attention: the 2026 test noted worn and pitted front discs plus deteriorated rear brake hoses, which together suggest a brake fluid flush and likely disc replacement are imminent. Check the tyres for uneven wear patterns and sidewall cracking, particularly on the front pair where advisories have repeatedly appeared. Beyond the MOT data, the model-aggregate failure reasons for the Mondeo highlight tyres, anti-roll bar links, and exhaust components as common issues — physically inspect the anti-roll bar bushes and the exhaust for corrosion, particularly at the rear box and joints. Finally, check the tail light cluster for operation; the 2023 test noted a non-working nearside outer tail light, which may indicate a bulb holder or wiring issue worth resolving.