2014 Ford Mondeo 1.6L Diesel · VA14 RTZ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 August 2026, was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. When this result is viewed against the preceding three years, the trend is clearly improving: a serious tyre failure and multiple brake advisories in 2025 were followed by a series of advisory‑only results in 2024, and now a defect‑free pass. The reduction from dangerous tyre condition to a clean bill of health suggests that the current owner has addressed the most critical issues, although the presence of several recurring advisories warrants further scrutiny. At twelve years old the Mondeo has logged 103 288 miles, averaging roughly 8 600 miles per annum. This usage is typical for a vehicle of its age and does not suggest any periods of extreme short‑term mileage accumulation or prolonged inactivity. The relatively modest annual distance means that wear on major power‑train components is likely to be moderate, but it also raises the possibility that the car may have spent considerable time stationary, which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, metal and fluid systems. The MOT records highlight a pattern of rear trailing‑arm bush wear, tyre tread approaching the legal limit on the near‑side rear and front, and brake disc/pad thinning. A prospective buyer should therefore examine the rear suspension for any looseness, clunking or uneven tyre wear that could indicate deteriorated bushes or worn arm pins. The tyres should be inspected for tread depth, sidewall cracking and any signs of delamination, especially on the near‑side rear where the advisory noted edge wear. During a test drive listen for any rattles from the rear suspension, feel for pull or vibration that may betray uneven tyre wear, and apply the brakes firmly to detect any shudder, pulsation or reduced pedal feel that would suggest the discs are approaching the end of their service life. Verify that the parking brake holds firmly and does not require excessive pedal travel, as the 2024 advisory warned of marginal efficiency. Finally, confirm that the exhaust heat shield is securely fastened and that there are no rattles from the under‑tray, which could indicate loosened mounting points. Given the vehicle’s age, independent of the MOT history, the buyer should also check for age‑related issues that are not captured by the tests. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking, particularly if the car has been stored for long periods. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s cranking performance, as a twelve‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct level and appear clean; fluids can degrade over time even without high mileage. Look for any surface rust on the chassis, wheel arches and suspension components, and ensure that any rust is superficial rather than structural. A full service history, with stamps for timing‑belt or chain changes (if applicable) and regular oil changes, will further substantiate the car’s mechanical reliability before purchase.