Mondeobuyer's guide

The Mk5 Mondeo is a large, capable family car with a diesel problem hiding in plain sight. AdBlue, DPF and EGR faults from short-trip use are expensive and common; timing belt service gaps can end an engine; and the gearbox can judder in ways that sellers have been trained to explain away. This guide gives you a systematic way through all of it before you write a cheque.

This guide covers ten documented issues: AdBlue/DPF/EGR emissions fault, timing belt/chain service risk, DSG/automatic/clutch judder, coolant leak or water pump fault, infotainment/software electrical faults, suspension knocks and tyre wear, brake corrosion or EPB fault, panoramic roof or boot water leak, turbo boost leak or actuator fault, and the full recall and campaign status checklist. Each fault has a field check and a real repair-cost range.

A Mk5 Mondeo with a provable service history, clean emissions scan and no active codes is one of the more spacious used cars you can buy at this price point. Without those, it is one of the more expensive. This guide helps you tell them apart at the kerbside.