Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci (2003)
2003 Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci
CarHunch analysed 142 real MOT records for the 2003 Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2003 Mondeo TDCI is a serious reliability concern: only 18.2% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, and while dangerous defects aren't appearing in this cohort, the sheer failure rate makes it a poor bet for a buyer seeking a dependable car. At 150,000 miles median, these are genuinely high-mileage examples, yet they're still racking up an average of 0.29 failures per test, suggesting wear-related issues are catching up with the diesel engine and ancillaries.
The zero advisories is misleading—it simply reflects that by this mileage and age, problems have escalated to outright failures rather than warning flags. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work post-purchase and get a pre-buy inspection focused on the diesel engine, gearbox, and cooling system.
What to check before buying a 2003 Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2003 Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci vehicles fall between 118,171 and 172,880 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Ford Mondeo Zetec Tdci?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.