Ford Mondeo, Late 90's early 2000's..Any good?

[GilbertGrape]

I have no knowledge of these cars, but would like to know if they are reliable and comfortable. And what about fuel economy?

Is there a known rust problem with these?

Edited by GilbertGrape on Saturday 22 November 08:05

[JulianHJ]

I used to love them when working for a car hire company, particularly the first straight-edged model, which I think was maybe 2002 on?

[Taita]

I'm just about to buy one from my Dad.

1.8 Zetec. 70k miles, 99/00 in dark blue. Immaculate inside, few car park dings on outside. Probably going to get it for £900.

Watch out for rust on the rear wheel arches and around the lights (water runs in and can't escape - sorted by me with a bit of silicone.

Front arms wear, should have been sorted on car that age.

[cj_eds]

Had one mk1 and two mk2 mondeo's (still got one) if they're the ones you mean - the mk2 facelift of the original mundano was about '96 to 2000.
All have ran really well, and with over 100k on the clock the one I've still got still pulls quickly when asked. If the one you look at has been looked after then you can get good value for money in an ST24/200 or GhiaX as you can get all the toys. The 2.0l one in the mk2 seemed a bit low of grunt for me though :- the mk1 2.0l I reckon was slightly quicker. The V6 isn't comparable to the 4-pots in my opinion though - much better power delivery with somewhat more torque low down.

ETA: I assume you get the same version in NZ!

Edited by cj_eds on Saturday 22 November 16:23

[KennV6]

Mark 2 Mondeo's are excellent value. Good ride/handling balance. Although 2ltr is less powerfull, the V6 is heavier so is not that much quicker. Cars have been known to Sloppy front shocks and snapping coil springs. not a major problem.

Rust wont be too much of an issue on well maintained stuff. Got to remember you are looking at cars going on for 10 years old. Interiors are tough, so watch out for clocked cars.

2ltr 'Si' has top 3 gears closer so accelerates better at higher speeds and gears but is not as a relaxed cruiser. Close ratio box not carried on to the V6 Si though.

Best oil is 5-30 as recommended by ford. The 5 is a thinner oil and gets to the valve guides quicker. Heavier oils can produce valve clatter for a second or two cold start up.