Ten year old Mondeo automatic - good idea?

[jsp56]

Hi,

I have a ten year old manual mondeo with 35k miles on the clock. I am thinking of replacing it with an identical car that has 40k miles on the clock and has an automatic gearbox.

I know that low mileage affects cars a bit - mine had had rusty brake discs replaced and needed the turbo charger cleaned.

Does anyone know if an automatic gearbox would be okay on low mileage after ten years? It's a petrol car and mine's a diesel, but otherwise they are the same in all respects.

Thanks!

[benjijames28]

Why are u swapping?

[jsp56]

My left hip is feeling its age and I can't use a clutch pedal any more. :-) I'm a 41 year old lady driver. :-)

[qska]

Go for it.

I had one and it's a least problematic combination.

Torque converter is actually more reliable than a clutch with DMF on diesels.

Petrols don't have injectors to worry about either.

[jsp56]

Hi,

Thanks, that's good to know. I'm inclined to think the same.

I just read online that the auto box being put in the cars of this age were really problematic and that the auto box was phased out in 2007 after a class action against ford. But there are oddly few posts about problematic auto boxes online and I'd have expected loads if it was really a problem. Do you think this is right?

This explains about the class action:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t...

This says that the box was still being fitted when this car was made in 2006:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_CD4E_transmissi...

I'd much rather have a torque converter auto box as long as it's not proven to be garbage by other peoples' experience.

Thanks!

[qska]

I had the 4 speed auto in my petrol MK3, it was fine for fhe 3 years I had it.

Not a racer by any means, very dull to accelerate.

But a nice, comfy barge

[HustleRussell]

10 year old Mondeo automatic not a bad choice at all but you may have difficulty finding a good one with 35k on the clock, I should think the vast majority of them are well on their way to 100,000. Make sure you don't undersell your car as such low mileage is a major positive for some buyers. Also ensure that you don't buy a low mileage replacement only to find that it's been clocked.

[HustleRussell]

P.S. My mum had a hip resurfacing operation by Mr. Cobb at 42, she is now 60 and still driving manuals / going swimming and walking all the time / enjoying her job as a primary school assistant etc.

[jsp56]

Hi,

I just phoned and put a deposit on the car, and I've arranged the most comprehensive of comprehensive RAC checks. Fingers crossed it all comes our okay. :-)

Thanks for all your thoughts on this!

[tin duck dave]

Mine has racked up 142000 miles including plenty of towing with no faults.