2005 1.8 LX Mondeo - anything to watch for?
Discussion
To try and sort my debt-of-doom, I'm thinking of getting rid of the Lancer and buying a 2005 1.8LX Mondeo. My commute has also changed (from 60 miles a day to 1.1 miles a day), so I've no need for a £12k car and the associated huge bills. I'm happier having a petrol car for the low miles I'll be doing.
I'm looking at one from the local Ford franchise dealer, has 47k on the clock.
Is there anything to watch for on these cars?
I'm looking at one from the local Ford franchise dealer, has 47k on the clock.
Is there anything to watch for on these cars?
I'm doing some research on the Mondy right now as a potential next car.
One thing I've found, is that all MK3 Mondeos (2000-2007 models) petrol & diesel have dual mass flywheels.
DMF problems are common on the TDCi models, but the petrol models seem almost immune. But it's still worth paying careful attention to any possible clutch issues - watch out for slipping/noise/judder/vibrations etc - could end up more expensive than just a new clutch.
Other than that, they seem pretty reliable.
One thing I've found, is that all MK3 Mondeos (2000-2007 models) petrol & diesel have dual mass flywheels.
DMF problems are common on the TDCi models, but the petrol models seem almost immune. But it's still worth paying careful attention to any possible clutch issues - watch out for slipping/noise/judder/vibrations etc - could end up more expensive than just a new clutch.
Other than that, they seem pretty reliable.
HellDiver said:
Nobody got anything?
If you're not bothered by performance at all, the 1.8 should be fine, I'd still take it for a test drive though, to make sure it's nippy enough. I'd imagine the Ford dealer will be charging top dollar for his car, so if that's the way you want to go, I'd be looking to get a fair it off, with a decent warranty too.Also think about how long you're going to keep the car....a 1.8LX is probably the lowest spec Mondeo you can buy, so it won't have much kit (relatively) and won't be that desireable when you come to see either.
Hope that helps. I think Mondeo's are good cars, just think carefully about exactly what you want.
Most modern cars have a dual mass flywheel so tbh whatever you buy it's difficult to avoid. They are not as bad as people make out though, you have to remember that you only ever hear about the bad ones, no-one ever goes on a forum to report how good their car is.
Yes they can fail at 50-60-70k but mine has just been replaced in my Mondeo TDCi estate for the first time at 152k and that's by no means unusual and I tow a caravan too. It does depend an awful lot on how they are driven and DMF's partiularly dont like labouring in a high gear. I've always been 'careful' with mine. for example I dont do 30mph in fourth it will struggle, it's much better and smoother in 3rd. Also if I'm doing 50 on a dual carriageway I'll stay in 4th at 2000 rpm rather than let it labour in 5th. I also find the fuel consumption slightly better too as the TDCi engine is in the middle of it's max torque band at 2000 rpm.
The rear subframe bushes are a problem on saloons and hatches but not estates as the rear suspension is completely different you can upgrade them to polyurethane ones which will never go again. As mentioned before rear calipers and handbrake cables can sieze but I've personally never had a problem with that.
I've driven a few 1.8's and tbh I think they are slow, you need to anticipate a manouvere and you've no power to get you out of trouble if and when you need it. I've spoken to others who feel the same too. You'd be much better off finding a 2 litre it will hardly be any different in terms of running costs anyway.
Spec wise the LX has most things, remote locking, elec windows (not all LX's have them on the back though) heated front screen, air con, electric drivers seat, trip computer (on post '03 cars) etc.
Much as I love my diesel if I we're you I'd stick with the petrol engine if your commute is so short.
If it's only a mile you could walk.....I would ....LOL.
Yes they can fail at 50-60-70k but mine has just been replaced in my Mondeo TDCi estate for the first time at 152k and that's by no means unusual and I tow a caravan too. It does depend an awful lot on how they are driven and DMF's partiularly dont like labouring in a high gear. I've always been 'careful' with mine. for example I dont do 30mph in fourth it will struggle, it's much better and smoother in 3rd. Also if I'm doing 50 on a dual carriageway I'll stay in 4th at 2000 rpm rather than let it labour in 5th. I also find the fuel consumption slightly better too as the TDCi engine is in the middle of it's max torque band at 2000 rpm.
The rear subframe bushes are a problem on saloons and hatches but not estates as the rear suspension is completely different you can upgrade them to polyurethane ones which will never go again. As mentioned before rear calipers and handbrake cables can sieze but I've personally never had a problem with that.
I've driven a few 1.8's and tbh I think they are slow, you need to anticipate a manouvere and you've no power to get you out of trouble if and when you need it. I've spoken to others who feel the same too. You'd be much better off finding a 2 litre it will hardly be any different in terms of running costs anyway.
Spec wise the LX has most things, remote locking, elec windows (not all LX's have them on the back though) heated front screen, air con, electric drivers seat, trip computer (on post '03 cars) etc.
Much as I love my diesel if I we're you I'd stick with the petrol engine if your commute is so short.
If it's only a mile you could walk.....I would ....LOL.
Edited by Rich's Granny on Saturday 9th January 13:41
Edited by Rich's Granny on Saturday 9th January 13:52
Thanks folks.
The inlet manifold seems to have been cured from 2003 onwards (this one is Jan '05).
I've pretty much settled on a car, I just need to get to the dealer to test drive it - the car was stuck on the sheet ice in the forecourt when I looked at it on Friday evening.
The 1.8 lack of performance is fine, as I said it's only a short commute and a weekly long trip I'll be doing. The car will likely be staying with me for a good while (probably become the other half's motor when her Almera finally lies down), so not especially concerned about later resale value.
Only query I have is if the mirrors are heated? They're electrically operated, but not sure if they're heated too?
The inlet manifold seems to have been cured from 2003 onwards (this one is Jan '05).
I've pretty much settled on a car, I just need to get to the dealer to test drive it - the car was stuck on the sheet ice in the forecourt when I looked at it on Friday evening.
The 1.8 lack of performance is fine, as I said it's only a short commute and a weekly long trip I'll be doing. The car will likely be staying with me for a good while (probably become the other half's motor when her Almera finally lies down), so not especially concerned about later resale value.
Only query I have is if the mirrors are heated? They're electrically operated, but not sure if they're heated too?
Edited by HellDiver on Monday 11th January 16:15
Thanks for the advice.
The deal is now done on a 1.8LX.
2 litre ones are difficult to get over here, there's very few about that done have intergalactic miles on them, and I'd rather not have to go to the mainland.
£4995 for a 54k 1.8LX in metallic black from a Ford dealer, plus a VERY good price for the Lancer. Am pretty happy, should be picking the Mondeo up Saturday morning (I need to pull my stereo out and change back to OE wheels on the Lancer).
The deal is now done on a 1.8LX.
2 litre ones are difficult to get over here, there's very few about that done have intergalactic miles on them, and I'd rather not have to go to the mainland.
£4995 for a 54k 1.8LX in metallic black from a Ford dealer, plus a VERY good price for the Lancer. Am pretty happy, should be picking the Mondeo up Saturday morning (I need to pull my stereo out and change back to OE wheels on the Lancer).
Got the car last week. Very happy with it, though had to do a bit of extra valetting to get rid of a slight doggy smell I hadn't noticed before (probably because it was -2C when I was test driving it, the smell only appeared when the car warmed up).
Only fault so far is the driver's side of the quickclear windscreen isn't working. Will check the connections at the weekend, otherwise the warranty should sort that out. The wheeltrims supplied were gash as well, so planning on picking up a set of the old style trims.
Car has a complete new set of rear brakes on it, discs and pads, along with handbrake cables. Was supplied with 2 new tyres (Vredestein Hi-Trac), and I fitted two new Hankook Ventus Prime to replace a mismatched pair on the front.
Planning on getting my stereo fitted in the next few weeks - missing the BlueTooth and iPod connection.
Only fault so far is the driver's side of the quickclear windscreen isn't working. Will check the connections at the weekend, otherwise the warranty should sort that out. The wheeltrims supplied were gash as well, so planning on picking up a set of the old style trims.
Car has a complete new set of rear brakes on it, discs and pads, along with handbrake cables. Was supplied with 2 new tyres (Vredestein Hi-Trac), and I fitted two new Hankook Ventus Prime to replace a mismatched pair on the front.
Planning on getting my stereo fitted in the next few weeks - missing the BlueTooth and iPod connection.
Edited by HellDiver on Tuesday 26th January 11:09
Pretty sure the heated screen has two fuses (one per side) so might be worth checking that first.
Plenty of cheap alloys knocking about, so you might want to consider those to replace the steelies...?
If you're looking to keep costs down, you can buy complete service kits of parts and either service it yourself or get a trusted mechanic to do it (which is what I do), as the local Ford garages seem to cause more problems than they solve...
Plenty of cheap alloys knocking about, so you might want to consider those to replace the steelies...?
If you're looking to keep costs down, you can buy complete service kits of parts and either service it yourself or get a trusted mechanic to do it (which is what I do), as the local Ford garages seem to cause more problems than they solve...
I went to check fuses at the weekend, but usfully there were no indication anywhere which fuse does what (I assume there should be a label on the back of the glovebox going by the sticky patch). The manual is useless, as it doesn't say which fuse does what.
Can anyone give me an indication as to which fuse relates to the screen?
Can anyone give me an indication as to which fuse relates to the screen?
HellDiver said:
I went to check fuses at the weekend, but usfully there were no indication anywhere which fuse does what (I assume there should be a label on the back of the glovebox going by the sticky patch). The manual is useless, as it doesn't say which fuse does what.
Can anyone give me an indication as to which fuse relates to the screen?
Fuses and relays - http://fordwiki.co.uk/index.php/Fuse_%26_Relay_Inf...Can anyone give me an indication as to which fuse relates to the screen?
Bit late to check now seeing as you have the car - but check the bottom inside of the doors for rust. You'll see the a lip where water gathers and this causes the doors to rust from the inside out.
Not sure if it is worth putting some sealant along the top of the lip to stop the water sitting there but i'd recommend you do something.
I am in my 7th year of ownership of an '02 v6 Ghia X that has been faultless (touches wood) with some 110k on the clock and the doors are the only bit that has let it down.
Good luck though
Paul
Not sure if it is worth putting some sealant along the top of the lip to stop the water sitting there but i'd recommend you do something.
I am in my 7th year of ownership of an '02 v6 Ghia X that has been faultless (touches wood) with some 110k on the clock and the doors are the only bit that has let it down.
Good luck though
Paul
I'll check that out Paul, thanks.
Got all the silly niggles sorted apart from the Quickclear only working on the passenger side (checking connections this weekend) and sorting the bent driver's side wiper arm that's making the wiper squeak.
Very happy with the car. Should have bought one years ago...
Got all the silly niggles sorted apart from the Quickclear only working on the passenger side (checking connections this weekend) and sorting the bent driver's side wiper arm that's making the wiper squeak.
Very happy with the car. Should have bought one years ago...
HellDiver said:
Very happy with the car. Should have bought one years ago...
Don't click on this, otherwise you'll want an ST220 with a JP exhaust
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