Mondeo 2.5 V6 Zetec S - any opinions..??
Discussion
Thinking about moving the Saab on and going back to a normally aspirated motor with more than 4 cylinders. I notice a 2002/03 Mondeo Zetec S can be had for around the £3k mark or less. Definately not bothered about the diesel version and in fact due to mileage rates it works out more cost effective for me to run a petrol over 2000cc aslong as it can return high 20's on a run.
The Mondeo seems to tick a few boxes as a daily driver but are they reliable...??
The Mondeo seems to tick a few boxes as a daily driver but are they reliable...??
I had a one year old 03 plate and it was a great car, only kept it 2 years before buying a brand new 06 plate ST220, I had no issues with it and I pass the car almost every day as someone local to me still owns it. My only complaint would be wheel corrosion, but that's Ford for you, the ST220 wheels were also corroding within 2 years.
The 2.5's seem to suffer from bottom end issues more than the 3L version, one thing you would notice comparing the two would be the 2.5 does not rev anywhere near as easily/quickly. The one in my old Mk1 is still going strong, water pumps are plastic so worth changing, apart from that pretty solid (watch out for HG problems though-possibly caused by failed WP!!).
MoonMonkey said:
Thinking about moving the Saab on and going back to a normally aspirated motor with more than 4 cylinders. I notice a 2002/03 Mondeo Zetec S can be had for around the £3k mark or less. Definately not bothered about the diesel version and in fact due to mileage rates it works out more cost effective for me to run a petrol over 2000cc aslong as it can return high 20's on a run.
The Mondeo seems to tick a few boxes as a daily driver but are they reliable...??
Why a 2.5?? Lots of other better performance cars about. How about a 328i?? Even a 5.7 V8 Corvette can return high 20's low 30's on a run BTW.The Mondeo seems to tick a few boxes as a daily driver but are they reliable...??
300bhp/ton said:
Why a 2.5?? Lots of other better performance cars about. How about a 328i?? Even a 5.7 V8 Corvette can return high 20's low 30's on a run BTW.
As intimated in my original post for business use it makes more sense for me to run a petrol engined car over 2000cc aslong as it's reasonably economical on a run (high 20's). Over 2 litre (2,001cc to be precise) we get 21p/mile and below that the rate is 15p/mile. A 2 litre diesel is only 11p/mile so would cost me money..!!Performance is not really my first priority - a good turn of speed yes but not balls out. Basically, a reliable, comfy, cheap to maintain (I will do my own servicing), hatchback possibly that would be a suitable replacement for the Saab.
Certainly not ruling out anything else just saw a couple of Mondeos and thought they looked pretty good value.
Oh btw I have a 4.6 V8 Mustang too so really can't justify another Yank...

MoonMonkey said:
300bhp/ton said:
Why a 2.5?? Lots of other better performance cars about. How about a 328i?? Even a 5.7 V8 Corvette can return high 20's low 30's on a run BTW.
As intimated in my original post for business use it makes more sense for me to run a petrol engined car over 2000cc aslong as it's reasonably economical on a run (high 20's). Over 2 litre (2,001cc to be precise) we get 21p/mile and below that the rate is 15p/mile. A 2 litre diesel is only 11p/mile so would cost me money..!!Performance is not really my first priority - a good turn of speed yes but not balls out. Basically, a reliable, comfy, cheap to maintain (I will do my own servicing), hatchback possibly that would be a suitable replacement for the Saab.
Certainly not ruling out anything else just saw a couple of Mondeos and thought they looked pretty good value.
Oh btw I have a 4.6 V8 Mustang too so really can't justify another Yank...

A 2.2 litre Honda Prelude might be a hard one to beat IMO, if 4 doors aren't needed.
Also I'd personally opt for a Ford Cougar over a Mondeo V6.
Rover 75/MG ZT190 with the 2.5 KV6 are also another good bet and actually quite a good steer too.
Bit more frantic (but lighter, so better mpg) is the MG ZS180.
But a tidy late e36 328i would appeal, comfy, fast, good one fuel.
Podie said:
300bhp/ton said:
Also I'd personally opt for a Ford Cougar over a Mondeo V6.

One of the worst cars Ford has made.
Look ok, certainly better than your average hatch/saloon. Was quite pleasant inside. Ok it wasn't that quick, but was on par with the V6 Mondeo of the time.
More cruiser than bruiser, but from what the OP says, this would seem to suit. big boot and back seats too.
Admit the Prelude would probably be my preferred choice, but the Ford makes a nice rumble.
Podie said:
300bhp/ton said:
Also I'd personally opt for a Ford Cougar over a Mondeo V6.

One of the worst cars Ford has made.
Would I have another one? prob not but I also wouldnt have another Mondeo.
HellDiver said:
300bhp/ton said:
Even a 5.7 V8 Corvette

A good 2 litre Mondeo will go better than the 2.5V6. We've two of the 2.5's here (LX trim), and really I tend to go for the 2 litre petrol or the 136hp TDCI. The V6 isn't any quicker, and it drinks fuel.
Fuel difference negligable-the 2L Petrol drank fuel for what it was, the 2.5 is also much quicker and sounds MUCH better.
siwil1 said:
Podie said:
300bhp/ton said:
Also I'd personally opt for a Ford Cougar over a Mondeo V6.

One of the worst cars Ford has made.
Would I have another one? prob not but I also wouldnt have another Mondeo.
OK Basic requirements would be.
Budget would be a max of £3k. A good motorway hack. 4 door with a decent boot, 3 x 3 point belts in the back (preferably), wouldn't mind an estate or hatch. Reasonable insurance. Must be reliable for those cold winter mornings leaving at 5am to travel down to Manchester from the North East..!! Petrol over 2,001cc, pref normally aspirated V6 or straight 6. I will do my own servicing so availability of parts is important.
Budget would be a max of £3k. A good motorway hack. 4 door with a decent boot, 3 x 3 point belts in the back (preferably), wouldn't mind an estate or hatch. Reasonable insurance. Must be reliable for those cold winter mornings leaving at 5am to travel down to Manchester from the North East..!! Petrol over 2,001cc, pref normally aspirated V6 or straight 6. I will do my own servicing so availability of parts is important.
Dave_ST220 said:
siwil1 said:
Podie said:
300bhp/ton said:
Also I'd personally opt for a Ford Cougar over a Mondeo V6.

One of the worst cars Ford has made.
Would I have another one? prob not but I also wouldnt have another Mondeo.
Came about 135th (of 144) cars in a JD Power survey... and they only sold about 10-12000 in two years.
Still, wasn't as bad as the Probe...
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