Ford Mondeo Hatchback (2007 - 2014) 2.3 Edge 5d Auto (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I'm a bloke who likes a lot of metal for his money and is a shrewd buyer. I'd like to think it also says that I'm an individual who doesn't worry about impressing the neighbours with a 'premium' badge. Although, in reality, my car is more exclusive than a 3 Series................the Bavarian sausage machine churns out three of them for every Mondeo Ford now makes. Seemingly.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They rarely pass comment, it's so anonymous. Other than to note how big it is, or how comfy and quiet it is to ride in.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, because, for me anyway, it's the complete package. Roomy, smooth, reliable and fun when needed.

What are you likely to buy next?

The same shape Mondeo with the 'Powershift' transmission, but with the 2.0 'Ecoboost' engine. Slightly better economy than the 2.3 Mazda unit I have in mine now, but much quicker. So a no-brainer really.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,850

When did you buy the car?

March 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, I did. The car had a little under 23,000 miles showing when I bought it, with 6 Ford services in the book. In some adverts I have viewed recently dealers were asking slightly more for the same model as mine with twice as many miles on the clock.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a big smooth comfortable car with a 'premium' feel. Overall running costs weren't my first priority as I only cover 6000/7000 miles a year.

What was the dealer like?

They were a small independent, pretty much family run. Very helpful and friendly, with an excellent reputation................I made sure of this before contacting them. Didn't give me much for my tatty old 5 Series, but hey, that's car business!

What's it like to drive?

Very refined, smooth and quiet. Being a 4 pot I expected it to be somewhat agricultural compared to my old straight six BMW, but how wrong I was. Handling-wise, initially it seems inert and detached, but when you hustle it a bit it becomes a different animal, all taught and agile. Slightly freaky actually, a big barge handling almost like a sporty small hatch.

What's it like to park?

It's big, with commensurately big blind spots. But I'm used to larger cars and am a fairly competent parker. But I'm sure many people would be well advised to get one with parking sensors. Mine's the base model, so doesn't have them. But the steering is excellent for parking, once you get used to how few turns lock-to-lock it has.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing. The dash display for the on-board computer thingy seems to fade after the heater has been on full bore for a while. And although it passed its first MOT under my ownership Trust Ford were quick to point out that my front discs and pads were in the 'red zone'. But a big heavy front wheel drive automatic car is going to give these parts some stick, so that was to be expected I guess.

What's most practical about your car?

Daft amounts of space, more than a non-family man is ever going to need. The boots is a slob's Nirvana, you can leave loads of junk in there and still have room for shopping or whatever.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The six speed 'Powershift' auto box. It's smooth, almost seamless in its changes and rarely gets caught in the wrong gear.