Ford Mondeo Saloon 1.8 LX 4d (00) (2001/Y) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Car is only good value if you intend to keep it for a long time - depreciation is very steep. Lots of toys for the money, even on the LX model - why but the Ghia when the LX has so much?
Costs
Car has had a lot of reliability problems, this year I've replaced the rear brakes disks and pads (£150), handbrake cables (£106), rear brake callipers (£300), rear sub frame (£300) and all four tyres (£350). Car drinks fuel heavily for its performance
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On the road
Driving
Power is a little lacking sometimes, but you don't expect there to be loads from a 1.8! Handling is great and ride is soft enough to be comfortable, but sharp enough to be sporty.
Performance
Not bad, not great. Has enough power for overtaking on A roads and motorways, but from a standing start its not exactly going to rip your face off.
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Living with it
Reliability
Apparently the handbrakes cables seize a lot, and cause the rear brakes to overheat and wear out the callipers as has happened to me. Sub frame bushes wear out quickly too, and that has also happened to me!
Image
Luckily I'm fat so I suit a mondeo quite well. I think to image of it being an old farts car is going with the newest shape being reasonably sporty, but its still an old farts car (I'm 25 going on 50).
Comfort
I did a 5 hour motorway journey in the car and had no aches whatsoever. Ride is comfortable, seats are firm but supportive.
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Security and Service
Security
Best security device in the world is a bog standard stereo if u ask me. Who wants to nick a plain ford unit? Luckily the 6000 series in the LX is an absolute belter!
Service
Can't comment, haven't used Ford once as they are far too expensive.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Car has done 100,000 miles, engine isn't the most powerful in the world but it pulls well and couldn't be described as underpowered. Drinks a little too much for its performance though.
Other
If you but one, have the rear sub frame bushes inspected, and see whether the handbrake cables have been replaced. If they haven't, the will soon need to be before they wear out your brakes and callipers!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes