Ford Mondeo Hatchback (2000 - 2007) 1.8 LX 5d (00) Owner Review

Superb boot, steering is bang on, gears very forgiving with long reach, duratec engine, even the 1.8, is lovely. Comfortable but handles well. Even base models well enough equipped - heated front screen, cruise control, aircon, lumbar support. Would have liked rear parking sensors, and perhaps front, for such a big car. But many modern gadgets de-skill drivers anyway. Picked up 60k mileage version for £900. Given it a full service and some TLC. No looker but it not ugly either, like me, handsome enough in it's day! Great to live with. Would I have preferred an ST220? Apart from the higher insurance, tax and petrol costs - yes, of course, but the 1.8 is adequate (and bizarrely has better 0-60 than many of the 2L engines in the range at the time, whilst of course returning better economy and lower emissions). For those looking for a car on a tight budget, for practical reasons, and for driving quality, as opposed to buying a car as a fashion accessory, it's a great all rounder.