Ford Mondeo Hatchback (2000 - 2007) 2.0TDCi Ghia X (115ps) 5d (02) (2002/02) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
The Mondeo has a bland image (sales manager territory I'm afraid). That's the only downer.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
From the outside, many like it but dismiss it as bland. But once driving, they soon change their tune. All impressed.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. It offers supreme value and is totally practical. Most likely go for the 130 TD avoiding the petrol one.
What are you likely to buy next?
SAAB 95 or Mondeo
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,500
When did you buy the car?
January 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
I had bought from this dealer before, and he offered excellent trade-in. I paid a few hundred more (but within budget) but felt happy with a trustworthy dealer. There are thousands of these about so don't rush into the first one you see.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I was originally looking to buy VW but this came out of the blue. It offered excellent value, the Ghia X is fully loaded, did what I wanted and I got an excellent trade-in.
What was the dealer like?
Amazing. There were a few quibbles after sale but he fixed them with no questions. Look out for failing Air Con/Climate Control.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Don't be fooled by the 'blandness' of the Mondeo. The chassis is astonishing; shaming many 'sports' cars. The 115 engine is very frugal but go for the 130 if you can. It has similar economy but makes up for the flexibility and top end acceleration lacking on the 115. Bear in mind that this is a big car.
What's it like to park?
Again, this is a big car but there should be no problems here.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The Air Con failed but was replaced free of charge. This is a common fault and easily fixed with a revised facia. While the finish is generally very good, some interior plastics feel cheap (I recently drove an Aston Martin DB9 and it has the exact same switches - so not that bad I suppose) and the exterior paint (especially metallics) is fragile.
What's most practical about your car?
Everything. Ford have put together aan excellent package. It has the loadspace of an estate and a superbly economical diesel engine - as good as any Audi unit.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The Ghia X has leather, cruise control, the lot.
