Ford Mondeo Hatchback 2.0TDCi Zetec (115ps) 5d (02) (2003/03) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Again, compared to the Vectra it is night & day. At 1yr old it costs only slightly more but is so much better made. The Honda is a better car but this is better value than the Accord or, I think, even the Passat.
Costs
45mpg for me, split about 50-50 between motorway & town driving. Fixed price servicing helps but tyres are a bit expensive & breaks are extortionate through a dealer. Not cost me anything else in 2 years (I do 26k miles per year)
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On the road
Driving
One of the best in its class. It is better in everyway when compared to the Vectra I occasionally drive. Better at low speed than my old Honda, but a bit worse at higher speeds. Great weight on the steering & good grip & ride.
Performance
Great for a diesel though it can feel a bit sluggish at low revs if you don't get the gears right. The 130bhp version counters this a bit but once you are used to it, it doesn't matter much anyway. Good feel around corners for such a big car.
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Living with it
Reliability
Only had 1 problem. Engine seemed to miss a beat at ~1900rpm. Ford struggled to find a problem until it broke down. Something went bang & smoke was belching out of it. Garage blamed fuel supply. Eventually fixed & no problems since.
Image
Its a Ford Mondeo so it is very common. Still, it is very good looking & people know that it is one of the better cars in its class. If you want to turn heads then the ST version will certainly do that, if the Zetec one won't.
Comfort
I do 26k miles per year & never feel uncomfortable in this. With the adjustable lumber support, seat height & steering wheel it is easy to adjust the settings to where you want to sit. Much better than my old Honda & don't get me started on the Vectra.
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Security and Service
Security
No reason to doubt it so far. Can't complain about an immobiliser & alarm as standard, but would prefer a thatcham approved alarm system.
Service
Service has been OK. Had a few problems but more to do with Reg Vardy being my local dealer, rather than the Ford company itself.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Broke, as mentioned earlier, but fixed & runs great now.
Other
In general I think this car is great. Its not a Merc or even a BMW but that's why they cost so much. Not sure I would buy one without a warranty since, like all diesels, if something big goes wrong it WILL cost a fortune.
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