Ford Mondeo Hatchback (2000 - 2007) 2.0TDCi Zetec S (130ps) 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have no idea!

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

Everybody seems to love it to be honest. Its not too often you see a Zetec S Mondeo knocking about, so when you do see one it catches your attention. For more information on my car and its modifications right click and open the following link http://www.fordmondeo.org/garage/index.php?car/37/

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definatley. Its been such a good dependable car, and its comfy, fast, easy on running costs, looks amazing and drives brilliantly.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe the ST TDCi as its sort of the next step up from this one, but ive no plans to change this car for about another 5 years or so.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes i got a good deal. The car only had 25108 miles on it when i bought it, came with a full Ford service history and was a good clean example. The book price at the time was around £7000.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something practical for the family, yet sporty and with a decent amount of poke. It also had to be economical and easy on the running costs.

What was the dealer like?

Bought car privately.

What's it like to drive?

Brilliant! The mk3 Mondeo is a sharp responsive car to drive anyway, but this is further enhanced on the Zetec S by the 18" alloy wheels and low profile tyres. Theres plenty of feel from the steering and its nicely weighted. The brakes are good and do a nice job of pulling the car up sharply, although i personally find that the ABS can be a bit too sensitive at times. The engine is fantastic and has a good surge of power where it counts. Overtaking is a doddle and it eats motorways for breakfast. In standard form mine used to be able to keep up with my friends V6 2.5 Zetec S, but since doing a couple of modifications to the engine its the other way round, he now struggles to keep up with me! Ive taken the standard 130bhp and 244lbs of torque, and upped it to approx 170bhp and 290lbs.

What's it like to park?

Very good for a car of its size, theres plenty of rear visibility and it has a decent turning circle for those tight awkward spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The rear subframe bushes were in need of replacement, but this is a common fault on all mk3 Mondeo's - excluding estates. Its best solved by replacing the old ones with aftermarket polyurethane bushes as these have a lifetime warranty and are much better quality. If your car has warranty remaining then they are covered by that anyway. Don't listen to people who tell you that the TDCi engines are prone to fuel system problems either. There are a few which have had injector or common rail problems, but they are quite rare and will likely never be a problem. The engines can take a fair amount of abuse and eat up the miles no problem at all.

What's most practical about your car?

The very low running costs and the good amount space for the family. It also makes a good workhorse when you need it too, mine was used for carrying all sorts of large heavy/bulky items when renovating my house last year.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The 6006E 6 disc CD player. Theres also some nice touches too like the heated front windscreen/mirrors/washer jets.