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Hi Donncha,

Yes, it’s the same – Ford recommends a change at 125,000 miles (or 200,000km) or every ten years, but as with any cam belt, we’d suggest having it replaced more frequently than that.

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Hi James,

Nope, it's all down to how well it's been cared for. If it has a high mileage but a thick sheaf of service stamps, receipts and paperwork then it's fine. A lower mileage car without history would be far more worrying. 

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Hi Laura,

No, the mileage isn’t an issue in and of itself. It all depends how well the car has been cared for. If it comes with a full service history and a stack of paperwork showing how much care and attention the previous owner has lavished on it, then the mileage simply isn’t a worry. If it comes with a sparsely stamped service book and no paperwork, walk away.

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Hi Rochelle,

It's a chain, and generally speaking it should be replaced or at least given a major overhaul at the 200,000km mark so you'd need to make sure that's been done. As for the mileage, it's maybe a touch high, but as ever, you should buy on condition, not mileage. If this car seems to have been well cared for and comes with a fully stamped service book then it should be fine. 

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Hi Trevor,

The mileage is high, but it's all down to how the car has been driven and looked after. If it has done mostly motorway miles, and has been serviced properly and to schedule, then it should be fine. If there are any gaps in the service history, walk away - plenty more out there to choose from.

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Hi Paul,

It’s best to take the advice of your local Ford dealer on this, but as far as we can tell the correct interval is every 10 years or 210,000km, whichever is soonest. However, it’s one of those things that, if it’s niggling you, you should just get done. Never a good idea to put a timing belt on the long finger.

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Hi Tom,

Totally different cars so it's quite hard to compare them directly. The ix35 is one of the better crossover SUVs - it's roomy and very nice to drive and hugely reliable too.

The Mondeo was always one of the best large saloons around, and that fourth generation model was a good one - solidly built (although you need to keep an eye out for niggling electrical problems) and really great to drive. Plus, both the cabin and boot are massively spacious, even more so than those of the ix35.

So it depends what your priorities are. Like a high-riding car and fancy something with 4x4 styling? Get the ix35. Not bothered about SUVs but want something truly rewarding to drive? Get the Mondeo.

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Hi Andrew,

Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.

Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.

Some relevant reviews for you:

Updated BMW 320d review

New Audi A4 2.0 TDI review

Jaguar XE review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class review

Volkswagen Passat Highline review

Skoda Superb review

Ford Mondeo review

Toyota Avensis review

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Hi Alan,

Actually, our information is that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, which has no scheduled maintenance interval. To check this, call a service department of any Ford dealer with your registration number and they'll tell you for sure.

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Hi Niall,

Our information is indeed 140,000km or every 10 years (whichever comes first) for the 2012 Mondeo 1.6 TDCi. It doesn't matter what the trim level is. Call up your local Ford dealer service department with your registration number for clarification.