What's the 2.0-litre TDCi Mondeo like?
I'm thinking of buying a 2010 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre diesel with 69,000 miles on the clock. I need to know are they good engines and troublefree?
Thanks, Noel
Noel Power (Foulksmills)Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
Nothing too serious to worry about it. That 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine does suffer occasionally from cutting out unexpectedly, but it's usually just a software fault and the ECU can be easily updated by a dealer. Other than that keep an eye out for issues with the keyless entry and ignition system (a rarely-seen option anyway) and keep an eye on the cabin - creaky trim is common and apparently the seat bolsters can collapse even on surprisingly low mileage cars.
What's the 1.6 TDCi Ford Mondeo like?
What are the pros and cons of a 1.6 TDCi Style version of the Ford Mondeo?
Tirziman Julian (Meath)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tirziman,
Mostly pros, few cons. Mondeos are very well made and reliable and while the 1.6 TDCi engine is no ball of fire, it is very economical. You should get well over 1,000km from a full tank.
The only cons are down to the age of the design. Compared to the likes of the Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai i40 or Opel Insignia the cabin is starting to feel rather old-fashioned but that's about it.
Timing belt change on Ford Mondeo?
When should I do the timing belt on my Ford Mondeo?
Chris Murphy (Kilkenny)Jan 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Chris,
It would depend on the year and model, but the previous generation Mondeo with the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine, needed its timing belt done at 200,000km or every 10 years.
Can you recommend a good family car?
Can you recommend a good family car? I have a newborn on the way and am looking to buy a family car in the next 2-3 weeks. I have a budget of roughly €10,500. I'm six-foot-four in height so space is very important. My wife and I also have family down the country so would be making regular trips now and then outside Dublin. In a nutshell, I'm looking for something reliable, pratical, economical and fun to drive. I've been homing in on a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec.
Any advice or other recommendations would be much appreciated.
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
A Mondeo 2.0 TDCi is, frankly, a great choice - spacious, comfy, well made and superb for that kind of long-haul journey. Just as a suggestion though, it may be worth coming down a class and having a look around, just as a way of potentially keeping your running costs as low as possible. Perhaps a Honda Civic diesel or a Skoda Octavia TDI? Both are massively spacious (so would carry your height with plenty of space behind for baby seats etc.), but would also be a little cheaper to run than the Mondeo, and almost as comfy on the long haul. Worth a thought, but if you fancy the Mondeo, go for it. Buy one with a full service history and you won't go wrong.
Let us know which way you go in the comments below.
When to change a Mondeo's timing belt?
I have at 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.6 petrol with 110,000km on the clock. When do I need to change the timing belt?
Thanks
Thomas
Thomas Brady (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Thomas,
It needs to be done at 160,000km or every eight years.
Does my Ford Mondeo have a timing belt?
Hello, does a 2008 petrol Ford Mondeo have a timing belt?
DES RADFORD (CORK)Jan 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Des,
Yes, the 2008 1.6-litre petrol Mondeo does indeed have a timing belt. It should be replaced every 100,000 miles/160,000km or every eight years.
Is the 2006 Saab 9-3 a good car or not?
Thinking of buying a 2006 Saab 9-3 1.9 diesel. Good car or not?
Paddy Dunne (Cashel)Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paddy,
I have a bit of a soft spot for Saabs in general, but would advise some caution here. That generation 9-3 suffered from a chassis that aged very badly relative to the competition and to be blunt, a Ford Mondeo will drive rings around it. There's also not a lot of space in the back seats.
On the upside, the 1.9 diesel (a Fiat-General Motors unit) is a good 'un - noisy but very economical and, being a Saab, it's both refreshingly different to other cars, superbly comfy and well able to deal with the rigours of an Irish winter.
Hope that's of some help
What will I replace by Hyundai Santa Fe with?
I'm currently driving a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0-litre 2WD... It's a lovely car and has great spec for its time - leather upholstery, a/c, cruise control, etc, but on the downside is poor on fuel consumption and motor tax. I drive about 20,000km per year - manily Dublin with about 10 trips to Mayo each year.
What would you recommend replacing it with?
Francis Rock (Swords)Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Francis,
Can I suggest then chopping it in for another Hyundai, this time an i40 Tourer? It's massively spacious so you won't (aside from the seat height) feel like you're trading down. It's also very comfy and, with your long-haul runs and high-ish mileage in mind, hugely economical. Drive the 1.7 115hp CRDi version gently and you should top 60mpg.
If you don't fancy another Hyundai, then picking a similar estate from the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Volkswagen Passat or Peugeot 508 ranges should do the job just as well.
Let us know what you end up doing
Ford Mondeo or Toyota Corolla?
Which is the best buy: Ford Mondeo Graphite 1.6 or Toyota Corolla Luna diesel?
Richard Mcgrane (Skerries)Nov 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
It kind of depends on a couple of things. First of all, which Mondeo do you mean? Current or previous, petrol or diesel? And what are you using it for? Mostly urban, mostly motorway? Family and kids to haul around or just yourself?
Generally I would always say to go with the Mondeo, as it's such a fantastic and (yes) a 'complete' car.
What do you think of the price of this Ford Mondeo?
I've spotted a 2009 Ford Mondeo Ghia priced at €14,750 with 55,000 miles on the clock and it is an automatic. This seems a bit pricey to me. What do you think yourself?
Dave McNamara (Limerick)Oct 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
Maybe slightly, as I would have expected the auto box to push the resale value down a touch. Still, a cracking car and the Ghia badge has a kind of retro appeal these days. Have a good hard haggle and try and get a few quid off. Or do another search; we found a well specced Mondeo 1.8 TDCi estate for a shade over €13k. Lots out there to choose from so be picky.