Mondeo Owners - Opinions?

[Scott]

Having a look at buying a Mondeo ST TDCi. Wondering if anyone has anything in the range? Opinions?

 

It was a tossup between the Mondeo and the Saab 9-3 Vector Sport. The Mondeo has won after reading reviews and, surprisingly, the Saab having a few reliability issues.

 

If you can think of other options then please let me know.

 

Budget - £6k

4/5 doors

Big boot for Pram & wheels

Oil Burner with a bit of poke

5 years(ish) old

Moderate mileage (obviously don't mind the odd high mileage due to motorway miles, it will be a diesel afterall).

 

Cheers

[JustGav]

Burn it?

 

Friend of mine has a mondeo tdci titanium, and to be fair it is actually a nice car.. pulls well. (He bought it for the same reason, kiddie karrier)

[Scott]

I like fords now

[jamesmark]

For £6k you will be able to get an ST TDCI estate, unless you don't want and estate.

 

I am myself looking at the ST but for me it will be the estate.

[L18msy]

Our sister garage does loads of Ford warranty work and the boys have told me to stay away from newer diesel. Apparently the injectors pack in regularly and you cant just change one you have to change them all and get them coded, costing quite a few quid. I was looking at the Mondeo before i got the Audi and the boys told me just to stay away.

[foggy147]

I've been looking at the st mondeo as well, but think I've decided on the saab 9-3 myself as I prefer the look etc

[Scott]

I've been looking at the st mondeo as well, but think I've decided on the saab 9-3 myself as I prefer the look etc

 

Choose carefully. Oil pump issues, suspension issues and paint issues. It was my no.1 choice until I got through reading a few horror stories.

 

Our sister garage does loads of Ford warranty work and the boys have told me to stay away from newer diesel. Apparently the injectors pack in regularly and you cant just change one you have to change them all and get them coded, costing quite a few quid. I was looking at the Mondeo before i got the Audi and the boys told me just to stay away.

 

The new Diesel as in 2009/2010 or 2001+? Haven't read any issues at all and I have been searching for ages. The same searching pulled up the 9-3 dirt. One thing I did find was the bottom of the range oil pumps, but that was sorted in 2002.

 

The model I am looking at has the 2.2 TDCi engine in it.

 

I don't really understand why you would need to change more than one injector either, and coded? I did read about a fuel pump issue IIRC, not injectors though.

 

Edit.. 2.0l TDCi

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/?t=8442&v=f

 

I'm following the issue now but it was ironed out if what I am reading is correct. The cars I am looking at should be well past the 2001 issue.

[foggy147]

Yeah will definately be making sure I get one with good documented history, most ive seen are the 2005 model 1.9 150bhp model which is supposed to be very good from the reviews I've read

[L18msy]

Choose carefully. Oil pump issues, suspension issues and paint issues. It was my no.1 choice until I got through reading a few horror stories.

 

 

 

The new Diesel as in 2009/2010 or 2001+? Haven't read any issues at all and I have been searching for ages. The same searching pulled up the 9-3 dirt. One thing I did find was the bottom of the range oil pumps, but that was sorted in 2002.

 

The model I am looking at has the 2.2 TDCi engine in it.

 

I don't really understand why you would need to change more than one injector either, and coded?

 

Edit.. 2.0l TDCi

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/?t=8442&v=f

 

I'm following the issue now but it was ironed out if what I am reading is correct. The cars I am looking at should be well past the 2001 issue.

 

I will try and find out more, im back at work on Monday. Anytime im over in the other garage there is various diesel Fords in with the same problems.

[Scott]

I will try and find out more, im back at work on Monday. Anytime im over in the other garage there is various diesel Fords in with the same problems.

 

Good stuff mate, let me know. I'm still searching just now but all that keeps coming up is the 2001/2002 2.0l TDCi, hopefully it was contained.

 

My Dad's friend had a Mondeo for ages, it was the 2.0l TDCi one too, and he loved it. Traded it in for a Vectra and hated it. He said the reason he traded it in was he heard there was an issue with the fuel pumps. I can't remember if his had to get fixed or not, might give my Dad a bell to find out the extent of his info

[Scott]

Yeah will definately be making sure I get one with good documented history, most ive seen are the 2005 model 1.9 150bhp model which is supposed to be very good from the reviews I've read

 

Check out the owner reviews on parkers. That is the one I was looking at. 1.9TiD Vector Sport.

[jonathanc]

I heard the Honda Civic 2.2 CDTi diesels are pretty good too. You can get the latest shape ones for your budget. A member from another forum I'm on chipped his to achieve 190bhp (at the flywheel) and around 380lbft torque (plenty more to come but needs uprated clutch)

 

I am not sure about the boot but I reckon it shouldn't be too bad! Only bad thing I heard about them is the clutch but I guess if you don't go overboard with the tuning it'll be fine!

[Scott]

I heard the Honda Civic 2.2 CDTi diesels are pretty good too. You can get the latest shape ones for your budget. A member from another forum I'm on chipped his to achieve 190bhp (at the flywheel) and around 380lbft torque (plenty more to come but needs uprated clutch)

 

I am not sure about the boot but I reckon it shouldn't be too bad! Only bad thing I heard about them is the clutch but I guess if you don't go overboard with the tuning it'll be fine!

 

Good shout on that one, will have a look.

 

These cars are all the same with the clutch. Tuning them brings out MAJOR torque increases frying the clutch. Not so sure I would take the 380ftlbs figure on though, 280 maybe. My mate had the Leon Cupra FR 1.9tdi, it pushed almost 250ftlbs and the clutch couldn't take any more.

[jonathanc]

Good shout on that one, will have a look.

 

These cars are all the same with the clutch. Tuning them brings out MAJOR torque increases frying the clutch. Not so sure I would take the 380ftlbs figure on though, 280 maybe. My mate had the Leon Cupra FR 1.9tdi, it pushed almost 250ftlbs and the clutch couldn't take any more.

 

Ah I did some digging and it's actually 316

 

It's the 2.2 iCDTi current model. Figures on the Dyno at Celtic tuning were 192bhp and 316lb ft torque. Apparently this is with the torque limited, as the standard clutch is a weak link. They have a higher power map with over 200bhp if you have an uprated clutch.

 

Its certainly made a huge difference to the grin factor, and I'm getting around 50mpg knocking about, so all in all it was well worth doing.

[Scott]

Ah I did some digging and it's actually 316

 

Is this a guy in a pub posting on a forum... or official figures though

 

It's very high for the BHP figure... even for a diesel. 3.0l BMW's don't manage that for instance.

 

Edit:

 

Fuel Diesel

Engine Capacity (cc) 2204

 

 

Standard Power (Bhp) 138

Modified Power (Bhp) 193

 

Standard Torque (lb/ft) 252

Modified Torque (lb/ft) 292

 

 

Mobile Service Available:

Economy Map Available:

 

eMotion Available:

Moneyback Guarantee:

 

 

 

Now we're talking. That is from Celtic Tuning themselves

[jonathanc]

Is this a guy in a pub posting on a forum... or official figures though

 

It's very high for the BHP figure... even for a diesel. 3.0l BMW's don't manage that for instance.

 

Well I went to the website http://www.celtictuning.co.uk/) and had a look and according to the website it's possible!

 

Quoted figures for a standard map are : 193bhp / 292 lb/ft torque.

 

Hondas first self developed diesel engine is a superb effort. The 2.2 CTDi brought new levels of refinement to the diesel market and a good base for tuning. With power up to 194bhp it provides for superb performance. Where an uprated clutch is fitted we can raise the power up to 204bhp and 310lbft.

 

We develop all of our software on the rolling road to ensure accuracy in terms of both power delivery and also to ensure fuelling, boost pressures and exhaust gas temperatures are all within tolerance. Our aim is for maximum power whilst maintaining optimum reliability.

[Scott]

Well I went to the website http://www.celtictuning.co.uk/) and had a look and according to the website it's possible!

 

Quoted figures for a standard map are : 193bhp / 292 lb/ft torque.

 

Yeah, that's the ones I found.

 

It's certainly an option, and the Wife likes it, but they are VERY hard to find locally. Will definitely keep my eyes open though and we have 2 Honda garages that I know.

 

The interesting thing is the Mondeo figures from the same place

[edge]

Get a nice audi avant for that money. Fords tend to feel slack and well used after not alot of miles unlike the german stuff.

I had one from new then when mine was on 50k a fried brought the same model but with 20k on it and the difference was huge.

I'm now on my third transit connect aswel and they feel well used after 60k.

Plus the mondeo will be worth about 50 pence in a years time.

The mondeo st's do look nice though and i like the interiors but its a ford.

[Scott]

Get a nice audi avant for that money. Fords tend to feel slack and well used after not alot of miles unlike the german stuff.

I had one from new then when mine was on 50k a fried brought the same model but with 20k on it and the difference was huge.

I'm now on my third transit connect aswel and they feel well used after 60k.

Plus the mondeo will be worth about 50 pence in a years time.

The mondeo st's do look nice though and i like the interiors but its a ford.

 

 

I had a look at Audi's but I can't get a nice one, in reasonable condition/age/mileage for my money unfortunately.

 

I've got a 40k mile focus and the drive is fantastic. I'll certainly have something to compare it against. I'm hoping that the ST, with it's fancy suspension, will bring with it a better drive than just a normal one.

 

I used to say "but it's a ford". The modern fords are nothing like the tat of old. The turn in on my zetec focus is absolutely unreal. The RS version is just amazing also.

 

I'm not talking myself into a Mondeo btw. I know it sounds like I am lol. I've just done my homework on the cars that take my fancy and it comes up trumps. The Accord is taking my fancy too though.

[edge]

The level of kit coming with fords is quite good aswel.

I hate to say it but i quite like my new connect.. Auto hillstart, esp, tc, auto lights, auto window wipers, a/c and lots of other fancy gadgets like voice control and its a VAN.

 

But fuel economy is poor and i dont carry any weight and i get 27 - 32 mpg from a derv

Honda ftw

[Guest tomwest101]

hey guys. ive recently been crashed into and lost my lovely fiesta into the bargain. i'm looking at getting a mk3 mondeo 2.0 tdci, but ive been reading all about how bad the injector problems are. if i were to put an emerald ecu into it, would this sort the problem, as obviously the problem must come from the ecu. the injector doesnt have a brain of any form, so in my head must be the standard ecu. if anyone knows about this please email me at [email protected] or just reply on here.....

[Scott]

hey guys. ive recently been crashed into and lost my lovely fiesta into the bargain. i'm looking at getting a mk3 mondeo 2.0 tdci, but ive been reading all about how bad the injector problems are. if i were to put an emerald ecu into it, would this sort the problem, as obviously the problem must come from the ecu. the injector doesnt have a brain of any form, so in my head must be the standard ecu. if anyone knows about this please email me at [email protected] or just reply on here.....

 

Lol, strange reason to join a Supra forum but here goes....

 

The injector problem comes from the injectors leaking. If it was the ECU the ECU would be replaced rather than the injectors. I'm not sure what the root cause is, I heard the temperatures can be a factor (Strange as I can't see a physical connection), generally caused by the EGR valve. Another issue I think was the fuel pump, it would start to fall apart with little bits making their way into the line, killing the seals.

 

You are a little bit safer with the 2.2 as the problem is less common, it is an expensive fix though at around £700.

[Scoboblio]

My 2002 diesel mondeo (not st model) has been the least reliable car I've ever owned - and I've owned some rubbish. No matter what I do with the tracking it eats through tyres, the injectors / ecu / whatever is constantly playing up, and every time I take it into ford I get the same answer "it's a common fault". I've come to the conclusion that you'd have to do mega miles to make the extra maintenance costs worthwhile. It's a shame as when it's working it's a cracking car, great on the motorway.

[Havard]

I used to have a 55 plate 2.0 TDCi. Probably the most boring looking but most relaible car I have ever had. Not one day off the road in 3 years 70k miles.

 

It was silver and looked really drab. Great to drive, good fuel economy and never let me down. 12.5K servicing interval was my only criticism..!!

 

H.

[Scott]

My 2002 diesel mondeo (not st model) has been the least reliable car I've ever owned - and I've owned some rubbish. No matter what I do with the tracking it eats through tyres, the injectors / ecu / whatever is constantly playing up, and every time I take it into ford I get the same answer "it's a common fault". I've come to the conclusion that you'd have to do mega miles to make the extra maintenance costs worthwhile. It's a shame as when it's working it's a cracking car, great on the motorway.

 

The pre-facelift versions were meant to be an absolute nightmare. The first diesel ones failed badly. Even though they looked at the issues people were having, and put fixes in place, it still didn't cure the problem 100%. I feel for you mate, it seems like a bit of a hit and a miss with them. One of the guys on the ST Drivers forum has had nothing but trouble with his ST. So far... touch wood... I have been fine with no signs of worry. The history I got with the car was very complete and also showed no issues.

 

I used to have a 55 plate 2.0 TDCi. Probably the most boring looking but most relaible car I have ever had. Not one day off the road in 3 years 70k miles.

 

It was silver and looked really drab. Great to drive, good fuel economy and never let me down. 12.5K servicing interval was my only criticism..!!

 

H.

 

That was the main reason for wanting the ST. Yes it still isn't the best looking car in the world but it takes a very drab looking car and tarts it up a little bit. It is the ideal car for me at the moment. Can fit at least 4 bodies in the boot, leather interior, heated sports seats, enough punch on the motorway to keep me happy and 45mpg.

 

12.5k servicing is ideal for me. I won't do that in a year anyway