1996 Ford Mondeo LX review from UK and Ireland

The most annoying fault is the leak into the passenger side foot-well.

The heater fan switch has failed.

I have also had the problem with a broken pipe to the rear washer jet. Mine has broken somewhere above the 'B' pillar so when the rear washer is accidentally pressed I get an in car shower!

Otherwise no real problems outside of the routine maintenance you would expect from a car with this sort of mileage on it.

The turbo lag under 2500rpm makes those quick getaways out of junctions that bit more exciting.

The leak in the passenger foot-well is appalling. Seems to be a common problem as I have two neighbours with Mondeo Estate's as well and we all seem to need our wellies when in the passenger side. My car doesn't have air con and the standard de-mister struggles to keep the screen clear with the damp atmosphere inside.

The seats are a disappointment, especially when compared to the Scorpio Ghia I replaced with the Mondeo.

Overall the car has been a bit of a contrast (possibly a disapointment) to what I had expected, however, the diesel is very cheap to run and the gearing is exceptional with the turbo when towing my car transporter or caravan.

It is quite heavy on brakes although they have to work hard with another car on the back! I cured the brakes pulling by replacing both front arms using the later version with the revised bushes.

All in all, a fairly pleasing experience so far.