1996 Ford Mondeo LX review from UK and Ireland

At about 150k there was an annoying rattle from the gear-stick from 1500 RPM up to the red-line. The dealer hasn't been able to trace it and it still remains a mystery.

It has recently become very difficult to start - when it does start we get a load of black smoke from the exhaust. Give it a few thousand revs and it soon clears.

Motoring magazines seem to dislike the 1.8 Turbo Diesel in the Mondeo. Personally, I don't think that there is much wrong with it. Although it is noisy when it is cold, it soon quietens down when its warmed up.

When you are on the motorway the only way you can hear it is to turn the heater off and turn the radio down. Its not got as much power as I expected, but it is still enough for everyday driving.

Legroom isn't to good in the back. It only just manages to get four adults in comfortably, although kids seem to enjoy it. There isn't enough storage in the back either. Boot is massive though.

Economy is good too - I got from North Lancashire to the Loire Valley in France on just one tank of diesel.

Ford dealers are useless, I use a local Vauxhall dealer who know more about Fords.

An ideal car for the motorist who wants a comfortable, reliable car with super-high mileage capabilities. I've been in taxi's with more than 400k on the clock.

Looks dull though!