Faults:

The clutch died at 260,000 km; it's a shame I couldn't use the new clutch for long, at least whoever bought it will enjoy it.

The turbo actuator was failing, sending the engine into "emergency mode" and turning on the glow plug light.

High Pressure Pump / Fuel Pump: Failures that can cause starting problems or power cuts, especially if the circuit runs out of fuel.

Difficulty starting when cold, with the glow plug light flashing.

Another problem I encountered, but only once in all the years I owned it, was that the air filter would become clogged, affecting fuel delivery and engine performance.

General Comments:

Being a 2006 model, the car came very well-equipped with heated seats, a sound system, power windows and mirrors, climate control, a trip computer, and remote central locking, among other features. It is missing a few things, as it could also have included front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a power passenger seat.

The suspension is stiff and firm, resulting in a harsher ride compared to the standard version. Nevertheless, the ride comfort is very satisfactory. On the open road, it truly shines, tackling corners at speed with remarkable agility.

The steering is quick and precise, but the turning radius is slightly excessive. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, with its excellent grip, is a notable feature. Due to the car's rigidity, ground clearance is adequate, although care must be taken on very uneven roads.

It's a very safe car; when driving it, especially at high speeds, you feel a pleasant sense of security. It has dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, and head airbags, as well as powerful xenon headlights and five headrests, the front ones being active.

It also features high-performance brakes with four discs and ABS, EBD, and EBA.

The TDCi engine offers the same performance as any gasoline-powered Mondeo from the same year, but even the ST is sportier, and, more importantly, its fuel consumption is almost half that of its gasoline counterpart. A diesel with these characteristics is worthwhile; besides being sporty, it's economical and fuel-efficient for a large sedan.

That, combined with its reliability (I bought it used and owned it for over 12 years), requiring only routine maintenance and never giving me any trouble, made this car one of the best I've ever owned and one I've enjoyed the most.

Faults:

I bought the car practically new, with only 2,000 kilometers on the clock. However, the engine has been causing a lot of problems.

The Endura engine (also found in the Escort and Focus) mixes a lot of oil and water, the main symptom being oil in the coolant reservoir and swollen hoses. This is usually caused by a blown gasket or, less commonly, a damaged cylinder head.

The more it is used, the more it loses power and emits black smoke. Poor acceleration and black smoke indicate that the turbo is not working properly or that there is a problem in the exhaust system, for example a catalytic converter or a clogged exhaust.

It has enormous difficulty starting from cold due to multiple failures in the fuel injection system, the pump, and engine compression problems

Furthermore, due to turbo problems, it generates abnormal engine noises that end up being unbearable, more vibrating than a diesel from the 1960s.

This engine turned out to be quite poor, nothing like the old 1.6-liter Ford diesel from the 1980s. Without a turbo, it would have caused fewer problems.

General Comments:

Aside from the mechanical issues stemming from the engine, the car is really good. In the late 1990s, it was the best in Europe in terms of comfort and equipment. The Ghia trim level included power seats with memory for the driver, heating, a sunroof, air conditioning, and a CD player.

Despite its good cornering behavior, the Mondeo Ghia is a very comfortable car for daily use and travel, with a good balance between suspension and cabin noise. The quality of the materials is also noteworthy, including the interior materials, with wood-like details and an overall finish that conveys a sense of solidity and durability.

It has excellent cornering and stability at high speeds, providing safety even on good road surfaces. The balance, although good, the suspension is somewhat rough and abrupt on broken or cobblestone surfaces. The brakes are very good, smooth and firm, with great response at both low and high speeds.

In short, a very good, comfortable car with plenty of features, ahead of its time, that deserved to have an engine that matched its performance.