Faults:

Clutch.

Driveshaft.

ABS.

Rust is becoming a real problem at MOT time. But it is over 15 years old now to be fair!

Water-pump leaked - replaced when I changed the cam-belt not too long ago.

General Comments:

On the plus side, this Mondeo is a decent looking car, reasonably economical and has plenty of power. Space and comfort is also top notch with quality materials and a large boot.

It's also good to drive, handles very well for a large heavy family car. Quite smart in dark metallic grey. Sound system is good quality for 2008, still sounds good today, I believe mine has had a radio upgrade despite being a middle of the road specification Zetec model.

On the downside, the Mondeo of this generation is getting on, it is expensive to repair when it does go wrong, and to be honest other rival cars (Vauxhall Insignia, Honda Accord, etc) offer the same for the same money. The Mondeo is good but no class leader as the earlier journalist reviews would suggest. They raved about this car when it first came out in 2007/8.

Still, it has been a decent car for a used buy at a good price, I have had mine a while now with no major problems, look after it well and it will return with comfort and economy. 2.0 TDCi does around 45 MPG or more motorway with steady cruising, typical of diesels form this time. Not fast, but plenty of torque, never struggles up-hill or anything.

I have found Ford dealers are uninterested (and expensive for repairs) in cars of this age; I suggest you find a nice independent garage to take care of service and repairs for this car. Buy a looked after car and you have one of the best cars on the market - just do not expect anything special.

Faults:

Clutch, oil leak, and the A/C broke.

Small electrical faults, mostly stemmed from a bad alternator which was eventually changed.

The rest was wear and tear expected of age and miles (exhaust, suspension, brakes, and so on).

The car was serviced on time, all belts changed as applicable.

General Comments:

For 16 years old, this Mondeo is still soldiering on!

I have the Ghia model - a high spec for Fords so that means alloy wheels, and all electric in the interior. Very comfortable seats, nice and quiet on the move, love driving this car. Boot space is huge.

Outside mines looks good in silver, although a very common color.

Biggest let down is the engine - the 1.8 TDCi is not very fast nor economical. It is OK for daily driving, but nothing special. Was expecting around 50 mpg, but really struggles for 45 mpg most of the time. I have heard the later 2.0 TDCi is the better one to go for. Still, this old 1.8 diesel is reliable enough if serviced on time.

Plenty on the used market if you just need a cheap used car that is reliable and modern enough, but at this age watch out for rust and only buy a looked after example.