1998 Ford Mondeo Verona 1.8i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, Practical and CHEAP!

Faults:

At around 70,000 miles the battery went dead, £40 for a new one.

At 75,000 the front, right wheel bearing went. £50 to replace.

General Comments:

I've had this car from 59,000 miles to 94,000, and it has been fantastic. Only two minor and cheap failures for all that time. It is only a 1.8i but it's enough to have a bit of fun, it's economical, cruises on the motorway, easy through town and fun on the country roads. It can also carry 5 people easily and has a massive boot.

It's not exactly rock n roll (though it's not bad looking when clean), but you could not wish for a more practical, reliable and cheap motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2008

16th Feb 2016, 21:18

Just bought a 2.0 LX auto 1999 for £450. It already had a year's MOT on purchase with just one previous owner. On first inspection it is in good condition with 86000 on the clock. Water leakage under the nearside between the radiator and wheel, so I added a stop leak coolant liquid in the overflow tank, which solved the problem. The engine has a nice hum to it; similar to a 318 BMW SE or Volvo 2.4 GLT, which I owned. I hope to get a full year of use out of this and enjoyment.

1998 Ford Mondeo LX 1.8 TD turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good run around, cheap to buy and run, laps up abuse

Faults:

Two flat tyres in 5 months.

Front brakes needed replacing.

Handbrake only bites at the very top.

Hub and bearing needed replacing.

Drivers side electric window sometimes works, but most of the time it doesn't. Loose connection in the door.

General Comments:

I bought the car because the gearbox failed in my 1.25, I only planned to keep it for a month, however it ended up being 5 months.

I bought it for peanuts and will sell it for fewer peanuts.

It's done me well, I've never changed the oil or even topped it up; same with the coolant.

This car gets as much abuse as a rental car. The tyres were new, however the front ones are now nearly showing camber. I drive it like I've stolen it basically, I only used it for work and it served me really well. I've grown attracted to it, it's got real character.

The 1.8TD engine dates back to an old Transit; it's meant to have 88bhp in the Mondeo, however my turbo is worn out, and it's running very low boost. I predict my horsepower to be about 60. It's painfully slow, so it gets redlined from ice cold.

The handling is so predictable, if you feel it start to understeer you've got enough time to light a fag, read a book and take a knap before you lift off and adjust. It really is impossible to crash, the handling isn't great, it's just that it all happens in slow motion, thus you can really fling it round corners.

It's recently developed a bad tappety noise, however there's enough oil.

It was previously used as a cab so the inside is ruined, however it's still very comfortable.

The clutch is on its way out and will go soon I reckon.

All in all if you need a quick car just to get you about, grab one, it's a nice runner.

I now use my Corsa Redtop, which I also reviewed in Corsa 1993 section. The Mondey will now be sold; should get about £400 for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2008

6th Feb 2008, 05:37

The only thing that kills these engines is cambelt failure.

I know someone who didn't service one for 50,000 miles and it was still running fine when the belt broke and the valves smashed into the pistons.

Good tough, cheap car which if it wore a VW badge, would be worth £2k+ even at this age.

14th Feb 2008, 08:58

I'm the reviewer.

I also read they suffer from big end failures. I must say it does have a lot of rust for a 10 year old car, but what do you expect from a 190k ford.

The Tax runs out this Feb, and there's no way in hell it's passing an MOT. I think it's time for the scrap heap... I will miss her, although at the moment she is just sitting outside my house with no insurance gathering dirt.

I've yet to drive a car as comfortable on the motorway... although you do have to sit in the slow lane.

3rd Mar 2008, 11:44

If your Mondeo is slow to accelerate in low gears, but cruises well in high gears, it probably needs a new cat. I've just had one fitted and now my Mondy accelerates superbly. It's a common problem with Mondeos and also Escorts apparently, so I am posting this information in the hope it is of help to others.

22nd Mar 2008, 13:03

I'm the reviewer again - My Mondy was slow in all gears at all speeds. It had a whole new exhaust system from the previous owner, I could see it was very recent. The turbo was just totally shagged, I think it was the actuator because it didn't smoke, so I doubt the bearing had leaked oil in.