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.

Faults:

From the previous owner I have been told that the following had been done in recent years.

Starter motor renewed.

Alternator renewed.

AC pipes had a leak and needed a fix.

Exhaust pipe broke and was welded.

Some minor suspension work.

The driver`s seat back support broke on one side and was fixed with welding.

The driver`s seat electric height adjustment failed.

Some rust visible on wheel arches and boot door.

Bumpers are made of super crappy plastic so be sure to never bump into anything or bring duct tape with you.

Other than that normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

Noise insulation and build quality is adequate, but not as good as it`s German rivals like VW Passat or Audi A4. Also a few niggles, but normal for a 9 year old car.

The seats are not GHIA, but also offer good support and are comfortable. The interior is spacious and can seat five adults comfortably. It`s a pleasant place to be in, feel nice and secure.

The ride is soft and comfy, the brakes are good. It is enough responsive and communicative during drive, but when driving it is more of a sofa than a sports car. But feelings can be deceiving, because with this Mondeo I can take turns at speeds with which it would not dare with many smaller cars. It does feel crazy going fast through curves with a family van, but it sticks to the road like glue although it does feel quite scary.

The engine is old by design, 4 cylinder 8 valves and BOSCH fuel pump. The turbo wakes up at around 1900rpm and beyond that it does pull, but nothing exhilirating. Typical diesel sound, but not disturbing when inside the car. It consumes around 7 litres of fuel per 100km or 40mpg if you prefer and it does it at 150kmh (95mph).

It`s cheap and a very decent, reliable car that can be made beautiful with nice rims. If buying make sure that you get a good one, there are plenty about.