1998 Ford Mondeo LX review from UK and Ireland

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.

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.