Tell me about MK3 mondeos

Gerard

Gerard

Gerard

Caporegime
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
41,105
Location
Ireland
Just wondering what to look for\listen for on test drives. Problem areas, pricing, interior trim any good?

Any links to any user reviews or anything like that?

Ty :)
 
Have you Googled, or even searched this forum? This is one of the most popular vehicles in its class - there's plenty out there.
 
The sum of my Mondeo Mk3 buying knowledge is thus, mostly gleaned from this forum:

Early ones can rust - check the bottoms of all the doors in particular, and the rear wings. Rust is overed by the anti-corrosion warranty but only if the inspections have been done when its been serviced by Ford (many garages will not bother to complete this section of the service book). Models newer than 2004 should not really suffer.

The TDCI Diesel engines are decent enough and feel quicker than the 1.8 and 2.0 petrols thanks to the torquey delivery, but sadly they suffer reliability issues relating to injectors and dual mass flywheels and thus can leave you with four figure sums to replace these if you get problems.

The 2.0 petrol Duratec engines can suffer from failure of the auxilliary belt tensioner assembly, its not megabucks to replace if it goes although I believe a revised part was issued that cures the problem.

If its performance you're after, buy the ST220, fit exhaust and delight in the sound, whilst murmuring nervously about the relatively poor brakes for a car of this performance, for it it shares the same setup as any other Mk3 Mondeo You'll find then find you're going a lot faster than it feels (the power delivery is very smooth and it picks up speed quickly but doesn't necessarily feel it!).
 
Been looking at some user reviews which as always seem to have 10 people with no issues and a few who have issues calling it the antichrist.

Havn't really read anything on what to look for besides rust on the bottom of the door and wheel arches.
 
Will said:
The sum of my Mondeo Mk3 buying knowledge is thus, mostly gleaned from this forum:

Early ones can rust - check the bottoms of all the doors in particular, and the rear wings. Rust is overed by the anti-corrosion warranty but only if the inspections have been done when its been serviced by Ford (many garages will not bother to complete this section of the service book). Models newer than 2004 should not really suffer.

The TDCI Diesel engines are decent enough and feel quicker than the 1.8 and 2.0 petrols thanks to the torquey delivery, but sadly they suffer reliability issues relating to injectors and dual mass flywheels and thus can leave you with four figure sums to replace these if you get problems.

The 2.0 petrol Duratec engines can suffer from failure of the auxilliary belt tensioner assembly, its not megabucks to replace if it goes although I believe a revised part was issued that cures the problem.

If its performance you're after, buy the ST220, fit exhaust and delight in the sound, whilst murmuring nervously about the relatively poor brakes for a car of this performance, for it it shares the same setup as any other Mk3 Mondeo You'll find then find you're going a lot faster than it feels (the power delivery is very smooth and it picks up speed quickly but doesn't necessarily feel it!).
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Will probably end up being a petrol, not really interested in performance so a 1.8-2.0 of some description. Seen a few titanium models floating about and they seem to come with some nice extras like parking sensors etc. Was going to test drive one at vauxhall a while back but when i opened the door to have a look inside it smelled like something had just died inside the car, and not having my gas mask with me i never bothered asking for a test drive :(
 
Check the handbrake play. If it is loose at the bottom it is because of stretched brake cables or sticky calipers caused by said stretched brake cables. Brake cables can be replaced for £50-70.

Caliper for more, over £100 I think.

Listen carefully for knocking from any wheel, especially going over bumps. The rears were susceptible to bush failure.
 
Ive been in a few mk3 mondeos and it might just be me but I found the seats incredibly hard and uncomfortable, pretty much like a park bench in stiffness. Are these just in the base models?
 
beermonster said:
Ive been in a few mk3 mondeos and it might just be me but I found the seats incredibly hard and uncomfortable, pretty much like a park bench in stiffness. Are these just in the base models?
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That was the one criticism I had of mine. Despite being a TDCi it cost me very little to run over the 2 and a bit years I had it and it dealt with everything I threw at it without issue. Was the sort of car you can load up with muddy dogs or rubbish for the tip without really caring.

I hated the seats though: they were too hard, the lumbar support was too high up (I'm not short) and they didnt have enough support. They obviously werent built very well as the drivers seat kept slipping back too.

I imagine the higher spec cars with different seats will be better, but spend some time in one before you buy.
 
I used to have a MK1, that had colour coded gaffa tape holding the rear bumper together. That was wikkid
 
Gerard said:
Been looking at some user reviews which as always seem to have 10 people with no issues and a few who have issues calling it the antichrist.
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This is the same with all cars and pc equipment. 90% only do a review because they like it a lot and think it is the best thing ever, and the other 10% only do a review because it broke. Almost all online reviews with many ratings are lots of 5 stars and a few 1 stars.
 
Things to watch out for on the ST Models...

- Dropping rear bumper, lack of bumper support at the rear on early ST Models
- 18" ST Alloys Corrode

Other than that. I have to say they are a great handling car for the size and the 2.2 TDCi engine is a pleasure to drive with great MPG.
 
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