1996 Ford Mondeo SLX 1.6i

Summary:

Best buy so far for this type of model

Faults:

When I got the Mondeo the back box of the exhaust was rotten. The car kept cutting out due to a broken tappet and had to be replaced, car was still under guarantee.

General Comments:

Engine too small for such a large saloon, would be better with a 1.8 or a 2.0 engine to get better performance. It is still a fast car for the size of engine, can still get 110 mph at 4500 rpm, which is good for the year of the car.

Very comfortable, car but would be better with leather interior and with sportier seats. It has a lot of room in the cabin and good room in the boot.

It has great extras for the SLX model like electric windows/wing mirrors, central locking with deadbolts, sun roof, height adjustable steering wheel, and spotlights. Good package considering the year of the car and what was available at the time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 2001

1996 Ford Mondeo LX 1.8

Summary:

A high specification cheap to run Estate

Faults:

Central locking system has a mind of its own but has not locked me in or out (yet).

General Comments:

Just bought this car as a second vehicle to replace an unliked Astra diesel estate. Used basically as a van being an Estate.

No problems to date.

Awaiting MoT result in April or May.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2001

18th May 2001, 15:53

Another useful tip. With Mondeo ZETEC engines most people put the wrong oil in them! They ideally need a 5W/30 in winter. 15W/40 is like putting porridge in a Zetec - it slows it down and prevents adequate lubrication when starting in freezing conditions.

Regular air filter attention is also needed.

11th Sep 2001, 07:03

DO NOT fit a bolt at the forward bush of the near side suspension arm with the head downwards unless you drill a bolt thread to fit a "R" clip. The clip stops the bolt from falling out. This is not recommended any way except for Rally Cars. These bolts have dropped down when the nut failed and the car then crashed.

27th Sep 2001, 12:42

Original author would refer the last author to the Haynes manual that says inserting a bolt head down is acceptable. I would add to this - as long as frequent checks are made.

UPDATE: Car still 100% although the central locking is now manual locking which I probably prefer. Have however had to replace the rear bumper after passing over (had no choice) a dead fox fully loaded! Spurious part cost just over £100 not painted.

1996 Ford Mondeo Si 2.0i 16v

Summary:

Reasonable performance for the price

Faults:

Front ABS sensor failed - replaced.

Persistent problems with the front wheel alignment.

Wear and tear: new exhaust, new tyres.

Boot light failed.

After I sold the car I found it required a new catalytic converter, and some work to the front suspension.

General Comments:

Nicer looking than most Mondeos owing to all-over body-coloured trim and spoiler.

Sporty enhancements matched the performance of the car - good acceleration although not exactly refined! Very noisy at high speeds and the engine lacks torque. Light, insubstantial steering.

Sporty seats are uncomfortable on long journeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th November, 2000

24th Mar 2004, 09:12

I have had the 96 model Si for a year now with 60 000 miles on the clock, and have found it to be be very reliable. No major problems at all. However I notice the fuel economy is very inconstant.

There is a fair deal of power in the medium to upper range, but below 2000 rpm the engine is unresponsive and I can hear it misfire.

All in all a fine car, eats up the motorway miles, but can be a bit noisy at high speed. Enough speed and performance for most. Excellent handling and cornering ability thanks to the uprated sports suspension (standard feature). Brakes not as good as they could be, but still feel very safe.

I am very happy with this car

7/10.