Faults:

Consumables - tyres, brakes, bulbs etc. A car had a full history, all oil and belt changes done as per schedule.

Front electric windows could be slow to move.

Battery and alternator replaced.

Small coolant leak, replaced pipe and thermostat, fairly common fault I have heard.

Central locking could be erratic, worked only sometimes. Small rust spots in my last couple of years of ownership.

General Comments:

99 Mondeo Verona. A car I had a while ago, forgettable for the most part, but looking back it was generally reliable and I miss when cars were simpler.

Verona is similar to LX spec. Nothing fancy but at least it was not bottom of the range. Comfortable. Nice colour and wheels; the mk2 Mondeo was good looking in my opinion. Had a mk1 previous to this and it was also a good car.

1.8 petrol is a decent engine, not fast by any stretch of the imagination, but it did average 38 MPG, respectable for its time. Gearchange felt satisfying, and the car handled nicely. For servicing and repairs, try finding a friendly local mechanic - Ford dealers were just not interested in servicing older cars.

Sold back in 2013 still going strong at 14 years old with 130K on it. Definitely got my monies worth out of it.

Faults:

Locks can be a bit temperamental.

General wear and tear - Shock absorbers, springs, exhaust back box, etc.

A little cosmetic rust here and there now, acceptable at 18 years old I think.

Cooling system rebuilt at 100K miles and a new timing belt.

All oil changes carried out at 10K intervals.

General Comments:

Ford were onto a winner in the 90s when they made the Mondeo. A great car to look at, this 1999 model has a sharp look in a nice metallic black with big alloy wheels I added.

LX model is rather basic, though there are electrics and the basics to keep you entertained. Interior is very comfortable, if a little dull with grey plastic everywhere. I like the dials and the fact there are plenty of storage areas. Seats are very supportive and I get out after long drives feeling great.

To drive the 1.8 petrol engine has average performance, however it can get close to 40 MPG if you drive carefully. The gear box feels slick and the car handles very sharply for a front wheel drive car.

The Mondeo was a popular sight in UK roads through the 90s and beyond. The updated model that arrived late in the year 2000 built on this cars strengths, however from what I've heard it was not as reliable. If you find a good condition 90s Mondeo at a great price go for it - you will have a reliable car. The 1.8 or 2.0 are the ones to go for, avoid the 1.6 they were slow. If you can afford the extra insurance and fuel costs, the V6 would be a good choice, but find a nice independent garage to look after your repairs that knows these cars well.

Realistically though there are not many left from this era, and mines is getting on at 18 years old with nearly 170K miles and I'll likely have to scrap it soon, but it has been one of the best cars I've ever had in regards to overall ability and reliability. I looked after it well and was worth every penny I spent on it, and never let me down.

Faults:

Minor cosmetics - slight rust on rear arches. Usual consumables - brakes, suspension, etc.

General Comments:

Excellent car - Ford got the 90s Mondeo spot on. Good to look at and fun to drive. The only bad reviews I've heard come from people who maybe picked up unserviced poor examples. Had mine over a year and put around 40k miles on it without any issue. Shame the newer models are plagued with complex electronic and injector problems apparently. Ford need to take note and go back to doing whatever it was that made the original Mondeo so good.

Not many left now, but pick up a good one and you'll have a year or two's trouble free motoring.