1996 Ford Mondeo LX 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

The car has gone through three sets of front tyres in 60k. The head gasket blew at 59k and the whole top end had to be rebuilt (cost £700).

To pass the MOT the front suspension struts had to be replaced because of worn bushes plus the brake disks needed replacing (cost £370).

General Comments:

I am astonished at how poor the build quality is on this car.

The engine is rough and I would advise anyone who owns one to check their antifreeze levels very reguarly. My head gasket problem was due to corroded tube assembly.

No more Fords for me - next car will be a Nissan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th January, 1999

1st Feb 2007, 13:38

Struts replaced because of worn bushes?

I have never known any strut to be replaced because of worn bushes, these are usually found in the radius arms or rather the wishbones. But they are very cheap to replace in fact replacement of the wishbone is very cheaply done if you can do this yourself.

One big failure on the Mk2 Mondeo 1996 is the fact that coil spring breaks are renowned! I would suggest that any Mondeo drivers of Mk2's should purchase their coil springs now as very soon you could be needing them, replace both at the same time. This problem will always be detected at the M.O.T.

1996 Ford Mondeo LX 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Loose connection on an alternator prevented battery charging - managed to limp home. Main dealer (Jacksons of Basingstoke) sorted the problem out at short notice.

Funny rumble from front of car - could be wheel bearing or diff. Ford dealer (Keith motors Christchurch) agreed there was a fault but could not diagnose.

Now waiting for wheel to fall off!

General Comments:

Car well on the pace for a 2.0. Ride and roadholding excellent. Lots of adjustments on seat and steering wheel ensures good driving position.

No tendancy to pull to left as on some Mondeos.

Radio easy to use due to large buttons and good design.

Engine not particularly smooth but acceptable.

Fuel economy very good - I once achieved 45 mpg on long trip - busy roads kept speeds below 50 mph.

Front tyre life only 20 to 30,000 miles.

Current mileage 64k (i.e. over 30k/year).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

4th Aug 2001, 16:57

I have had my Mondeo for several months, it has used 4 front tyres and keeps over revving 24/7.

4th Sep 2003, 05:45

How many miles is there on your clock?

11th May 2006, 10:32

Just purchased a 96 (N Reg) LX 2.0 and it has 87700 miles on the clock.

The car has a few scratches to the paintwork here and there, and also a small dent on passenger wing.

The car drives superb! And I am really pleased with it...

New cam belt has been fitted and also lots of other parts, plug leads, fuel filter, front tyres etc.

Overall it's a Super Car! And would buy another :-)

16th Aug 2007, 15:29

My 1996 Mondeo 1.8 LX was a lovely car, bought for half list price at a year old. Sadly it died after being hit by an articulated lorry in Dec 2006. It didn't cost much to run, although petrol consumption was overall only 29 mpg. It was good to drive, reliable, practical, spacious and comfortable. The best car I ever owned.

1996 Ford Mondeo GLX 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Windscreen wipers make scraping noise, very annoying. Keeps pulling to the left.

General Comments:

Good car, enjoy driving it. Certainly can shift when required to do so.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 1998

9th Sep 2001, 14:15

My Mondeo feels heavy, as if I am driving a tank. I had a Ford Corsair many years ago which was vastly superior. Rhe mondeo certainly pulls to the left and feels like driving on flat tyres. On the positive side, it is quite economical to run.