1997 Ford Mondeo Aspen 1.8 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A very reliable family or work horse car

Faults:

The seats started to wear at about 70,000 miles and lost any support that they had.

At 140,000 got rattle when turning right took a while to fix as it was because of the engine mounts.

New clutch at 65,000 miles due to previous owner.

General Comments:

Very economical, especially on motorways. I have got nearly 600 miles out of a tank.

Very reliable, it did not have to go into the garage except from services from 70,000 to 130,000. After that it only went in for things that could not be fixed on the service, due to lack of parts.

You have to find a good dealer as there are some that are not so customer focused, but generally I have found them to be good.

There are some good bargains around now. You could pick one up for £4000 with 70,000 miles and run it to at least 160,000 from my experience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

27th Apr 2003, 19:04

You can pick them up for £4000?

About a month ago I picked up a '98 'S' 2.0 16v estate with 66,000 on the clock for £3295! I still can't believe I've bought a car just over 4 years old for such silly money! I pity whoever bought it new for £16k though!

1997 Ford Mondeo ST24 2.5 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An excellent performance package

Faults:

The only repair necessary during the time I have owned this car is the replacement of the anti-roll bar bushes, this was carried out, at little expense, just prior to the cars last M.O.T.

The car has been very reliable indeed and has cruised through each M.O.T. with flying colours.

The car always receives complimentary remarks from the M.O.T. testers.

General Comments:

This car has a very sound performance. Acceleration is solid right up to the red line, the V6 engine is very eager to rev.

Handling on bumpy back roads is a little nervous, but is very predictable and sharp on fast sweeping "A" roads.

The half leather front seats are very good, firm and supportive. They remain comfortable even on extended motorway trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2003

28th Oct 2004, 15:16

Am I becoming "Ivor Mondeo"?. Four of them in 6 years! For the last 12 months I have owned an St24. It was love at 1st site. Panther black 5 door that appears to have been spoiled since birth, with out gaining any weight!

However, with regard to the front seats, as adjustable as they are, I cannot, "for love, nor money" get comfortable whilst driving long distances.

I find the combination of a lengthy Ford Clutch, a high accelerator pedal and seats that only feel sporty at their lowest setting, and "Galaxy" on their highest, unbearable on long journeys. With only my right arse cheek touching the seat and toes on the acclelerator, my leg very soon starts to cramp!

It's a shame this one problem so very often takes the smile from my face.

1997 Ford Mondeo LX 2.0 from Romania

Summary:

Very good for the time it was designed: early '90

Faults:

Slight leak of dampers.

Noise from the wiper's blades.

Engine noisy when cold. It needs one hour to warm up.

Fronts seats terrible. Impossible to find the "right" position.

Brakes not impressive.

Air conditioning of modest quality.

General Comments:

Chassis is impressive.

Engine is happy around 135-140 km/h.

Very little torque after 150 km/h in the 5-th gear.

In 2002 is outdated car. But for the right price can be an option as a second hand car.

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

Review Date: 28th November, 2002

29th Nov 2002, 04:16

I did not finished my review and I added entry.

I have more to say:

1) I have an oil leak in the clutch coming from the main journal or from gearbox. The dealer told me that is a common problem of these cars and I should not worry. I inspected other Mondeos and the all have this wet area at the face between the engine and the gearbox. Did you experienced such problem? How will develop?

2) The oil consumption jumped from 60 grams /1000 km to 120 grams /1000 Km. I hope the oil quality was not that one required. Nevertheless I use 5W50 Mobile that is supposed to be good. I heard frightening reports about valve stick. I hope that will not be the case. Can be the exhaust recirculation valve broken?

3) I have a loud bang / clonk (but only once) from wheel in front, only at 1 km / hour when I turn the steering wheel completely to turn the car! What can it be? I found the noise is more likely to appear on snow?! Why?

4) On low temperature -15 deg. C I had the bad inspiration to adjust the inside mirror. It fell off like a leaf with stem broken. Be aware folks the this car is designed for mild winters. If you drive in Scandinavia take care! The dealer told me that can change the mirror, but might brake the window! It happened to other people! But why to worry?! I have a full insurance to my car so I can pay the window! My insurance is at minimum as I did not claim anything in the last 12 years. Foa a wind screen I am supposed to pay again 100%. Cynical!

5) The air flow under the bonnet is excellent. The design is great. At 100 Km per hour in 3, climbing in the mountains the fan does not start. This is really good.

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