12th Aug 2009, 17:55
I suppose if we were to go by the latest satisfaction survey, we'd all be rushing out to buy the Honda Accord. Which? magazine has voted it "the most reliable car it has ever tested"...Where's my cheque book... LOL.
13th Aug 2009, 08:04
Comparing a 3-Series to a Mondeo is ridiculous. Why not compare the Mondeo to an equivalent FWD rival?
25th Sep 2009, 02:51
I thought this was a review page for the Mondeo Titanium X 2.0 TDCi. Then I find it is a slanging match between BMW and Ford.
I currently own a 57 reg Titanium X in sea grey, which I purchased 3 months ago. I was lucky in that the previous owner had specced it up to the maximum level, so I basically got all the toys for free.
I find it is a very relaxing drive and a definite improvement on my previous 3 Mondeos, of which the last was an 04 ST220. Sure it's not as fast, but technically it is light years ahead.
I am not about BMW bashing as that car has a well deserved reputation as a top class luxury saloon, but I do feel with the Mk4 Mondeo, Ford have narrowed the gap somewhat.
Happy and safe driving whatever car you own. :)
11th Jan 2010, 08:35
16th Jul 2009, 18:48 comment.
All French cars are junk are they?
I have had a Renault 19 now for 16 years and Parker's said themselves they are good cars if looked after, and they run for ages.
And you said buy Japan; oh dear, um I have got Japan bits and French bits all over my car.
Why, you're asking?
All cars manufacturers share parts.
If you don't believe me, just look at Rolls Royce suspension spheres, they're made by Citroen.
16th Jan 2010, 22:23
I think looking back to the last ten years, it's fair to say that Citroen and Peugeot make a good car. Renault are junk now, and not worth bothering with.
21st Jan 2010, 12:57
16th Jan 2010, 22:23
All cars are junk that's why we have garage's to fix them when they go wrong.
26th Mar 2010, 19:54
24th Mar 2010, 06:36.
The Mondeo is 40% lower in price for a reason (ie it's rubbish)
Just as the BMW dealers say.. "Bits of tin and bits of board, put together make a Ford"
23rd Apr 2010, 23:41
Had 2 Fords. One burned down due to electrical problems, the other one had the engine replaced... twice.
Reliability in 2002-2004 was awful, but they are really fun to drive.
I've had 3 Series, Mondeo, Focus, Volvo S60 and I can say that BMW is over rated. If you really want good fun, buy a BMW e36 M3 with 3k and use it as a track day car, and on a daily basis a Mondeo, S60 or Alfa 159. A BMW is not a lot more fun than a Mondeo, and definitely, but definitely not more comfortable than a Volvo.
Somebody said before to compare a Mondeo with another fwd car.
How about an Alfa 159 (FWD version), a car which, even the germans admitted, handles better than the 3 series, which is RWD. How about that?
8th May 2010, 10:43
Somehow I doubt BMW thinks an Alfa 159 handles better than a new 3 series (E90). In addition it seems that Whatcar, Parkers guide and the volume of sales of 3 series do not align with that statement.
15th Jun 2010, 10:17
I had a 3 series, and just moved to a (2nd hand) 2008 Mondeo. Both were lovely. The Mondeo is more comfortable, loads of extra kit at a fraction of the price. For now Ford get my vote but it is early days yet. The 3 series, although very sparse in terms of equipment, never ever let me down.
19th Jun 2010, 13:34
I bought one Ford Mondeo in December 2009. Cannot compare with the BMW 3 series.
I wanted a BMW 3 series, so went to the dealer to check the car and test drive it. The 3 series is rubbish well wrapped in parcel paper. The interior is awful and the legroom at the back is awful. You cannot pay for having your knee touch the front seat when sitting in the back. The dealer says the car is for 5 people, but when you consider the amount of space in the back, you can hardly put 4 persons in there. The salesperson told me if I need 5 places in a car, I must buy the BMW 5 series.
As from the other options, the Mondeo beats them all fair and square, and it does not even affect your budget.
Now yes, the Mondeo cannot be compared to a BMW 3 series. It plays in another segment. It should be compared with the the BMW 5 series. The 3 series does not even come close in comparison with the Mondeo.
Now I am driving the Mondeo, and man it's a good car. Handling is outstanding, and once you drive the car, you'd like to take the long way home just to enjoy the drive a bit longer.
I am enjoying the car, and let's see what happens next.
20th Jun 2010, 18:21
Mondeo compared to the BMW 5 series, LOL that's the funniest thing I heard all day.
The 3 series is classified in car guides as a "compact executive", the Mondeo as a "family saloon" says it all really..
16th Oct 2010, 05:28
This is just a pointless discussion. People have different opinions about looks. Deal with it!
Personally, I don't think the Mondeo is good looking either, but I respect the fact that some people think it is. After all, it is unimportant. What is important is how good it is, and I think this entire review is completely pointless, as the car is too new to report how reliable it is. Who cares what some random person thinks about how good a brand new car feels? Just visit the dealer and try it for yourself.
It is how it is to live with that is interesting.
I've tried this new one. It drives OK, but it certainly can't rival the handling you get in a BMW.
And the fact that the Mondeo is front wheel drive, tells me that it can never be as good a driving experience as a well balanced rear wheel drive car. It's simply not possible. Simple physics. Torque steering, not as good steering precision, lack of grip from the front wheels during acceleration. It's impossible to make a front wheel drive car that can rival a good rear wheel drive car in terms of handling. Front wheel drive cars can be quite good, but never match a good rear wheel drive. Forget the comparison.
Ford has a long history of making bad cars. Even if this new one seems to be a lot better quality, just remember that so did a lot of the older ones, when they were new. In a few year's time, these new ones will probably also start to fall apart.
19th Oct 2010, 10:47
BMW have their own roadside assist company to sort out the occasional breakdowns (within the first 3 years of ownership) This is because BMW as a car manufacturer will not tolerate having their cars on the motorway hard shoulder (bad advertising).
Tell me another car company that does that.
BMW has an excellent and well deserved reputation for reliability.. Ford simply can't hold a candle to BMW.
12th Aug 2009, 17:49
Ahh, the Skoda Octavia, "the poor mans VW" as I've heard them being described.. A 'german' car (part of VW group) made in the Czech Republic where the labour costs a lot less...