Nice to have a chat with people on cold winter night, Ok been and viewed a Mondeo Titanium 130 tdci 55reg today is there anybody on the forum who owns one of these. if so can they tell me what there are like so i can make my mind up before the weekend.
|
Don't own one but used to work in a dealership and I thought they were lovely cars when they were out, would have loved one as a demo. It's certainly a more youthful version of the Ghia X although did sacrifice the gorgeous steering wheel that came with that model.
I'd go buy it! ;-)
|
|
Must admit they do look nice, just wanted to know about reliabilty more than anything
|
|
Well, I've had three. Never had a moments bother with any of them. Joint mileage in my use across the three cars 240k.
|
|
|
|
I love my old Mondeo, but that's just my opinion.
Mine is a Ghia X which was the posh one when it was new. I think Titanium is a similar spec but with imitation metal bits instead of imitation wood bits.
If you just want a car that is so easy to live with for most real life purposes, you will not go far wrong with one of these. I'd have another in a heartbeat. Not sure if it's worth paying much more for the top of the range trim though. The so called basic ones are still pretty well equipped.
|
I had a Mondeo Ghia TDCi 130PS (Euro IV) for 4 years. Never found it that comfortable. The Mazda6 Sport is a lot more comfortable as was the Passat before that.*
Faults on my Mondeo though included:
- Bushes needed replacing on rear suspension
- Two EGR valves failed (one stopped the car working and resulted in the car grinding to a halt)
- Boot lock/release failed - boot would not lock so had to leave with the garage to lock away
- Gas struts on the hatchback failed so did not open properly - Mazda6 started doing this lately and hit head when I assumed it would open today... ouch.
- Clutch started slipping - but a wear item and I know what started that
- Rear doors rusting at bottom and not picked up because lease company never paid for checks. Apparently can effect the front doors, bonnet and boot. And without a stamp for the checks (optional) you may have no comeback to Ford even if under warranty.
* No need to comment on Mazda6 diesel problems here... am I contributing to the other thread ;-) Mine is fine so far.
Edited by rtj70 on 12/12/2008 at 17:44
|
Colin, your cost to change is bound to be significant what ever you do. Have you not considered getting different tyres that won't tramline and selling the Conti's? Yes you'll lose another £200 I'd expect, but that's got to be cheaper than chopping it in all together?
Unless of course you are going to buy something cheaper, in which case I'll shut up.
I think the Mondeo is probably a good choice btw, but if you are worried about fuel economy I'd look at VW group PD engines. Have you considered the Skoda Octavia? My folks have had two, and it's a seriously impressive car. They easily got 60 mpg on the 2.0 manual diesel, getting more like 50 with the DSG box on the estate.
|
I had 2 TDCi 130 Estates, both Zetecs. The first was excellent, the only problem being the EGR valve in the early days. 60,000 miles later I was so impressed I bought another, identical model but this time my luck ran out. Having the engine die for 2-3 seconds in the outside lane of the M25 in the rush hour was a heart-stopping moment, although the further two occasions it died I was in a slightly better position. Many, many visits later to two different dealerships and a series of never-ending diagnostic checks, convinced me never to have another Ford. The car was otherwise excellent - spacious, economical, no slouch and great handling. What persuaded me to never touch another Ford was the complete lack of technical expertise, and even basic customer service when seeking the assistance of 'Ford Technical'. Five months of having various parts replaced, including the computer, convinced me that it had to go. Fortunately this was all under warranty but the hassle was irritating, frustrating and time-consuming.
Gordon's suggestion of Skoda Octavia is very relevant here because that is exactly what I bought - a 1.9 Elegance Estate. It's a truly delightful car and, as he says, 60mpg is achievable without too much effort. The finish is better than the Mondeos too. It's only clocked 5,500 miles so far but has been fautless. True, it doesn't have the punch of the Mondy but I'm happy to live with that.
By all means try a Mondy TDCi but be prepared for real trouble if it goes wrong and you expect Ford to find the problem and fix it.
|
I have an estate 155 on a 54 plate on 70k. Its the best car I have ever had. 49mpg and ford dealer maintenance is low but tyre ware is a problem.
Screen wash motor has failed twice otherwise no problems.
Always worried if the injectors or dual mass fly wheel will pack in.
I will go Skoda next time.
|
algy - did you try other dealers? I've always thought the ownership experience with any manufacturer is as much about the competence and attitude of the supporting technicians and dealers than the basic reliability of the car. Within reason of course. You could (and should) have had that fault identified and fixed in a few hours, and it could never have recurred. By the sounds of it, it would have completely changed your view of the car.
I think most manufacturers dealer technicians are not up to the detailed fault finding and analysis required to accurately pinpoint and fix faults on a modern petrol or diesel fuel system. Some are of course, but they're increasingly few and far between.
Personally speaking, I would far rather own a car which suffers three or four quickly diagnosed and fixed faults over a typical three year ownership period, than a car suffering just one problem, but which drags on for months or even years, as many do.
There are good Ford dealers out there, but the network as a whole is shocking. When I ran my Focus (a fantastic car!) I had awful experience with the dealers. They truly let the whole brand down, not to mention a very capable and enjoyable car.
Cheers
DP
Edited by DP on 13/12/2008 at 14:08
|
|
|
|
|
Algy. What you have posted here reminds me alot of my local Honda Agents, they are very quick out of the blocks if you want to purchase a car, but the after care and customer service which at best is what i could call c--p.I have over the recent years had Ford,Volvo,Honda,VW and i could not say there is a good one between them.
|
|
|
|
Hi Gordon.Yes i see your point, i bought my HAT on the recommendation of my brother who has one he buys all garden machinery made by honda.I have recently done a HPI on my honda although the trader told me he had done it but i never got the certificate.
I have been to TC Harrison Ford and had a look at a mondeo titanium 130bhp tdci 55 plate 30k miles and asked them for a p/x to purchase the MT he wants my car and £1400 which i think looks a decent deal.The dealer also asked me if mine had a bump i told it had not to my knowledge and asked why and he said the bonnet had be resprayed but done professionally.I do think there is a hidden agenda with this Honda somewhere down the line and i have been told by a owner of a skoda octavia that is not as economical as is last VW Passat.I do find it hard to get 60mpg out of a 2.0 litre engine, Honda say these HA you can get 56mpg but i have never got anywhere near that with mine more like 40-45 mpg on mine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
