Buying A Used Ford Mondeo Mk3 (2000-2007)
What To Look For When Searching For This Family Car Secondhand
Aug 26, 2009
The Mondeo has always been at, or close to, the top of its game. However, the sheer volume of them on the roads puts many people off. But there's a reason why it's so popular - it's very good.
Mondeo Engines
From launch the Mondeo was available with 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 V6 petrol engines, ranging from 114-168bhp and a 2.0 diesel unit with 113-128bhp. A 3.0 V6 petrol (ST220) and a 2.2 TDCi were launched in 2003 and 2005. The ST220's charasmatic V6 is a detuned Jaguar unit and is excellent; the chassis is more than up to the job of dealing with its 222bhp. Like the rest of the range, only the front wheels are driven but the ST220 has few problems transferring its power to the road. Average economy is officially quoted at 27.1mpg, but low 20s should be expected in reality.
The 1.8 petrol is not a torquey unit, although it is economical. The diesels are tried and tested, the best being the 2.0.
Trim levels increased according to spec, with the base being LX (with air conditioning, alarm and electric front windows), rising through Zetec (with alloy wheels), Ghia (with climate control and electric seats) and Ghia X (with heated leather seats). The ST220 comes with standard leather sports seats and the option of bi-xenon headlights and a sat-nav system. Body styles included a five-door hatchback, a five-door estate and a four-door saloon.
Mondeo Gearboxes
Lower-powered petrol models were sold with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a four-speed automatic was available on the larger petrol-engined models and a five-speed auto was fitted to some diesels. But most diesels and the V6s get a six-speed manual ’box.
Facelift for Mondeo
Minor facelifts in 2003 and 2005 helped freshen the car's looks - the first facelift boosted the quality of the interior and modified the tail lights and bumpers. The second made further changes to the bumpers and rear lights.
Mondeo Special Editions
Special editions include:
- Graphite (2002)
- Mistral (2004)
- Titanium X (2004)
- Silver (2005)
- Edge (2006)
What to Watch Out For
- Dual mass flywheels (petrol and diesel manuals) fail prematurely.
- Random electrical faults - check all buttons work.
- Injectors on 2.0 diesels can wear early.
- Seats uncomfortable on early models.
- Listen for rattles on 1.8 and 2.0 petrols.
- Wind noise at speed is 'normal'.
Ford Mondeo Engines and Dimensions
The following list shows the engines' performance and dimensions, as quoted by Ford:
- 1.8 petrol - 123bhp, 0-62mph 10.2sec, top speed 127mph, 36.2mpg, 187g/km CO2
- 2.0 petrol - 143bhp, 0-62mph 9.9sec, top speed 132mph, 35.2mpg, 192g/km CO2
- 2.5 V6 - 167bhp, 0-62mph 8.3sec, top speed 139mph, 28.8mpg, 242g/km CO2
- 3.0 V6 - 201bhp, 0-62mph 7.9sec, top speed 149mph, 27.4mpg, 247g/km CO2
- 3.0 V6 ST220 - 222bhp, 0-62mph 7.6sec, top speed 155mph, 27.2mpg, 249g/km CO2
- 2.0 TDCi - 113bhp, 0-62mph 9.8sec, top speed 121mph, 47.8mpg, 156g/km CO2
- 2.0 TDCi - 128bhp, 0-62mph 9.9sec, top speed 124mph, 47.9mpg, 156g/km CO2
- 2.2 TDCi - 152bhp, 0-62mph 8.7sec, top speed 137mph, 46.3mpg, 161g/km CO2
- Length 4731mm (estate 4804mm)
- Width 1931mm
- Hatchback boot space (seats up/down) 500/1370 litres
- Estate boot space (seats up/down) 540/1700 litres
The Mondeo might have a reputation as a bit of a saleman's car, but it's enjoyable to drive, is reasonably cheap to maintain and as long as you buy one that's at least three years old will have got over the worst of its depreciation.
It's worth looking for one of the last, highly specced, special editions such as a 2007 2.0 petrol Edge hatchback but try to avoid the early underpowered 1.8 petrol models with uncomfortable seats. It is also worth looking at the Mondeo's many rivals, including the Audi A4, BMW 3 series, Honda Accord, Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra and Volkswagen Passat. But the Mondeo makes a compelling case for itself, so be prepared to go back to the first dealer you visited after you've tried the alternatives.
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