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Thinking About Buying A Mk4 Mondeo


iCraig
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Hi All,

I'm thinking about buying a MK4 Mondeo and just wondering peoples opinions.

I'm tempted by a 1.8 TDCI version, I believe this is the old Ford engine that has been given a new lease of life.

Does anyone know if it has a DPF? I'm looking at 2007 to 2010 versions, I can't seem to find a general consensus at the moment.

Does the DMF give trouble on this engine? And are there any other things I should look out for?

Thanks

Craig

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of the mk4 TDCIs, the 1.8 was the only one without a DPF on some (probably earlier) models, so some had DPFs, some did not

DMFs give trouble on all cars, sooner or later, but the 1.8 produces less torque than the other models so the DMF should last a bit longer

The EGR valve can give trouble, but this can have a solid blanking plate fitted

All cars have faults, the Mondeo is often an under-rated car (in reality not much between it in many ways to some Audi, VW, BMW models) so can be very good value for money

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Have you driven a 1.8 TDCI? Is it fast enough for you?

If not, you would have the option of the 2 litre (not in one of the early, 125 bhp, eco versions, which would only be as fast as the 1.8, really) or the 2.2 litre. The 2 litres are relatively easy to find, and is available in a 140 and a ~163 bhp option, although that higher power version only came in relatively late (around late 2010) and might be difficult to find and/or out of your price range.

The 2 litre/140 bhp is a very willing engine, and although the figures on it are not dramatic, many people find it does them fine in spite of not being the absolute fastest thing on the road, simply because the performance is so accessible.

The 2.2 does have more torque, and is probably even more pleasant to drive (early 175 bhp, late 200); it gives away a bit of 'urban' fuel economy in doing so, so, if you want that extra torque you'd have to think about whether the loss of fuel economy is worth it.

(I would suggest that all modern diesels, from whichever manufacturer, have various expensive features that can go wrong; if you are 'lucky', as many people will be, this won't influence you, but, if you are unlucky you could easily find that all the saving in increased fuel economy goes in higher bills. In particular, if you are choosing a diesel, choose well; a 'cared for' one is a much better bet than one where the previous has bodged stuff to cover up faults or has missed out maintenance.)

If the standard options don't suit, with turbo engines there is always the possibility of getting a bit more with a re-map. Not everyone is happy going down this route, but it is an option.

As far as trim levels are concerned, I'd suggest avoiding an 'Edge', which is the base model; not terrible cars, by any means, but, secondhand, so much more of what you want is available for just a little extra.

The Zetec adds alloys, fogs and dual zone climate (over the simple 'red for hotter, blue for colder' air con in the edge). For me, that's the minimum acceptable standard.

The Ghia adds the Sony stereo, bigger (but PITA) alloys/wheels and a few other bits and pieces over the Zetec, and is generally a comfort/luxury oriented model.

Again, over a Zetec, the Titanium adds bigger alloys (wheels and tyres same size as the Ghia, but a different design), easier to clean and less delicate) and the convers+ electronic display, and of course, the Sony stereo. The titanium is techie/sport focussed, as opposed to the more comfort-oriented Ghia. Suspension is the sport option, too.

(Sony stereo only becomes DAB after late 2008, if that's of interest to you; don't know if the standard stereo (Edge/Zetec) ever goes DAB.)

IIRC, X adds the Ford power start button to the Titanium and a change in wheels to lower profile (and, while I'd rarely say no to bigger/lower profile wheels and tyres, this is one of the cases in which I might feel that the Titanium and its 234/45/17s was more to my taste than the 18s or 19s fitted to the titanium X; both cost and ride quality). Again, the leather options are more often seen on Titaniums andTitanium Xs; there is half leather (Leather/Alcantara) and full leather, although those are a bit 'Rocking horse droppings'-ish. You only get the heated/cooled seats with one of the leather options, but not all cars with leather get that.

There are a few other things that are options; for all the wheel 'n tyre stuff above, you could go 'up' to the next level, at purchase time, so you might find a Titanium fitted with what are normally 'Titanium X' wheels and tyres. There is a dash-mounted sat nav option, and that's one of the few options that is frequently fitted (mostly, these will have been bought as fleet vehicles, and that probably is easier to argue for with your boss).

(And then, after the face lift in late 2010, the options get re-shuffled a bit with various 'Business editions' being introduced and the Ghia (and the saloon) going. In general, the business editions are quite a good deal (for the original purchaser) in that they give you a lot of what you actually want, without loading the purchase price with spurious stuff. Don't know how that reflects in secondhand prices, though. 'Facelifts' (Mk 4.5s) also get daytime running lights, but there is a tendency for facelifts/business editions to be on narrower tyres, and one thing I like about 235/45/17s is that is a fair amount of rubber on the road, and that, for me, represents decent grip, without being restricted to the softest, grippiest, tyres to get it and without getting a harsh ride, as a consequence. As always, YMMV.)

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I have the 1.8 and I love it!

So far I had a few small niggles with the airbag system (under investigation) and also the air con (also under investigation). Otherwise it runs like a dream! Engine is smooth, EGR valve is blanked off, and it just works so well!

What exactly are you looking for?

Also to confirm as FOCA mentioned - 1.8 is the only one without any DPF, the rest are with DPF.

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  • 1 month later...

I've got the 2009 2.2l (175bhp) TDCi Titanium X Estate and it's lush.

As someone said above the fuel economy for Urban driving is average but long distance it's ace (imo anyway).

Mine has the low profile 18" alloys, 1/2 leather 1/2 alcantara seats (heated but not cooled), satnav, dual zone aircon etc etc etc ....

Compared with the last car I owned (2005 1.6l Petrol Vauxhall Zafira) I think I struck gold hahahaha

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