Right am gonna look at a mk3 1.8lx with 150k now I know mileage isn't an issue really after looking at posts just wondering what else to look out for when I go and see it have had a mondeo before n loved it just don't wanna go in there n get it on impulse just coz of the car need to check it's OK

Hi Chris,

Common issues with the MK3 come down to a few factors: DMF and Clutch - the DMF has limited lifespan, so you need to check when it and the clutch was last replaced. I cant recall, but I know primarily they are on diesel engines, but I believe they may also be in use on the petrol variants also?

Also, another key issue with Diesel engines (but again, I believe this also pertains to petrol) is the Injectors. They too have issues whereby they need replacing. Either repair or replacement would set you back between £400 - £1400 depending on what method you opt for.

There is a guide on the Mondeo section written by Dave May on how to do this job yourself, he paid out £450 in total and got the car purring again.

Alternatively, you should look out for the rear light seals. They degrade over time and allow water into the bootspace, so check that the boot space has no water ingress marks as you will need to replace the seals (check the general health and factor this in when it comes to negotiating on the price.

Also bear in mind that if this is a petrol (you didnt say TDCi in your description, so I can only assume it is) that 150k on the clock on the original engine is a good result, but for the age of the car, you have to bear in mind how long is left in the engine. Diesels can easily extend this range, but Petrols of this era dont necessarily reflect this. The engine may be towards the end of its life, so you need to check for the service history. A full, thorough and regular servicing of this motor, will ensure that you get more life out of it, but limited service information and a mileage such as this, could reflect that your about to spend however much, on a car that lasts little more than a week to a year, likewise, the gamble could pay off and you could get many trouble free motoring years ahead of you.

If I was you, I would be looking at the cost of the vehicle. If your only paying a couple of hundred quid, with no history, its a ganble, but if you could run a year or two in a motor for a couple of hundred quid, that is bangernomics. But you could buy it for a couple of hundred quid, and then have to spend triple or more on dealing with injectors, DMF and clutch or any combination of these. If you get a full wad of notes for that with regards service history, and you think its been treat with no expense spared, then I would be personally happy to spend up to £1000 for it, but a maximum of £1500.

Whats the price, service history and MOT state of the car your looking at? do you have a link to it?

Swap for my rover 75 mot n tax till Sept my mileage is less 40k but have a lab n no space to take him out as it's a saloon only info I've got is new fuel pump n oil change recently

Hi Chris,

Depdning on the value of your car, then I would think hard about it. If your car is reliable with no issues, then you could be taking too much of a gamble.

Yeah I know but mine a hard sell and the extra space would be good he's coming to look today n I'll look over the mondy... I have missed it though

Just try get as much info as you can, but I would say be prepared if you do swap to take your wallet out and pound it. I would definatey be wary of the few errors that I mentioned, but when your swapping a car, you cant tell if the car is being made to look pretty now, to break later!

Yeah I know need to keep my head on n not go with my heart really

very true, and dont be afraid to say you need to think about it. If your going to swap a full service history for a none, definately dont be afraid to walk away. If he has absolutely no service history, dont be afraid to offend either! Ask why there isnt a service history, has it not been well maintained? or is the history not provided due to a potential big problem under the bonnet?

He may genuinely provide an answer, but I really wouldnt want to gamble too much. Remember, you could still sell yours for cheap and buy something else, whilst a swap is easier, its not guaranteed to be the best answer.

I'm guessing it's a 1.8 petrol? They do have a dmf fitted but it doesn't tend to cause problems.

The only thing springing to my mind is the flaps inside the manifold but I wouldn't be too worried about the car if it's cheap, runs well, looks well and has a years ticket.

Yeah well he's en route now so will let you know how it goes.....

how did it go?

Yeah well I now own a mondeo again.... For better or worse I couldn't resist it engine sounded fine ran quiet nothing noticeable whilst driving handbrake needs tightening but apart from that I did it....

Result! (just saw your intro thread a few minutes ago)

So you just trade keys straight up then? did you take a lot of time to think about it? or did you go with your gut?

Yeah mine had few issues (electrics on passenger seat gone needs reverse sensor and abs sensor) didn't let the crying children in the car sway me haha took good 40mins talking it over was a bit gut but just felt right and I hope I'm a good judge of people bloke seemed ok selling it

I hope I've not got this wrong though took the time to think about it n like I say just felt comfortable but get the feeling I've lost out.... Hope I'm wrong....

hi chris welcome to mondeo world im on my 2nd petrol mondy both mk3s ..my 1st was a 1.8 lx brought with 202k on clock ran sweet as u like ex taxi plus 1 owner no service history.just had a cple niggles with it.

1st was clutch thrust bearing going noisey when not depressed.

2nd usual rear subframe bushes

3rd was broken wire in boot loom that stopped boot opening

,what with 2nd and 3rd parts sorted it clocked up to 250k in almost 3 yrs gave it to my nephew he had it nearly a yr but then he got rid of it.

2nd mondy is 2ltr zetec petrol full service history rear subframe bushes need doing but common faults and nippy to. the 1.8 was averageing 350miles round town and 450 on a run the 2ltr is aout the same to.hope its some insight to u

Yeah that's what I thought as long as I look after it I should be ok ☺

Cheers for the help anyway ☺

Right did all mk3s have remote central locking as I've only been given 1 key? No buttons on it

not sure myself, but if you remove the interior light from near the rear view mirror, you should hopefully see a black box behind there, if you do, then it should have central locking.

Apparently yes have just found service history from 2004-2012 and had a replacement remote key a few years ago.... That's gonna be expensive to replace

previous keeper keep the key?

Hope not.... Said that was only key he had...

How much is it gonna set me back getting a new one done and can I get old one stopped from working if it does exist still...

you have a master they call it a lock smith charges about £85 ish to supply cut and reprogramme remote key regardless if u got 1 key or not.thats what my local charges