This one below could be worth a look also? Both quite similar. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201405094073476/sort/default/make/ford/model/mondeo/postcode/ne236yb/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/price-to/7500/radius/50/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/keywords/Titanium%20X/page/1/usedcars/maximum-mileage/up_to_50000_miles?logcode=p

This one below could be worth a look also? Both quite similar. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201405094073476/sort/default/make/ford/model/mondeo/postcode/ne236yb/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/price-to/7500/radius/50/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/keywords/Titanium%20X/page/1/usedcars/maximum-mileage/up_to_50000_miles?logcode=p

Thanks, going to look at it tomorrow.

OK, so I've test driven this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201408156628861/sort/locasc/radius/1500/model/mondeo/usedcars/postcode/ne77rt/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/7500/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/body-type/hatchback/make/ford/page/1/transmission/manual/price-from/500?logcode=p

and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of torque. Now, I'm not convinced it was mechanically sound - the steering was heavier that the two petrol ones I've driven and there were a lot of vibes coming through the wheel. Also, when I got the bite on the clutch, there was a loudish squeek from the engine bay, presumably the gearbox. Should there be much difference in steering feel between a 2007/08 diesel and a 2010 petrol? Or should I stay well clear?

I was underwhelmed by the spec. The converse was nice, but in all seriousness I'd much prefer the Zetec sport stereo with BT HF than the converse+ screen etc.

Both are very nice but do you want abit more luxury? or 8k less miles ? too Only you can decide, I told your'd find a nice motor for ur budget, make sure you get 2 keys & alloys locking key.

I walked away from a couple during our search because of unusual noises. One was a 2010 2.2 that had a droning noise from the rear off side at motorway speed. Sounded like a wheel bearing. The other was a 2008 1.8 that had a horrible noise on reasonably hard acceleration. I'd be too worried about getting landed with a money pit for the 5 years that we'd take to pay off the finance.

I can't help with explaining possible faults that would cause those noises on the one you saw, hopefully someone can. Do you know any mechanics that you could take along, or maybe get one of those AA Checks done (no idea how in depth they actually are though).

Good luck tomorrow.

You know in your gutt after the test drive if it's the one !, good luck and let us know

You know in your gutt after the test drive if it's the one !, good luck and let us know

And my gut said no to this one today. My last car was an Astra VXR so everything feels mundane now which is half of the problem. I've been car hunting for 2 1/2 months now, so fed up ha!

Now, I'm not convinced it was mechanically sound - the steering was heavier that the two petrol ones I've driven and there were a lot of vibes coming through the wheel. Also, when I got the bite on the clutch, there was a loudish squeek from the engine bay, presumably the gearbox. Should there be much difference in steering feel between a 2007/08 diesel and a 2010 petrol?

The steering might be a bit different between a petrol and a diesel, but probably not much. That said, it is probably more down to tyres (type, size, pressures) and alignment than anything very serious, but it is difficult to say.

The 'vibes' coming through the steering; if it was during braking, then it was probably just brake discs, at one particular speed, might have been been wheels out of balance (and maybe that points to someone having played silly buggers with the wheels, for some reason - refurb? moving more worn wheels around?). Any other cause sounds like trouble.

The clutch thing sounds as if it might be more serious, though; maybe first signs of a DMF problem, maybe lubrication of the mechanism?

The big question, I think is whether the supplying garage are committed to fixing any problems, at no cost to you; if they are, and you trust them, then it isn't such a big problem, if they aren't, then it is a problem and, if there is any uncertainty, walk away.

My last car was an Astra VXR so everything feels mundane now which is half of the problem.

Well, yes, but if you can't get used to the lower excitement level, buy something else. It isn't going to get better. You could get a 200 hp diesel (slightly more with a bit of tuning), but it isn't going to be a VXR. It can be an excellent mile muncher, but that isn't going to be as immediate as a car like the VXR.

is that at the mondeo in general or th e poor example you saw?

The steering might be a bit different between a petrol and a diesel, but probably not much. That said, it is probably more down to tyres (type, size, pressures) and alignment than anything very serious, but it is difficult to say.

Thats true, but it was considerably heavier - even more so than the sporty VXR steering if I'm honest

The 'vibes' coming through the steering; if it was during braking, then it was probably just brake discs, at one particular speed, might have been been wheels out of balance (and maybe that points to someone having played silly buggers with the wheels, for some reason - refurb? moving more worn wheels around?). Any other cause sounds like trouble.

The clutch thing sounds as if it might be more serious, though; maybe first signs of a DMF problem, maybe lubrication of the mechanism?

Yeah that's exactly what I thought regarding the DMF but I'm not mechanic. I do know how expensive clutch, transmission and steering problems can be from first hand experience, so any doubt and I now simply walk away.

The big question, I think is whether the supplying garage are committed to fixing any problems, at no cost to you; if they are, and you trust them, then it isn't such a big problem, if they aren't, then it is a problem and, if there is any uncertainty, walk away.

I don't know them well; they're part of the Vroom trading estate. I have low expectations of garages - I've never had good experience when getting garages to deal with faults. Evans Halshaw in particular are shocking.

Well, yes, but if you can't get used to the lower excitement level, buy something else. It isn't going to get better. You could get a 200 hp diesel (slightly more with a bit of tuning), but it isn't going to be a VXR. It can be an excellent mile muncher, but that isn't going to be as immediate as a car like the VXR.

Very true, and I need to just accept that I think. I can always get a fun car in the future once I've settled into my own place.

is that at the mondeo in general or th e poor example you saw?

Are you referring to my comment about my gut feeling? I was referring to the one today in particular there.

Ye ah and Lao the feeling it was mundane

Well really, I want a fast car, but I will have to do without. I'm 27 and really need to think about the future now. I'm close to saving enough for my house deposit and I already have an expensive hobby (RC Helicopters hence the need for a large boot) so I can't have a fast car as well, especially on a £20k salary. There's time in the future to have another fast car. I'll miss the power, but I'll get used to it :)

Going to see these few today:

Petrol:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201405304612482/sort/locasc/page/2/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-from/500/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/postcode/ne77rt/transmission/manual/fuel-type/petrol/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/body-type/hatchback/radius/40/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/price-to/7500?logcode=p

Diesel:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201407225999555/sort/locasc/page/1/transmission/manual/postcode/ne77rt/radius/40/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/make/ford/price-from/500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/usedcars/model/mondeo/body-type/hatchback/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/7500?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409027054934/sort/locasc/page/1/transmission/manual/postcode/ne77rt/radius/40/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/make/ford/price-from/500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/usedcars/model/mondeo/body-type/hatchback/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/7500?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409027049876/sort/locasc/page/1/transmission/manual/postcode/ne77rt/radius/40/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/make/ford/price-from/500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/usedcars/model/mondeo/body-type/hatchback/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/7500?logcode=p

I much prefer the sound of petrol and the fewer potential problems, but the Diesel has the extra torque so it's a little more fun to drive.

Not too fussed about the low spec stereo in some of them as I would just replace it. As said above, hands free, cruise control, and climate control are my only real musts, aside for a car with no faults of course.

Car tax for the petrol is £265 not the £180 shown, but it looks like pretty well titanium spec.

The 2.0 petrol is no slouch. plus you can easily achieve 30+ and high 40s on a run.

Car tax for the petrol is £265 not the £180 shown, but it looks like pretty well titanium spec.

The 2.0 petrol is no slouch. plus you can easily achieve 30+ and high 40s on a run.

Agreed, except when I got there, it was actually a 2L TDCI Diesel, and the pitch price was £7999 (checked the reg). I asked him and he corrected the pitch price to match the ad, but obviously it was a 2L diesel with a DPF so no good for me really...

The others were in poor nick or not there.

So the search continues...

The 2.0 petrols are great and quick away from the lights and as al2052 says good mpg

What happened with the black Titanium & Titanium X you going to see?

Petrols are as rare as hens teeth, have you considered ex fleet, I have had mine nearly 15 months and sailed thru last MOT, although changed discs/pads/tyres when purchased hasn't cost me a penny since, now on 129500 and drives like new, uses no oil, I am very pleased with it, but no longer high mileage user. must admit was a bit wary when I bought although exceptionally cheap for year so took out green flag breakdown at £42 but included free Halfauds MOT at £45 so for me worked out fine.

Your right about the rareaty only about 10% of Mondeo's were 2.0 petrols and the quality of the car's are great too.

I didn't realise they were so rare.

I've just purchased a mint condition 59 plate 2.0L petrol titanium. I've been extremely happy with it.

I'm averaging 32mpg at the moment (which isn't bad as I do a lot of short journeys!) My last car was a 2.0L diesel S40 and that got about 35mpg with my journeys - the car before that was a 2008 Astra 1.8VVTI and that got 28mpg.

The one I got was £6000, which I thought was a good price given the condition. Mileage is 48k.

I didn't realise they were so rare.

I've just purchased a mint condition 59 plate 2.0L petrol titanium. I've been extremely happy with it.

I'm averaging 32mpg at the moment (which isn't bad as I do a lot of short journeys!) My last car was a 2.0L diesel S40 and that got about 35mpg with my journeys - the car before that was a 2008 Astra 1.8VVTI and that got 28mpg.

The one I got was £6000, which I thought was a good price given the condition. Mileage is 48k.

Was it from Phil Walker car sales per chance?

The Titanium in Sunderland has as shoddy reputation from my research so I've given it a miss for now. I have a silver zetec to look at before work on Tuesday so who knows...

Was the mondeo ST 155 mk3 only?

Afraid so !, Ford didn't do a mk4 ST (huge opportunity missed) I love the mk3 Mondeo ST gorgeous motor proper head turner.

Afraid so !, Ford didn't do a mk4 ST (huge opportunity missed) I love the mk3 Mondeo ST gorgeous motor proper head turner.

Shame! Now this I'd love, but it's hardly sensible, and the boot would just be big enough...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409037086597/sort/locasc/make/ford/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/radius/1500/fuel-type/petrol/transmission/manual/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/maximum-mileage/up_to_70000_miles/model/focus/price-to/7500/usedcars/postcode/ne77rt/page/1?logcode=p

If my girlfriend didn't kill me, my mother certainly would...

My son-inlaw sold his for the same reason and the average 20mpg o_O, but one hell of a car ,

Haha, it's a great motor, would give you the fun back, but to be honest of you want the mondeo, go for the 2.2 titanium x version and oat to remove the dpf then you get the best of both worlds.

Was it from Phil Walker car sales per chance?

No, it was from a Suzuki dealer, they'd had it in part ex.