Hi Bryan here, I am a 74-year-old Ford car fanatic. I think I have owned or driven virtually every
model of Ford car ever produced. Ford is the only make I would ever own. I have a Mondeo
Zetec MK 2 1.8i 5dr hatch back 2000 X Reg that I have over the past 2 years restored to concourse show condition. So it’s not for normal daily use. I have a 98 R Reg Escort 1.8i Zetec powered 5 door hatch back which I use as a normal road car, and which at my age I don’t like driving (too hard suspension etc). I want to buy another Mondeo to use as a normal car for every day use. My question is should I try to find another MK2, that has the body style (Dolphin nose) that I love, same as my X Reg, or should I go for the MK3 or MK4 model where I don’t really like the body shape and which I am told have been mechanically something of a problem. I want the car to have at least full Zetec options or maybe full Ghia options and would perhaps go for 2 litre as an option. I think Petrol not diesel would be my choice. What advice can any of you offer regards my buying
choice bearing in mind that I normally do all my car maintenance and repairs myself so the latest computerised technology has little appeal for me. Would it be an impossible task to find a high spec Mk2 X reg Mondeo mechanically sound with near perfect body and interior or do I have to go for the 2001 to 2010 range? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

How about a nice mk2 2.5 V6 ST200? I had one, lovely looking car with nice spec and power too. I also had the mk3 2.2 ST TDCi, another lovely car with all the toys. Neither of them had an overly firm ride.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=141687344365&globalID=EBAY-GB&alt=web

Yea I think a nice mk3 Mondeo would suite or maybe a MK.2.5 focus?

I doubt you will find another mk2 easily which is in near perfect condition, they do pop up, but rarely. The mk4 is by far better than the mk3, but I will second the mk2.5 focus. Very good cars, I love mine.

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GNU STP

What about a MK1.5 Focus? Surely will have better ride quality and handling than the Escort.

It all depends on budget really. All newer fords have electric everything, and older ones which are mint are few and far between. With the ST200, it is more likely to find one in very good condition, but if the ride is anything like my old ST24, it is quite unforgiving.

The mk2 styling is an acquired taste, I think that it is hideous in standard, but the ST RSAP kit makes it far more appealing. That said, I highly rate the driving experience of one, and can see why you like it. As previously mentioned I had a ST24 which was a beauty to drive, but I used to tool around in a 1.8 LX estate which despite a naff clutch and dodgy third gear, used to drive better than a lot of other cars I have driven. We scrapped that, due to clutch and box issues, plus a bent wing and cat D damage to the rear. Had to literally kick the boot shut.

Post some photos of your mondeo, would love to see it.

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GNU STP