That little X tra appeal (Ford Mondeo (1996-2000))

Member Name: angusreid

Product:	Ford Mondeo (1996-2000)
Date:	16/12/01 (6612 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap, fully kitted, , comfortable, good handling and performance

Disadvantages: petrol consumption, lack of straight roads to use the Cruise Control

As I have mentioned in earlier opinions, the Ford has a special place in my repertoire of Motorised Horseless Carriages.

Having driven every model of Ford, manufactured and sold for the UK market, in the last 5 years, I feel I have an understanding of the product slightly higher than average.

Therefore, when starting my own business, almost 1 month ago, guess which Manufacturer I choose as my company car provider?

That’s right, Lada!

No, no, only pulling your leg, I had great pleasure in buying myself a Mondeo Ghia X 2.5 V6 5dr Hatchback, in Electric Current Red.

Naturally, being a small dealer, with a stock of only 15 cars, even my company car has to be up for sale, so I found a reasonably price automatic version at my local auction house (SWVA).

I knew when purchasing the car, it had problems, hence the reason I picked it up for almost half the current trade value.
I then spent three weeks having the head gasket replaced and tickled about with various other aspects of the car, enabling her to meet the required standards that I strive for.

So she proudly sits on the front of my forecourt every morning, with myself, hoping, no one wants to buy her just yet.

MODEL INFO

The Ghia X was the luxury version of the Mondeo, with all-singing, all dancing extras.
Really though, this car is like inspector gadgets right arm.

Still the same size and shape as the standard Mondeo, and not noticeably different, unless you have the skirts and spoiler fitted, as mine has.

Also alloy wheels make this one stand out from the crowd.

Now the body-kit, as spoilers & skirts are called, have the name RS attached to their design, a well-known name in the world of rallying and custom motors.
Their purpose is not only to make the vehicle look nice, but also to aid road handling and performance.

This is done through wind resistance and drag etc, but I wont go in
to all that, as it is slightly long winded and I will resist (!)

The Mondeo has been around since 1993/4 and can be found from K registration upwards, although the early models did tend to suffer some teething problems, including the well publicised wish-bone defects.

Other models include:

Aspen
Verona
LX
GLX
GHIA
SI
GHIA X
ST200

They all have their own features, and it would take the whole day to explain them all.
So moving on.

FEATURES

The Ghia X has:
10 stack multi CD system, located in boot, operational from stereo, which includes a cassette player.

Air-conditioning, operational from left hand side of drivers console.

ABS, cuts in when your wheels are likely to skid, and enables a smoother braking system.

Traction Control, similar to ABS, when your car goes into a skid, such as sliding on ice or oil, T.C. cuts the power to the engine, enabling you to regain control and then accelerate away smoothly.

Electric windows, both front and rear, including a lockable catch, in case you have children in the back.

Remote central locking, located on your key fob, and can be used from a distance of some 20 yards or so.

Power steering, to make parking and turning much easier

Sunroof, or Moon roof, as I, the hopeless romantic, prefers to call them.

Automatic Transmission. Including a sports mode for fast acceleration, which can be used to gain the required speed to join a motorway from a slip road.

Cruise Control, located on the steering wheel, and consists of 5 buttons that enable you to drive the car without using the clutch or accelerator. Works better in the USA where traffic is not such a problem and the roads are longer and straighter.

Wooden effect dash and trim, I cant for the life of me remember which wood it is meant to be, so I will stick my neck on the line and say Walnut, as it matches
my writing desk at home.


PERFORMANCE

WOOSH!

That is possibly the best way to describe her.

The 2500cc engine kicks into life as if you were starting a Boeing 747.

I love the mild vibrations you feel when sitting in your drive, ready to pull away in the morning.
This car is capable of over 130 mph, but don’t worry, I haven’t tried that yet!

The acceleration is smooth through the automatic gear change and Kick down (a method where you put you foot down on the accelerator and she changes down a gear) is an instant jerk, with a feeling of G Force power.

Handles extremely smooth when at low or high speeds, and corners very well.

Does try to race away at pulling out of junctions, and you have to be slightly cautious with your acceleration.

I am slightly heavy footed and often get the traction control warning light flashing at me, as if to say “slow down plonker!”

Braking is almost an effortless task, with both the TC and ABS to assist you.

COMFORT

Not many cars make you feel like you are sitting in an armchair, but the electrically controlled seats ensure that she contours into the arch of your spine like foetus curled in the womb.
Stretch you legs out almost straight, and don’t forget I am 6ft!

The passenger space in the back is fairly good, allowing three adults to fit in, although arguments about who gets the hard bit in the middle are an often-heard topic.

Headroom is just about okay, and I have to really open the moon roof to be able to sit upright with three adults in the back, but when empty, I can slide the armchair back, and have plenty of headroom.
In the back, I notice that some people have to lean a bit, as the end allows scant headroom for tall people.

ALL IN ALL

This car is a snip at today’s prices.
You can pick up a 5-year old version for about 4500 pounds, (
I know, as that is how much mine is up for) although the biggest catch is the group 16 insurance.

Petrol consumption is also an issue here, with 20 mpg around town, and an easy 30-mpg if you drive sensibly on a journey.

Parking can be strenuous around town, as Mondeo's are large saloon cars, and need a fair bit of manoeuvrability.

But the comfort and features on this motor far outweigh the minor pick up points that you can find with her.

If you are considering a purchase of this vehicle, make sure the cam belt has been changed at recommended intervals, and if there is any doubt, make the dealer change it as part of your negotiation tactics.
It normally costs some 200 pounds to change a cam belt, and if it snaps, you will probably need a new engine, costing some 2500.

Make sure that the engine is not smoking heavily, as this ay mean that the head gasket has gone, and a Ford Main Dealer may charge you 1500 pounds plus to put this right.
If you are not sure, ask for a compression check to be carried out.

Right, I feel I have given you enough information to consider, and on that note, I will say goodbye.

If anyone ever wants free advice on their car purchase etc, please don’t hesitate to email or phone me, and I will assist in any which way I can.


01202 388642 Driven By Choice

Angus

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