2008 Ford Mondeo - help me choose!

Steroo

Similar to deedsie's post few days ago I'm looking for a 2008 MOndeo.
I sold my Car yesterday so I'm in a position to buy now.

I want a 2008 for the lower Tax. I also picked the 1.8 engine for the €330 tax over the 2.0 model... a mechanic told me the 2.0 is a better engine but is it worth the higher tax band over a few years?

I see plenty with 120-150K Miles & they are most suitable to my budget.. if they have a good service history & 1 owner etc would the mileage be a concern?

Also I see one (for €9K so bit above budget which is €7000 or 8000 at a push) and this car has only 60K (uk IMport) with 'full service history' but it also says Dual Mass Flywheel & Clutch recently done... is this not far too early for these issues to arise? make me think it's clocked? Also it's Edge model so doesn't have the extras I'm after.

Should I go for one with the DMF done to avoid incurring this expense down the road or do some of them go for years without this DMF problem?

Should I stick to Zetec for the extras?

Also how much is a mechanic to come check the car with me? Might recruit someone on here.. There is one in Ferns I need a look at and one in Carrickmines if anyone wants to PM me. thanks

Thanks for Help in advance!

tin79

I think that €330 tax band is now 390?

If you can get a 2.0 with a six speed gear box you will get into the 390 band. The 2.0 is a better engine. I spent ages looking for one with a six speed (wanted an estate also) and eventually got one a few months ago.

i would go for Zetec spec minimum (zetec, tiatanium or Ghia etc).

60k is a little early but not unheard of for the DMF to go. it may have been pre-eptive though. In my own experience 80-100 k miles is more common range but it can depend on how the car was driven.

If its a UK model do your background checks to ensure its not clocked its well worth it.

I think it you spend the extra for the better engine and spec you will be glad of it. I test drove a 1.8 LX. Couldnt do it

Steroo

Thanks Tin79.
I'm going to give that 60K car a miss.. it's Edge model & just too basic when I see lots of higher specs on the market.
Thanks for the 6 speed tip on the 2.0 I didn't know that.

lifer_sean

The 1.8 comes as 100bhp and 125bhp. The 1.8, 125bhp has a 6-speed box.

You would be doing very well to get a 08 diesel mondeo with low-ish miles for 7-8k budget.

Steroo

Thanks Sean. Yea I'm looking at 110K plus on my budget it seems. But I'm ok with that if it has history & DMF & Timing belt done.

I have one in Wexford that looks good with 112K miles Zetec 1.8 125bhp.. 'spotless'.. and he'll take 8K... just waiting for the service history to be confirmed. Need a mechanic to give it the all clear.. any takers?

Steroo

Also I had what sounded like a good one on offer but he owner freely told me he taxi'd it for 2 years... now I didn't view it or anything.. but would I be mad to consider it even if it was cheap? Full service history

tin79

Steroo wrote: »

Thanks Tin79.
I'm going to give that 60K car a miss.. it's Edge model & just too basic when I see lots of higher specs on the market.
Thanks for the 6 speed tip on the 2.0 I didn't know that.

Yes the 6 speed brings the 2.0 Estate in at 2g below the limit for the 390 bracket. The 140hp is pretty decent so far. In my experience of the new model diesels the fuel filters seem to block easily - see if the dealer will throw in a change. Air cons need regular recharging (not quite yearly but almost).

Huge space in the back. Is it a hatch you are looking for?

Steroo

tin79 wrote: »

Yes the 6 speed brings the 2.0 Estate in at 2g below the limit for the 390 bracket. The 140hp is pretty decent so far. In my experience of the new model diesels the fuel filters seem to block easily - see if the dealer will throw in a change. Air cons need regular recharging (not quite yearly but almost).

Huge space in the back. Is it a hatch you are looking for?

Yea a hatch. I can't find any Estate's in good shape with good spec etc. If I could I'd go for it. thanks for tips ;-)

tin79

Steroo wrote: »

Yea a hatch. I can't find any Estate's in good shape with good spec etc. If I could I'd go for it. thanks for tips ;-)

Yes I had the same problem. Took a lot of looking to find one. Good luck with it