2010 Ford Mondeo with 100,000 Miles on the Clock: Bargain or Not!?

keyboard50

Hi Guys,

I am a complete car newbie and hoping someone could offer some advice. My wife and I are currently mulling over purchasing a 2010 1.8 Zetc Diesel Mondeo for 10k. The car is immaculate, has a very good service history and is coming with a 1 year warranty. However it has a little over 100,000 miles on the clock which is quite a lot. The garage said the previous owner was a business exec that travelled a lot between offices. The garage owner has also agreed to change the timing belt for free before we finalize the deal.
Does this sound like a good deal? We will be using the car for a daily commute to Dublin so we need a car that will be reliable and fuel efficient. Is the 100,000 miles something to be concerned about? A few people have told me that for a diesel, this is not that high mileage?


Thanks,

Shane

Ninap

How much mileage do you plan to do? If not too much, it mightn't be a bad buy. High mileage in a short space of time is much less taxing on an engine than years of short runs. (Although the asking price on it is probably too high.)

JJJJNR

Belt needs to be done at 125k on that model, are you buying from a dealer or a independent garage, try and find out the engine code.

R.O.R

Having a quick look back at an 08 Mondeo 1.8Tdci Zetec, that I know went to 213,000km.

All was going swimmingly until the clutch and flywheel needed replacing at 144,000km. That's a fairly expensive job - €1,200 ish.

Started having issues with the gearbox around 150,000, but doesn't seem to be any further info what it was and whether it was fixed - just a couple of "investigate gearbox issues" notes.

Timing belt done at 180,000km. Price wasn't too bad, about €800 but that included a service & 2 tyres.

Had a few niggly issues with electrics and bonnet release, and we took it off the road at 213k. Not sure what was wrong with it, but at that stage it was beginning to cost more to keep on the road than it was worth.

There are 2 different types of Mondeo 1.8TD Zetec in 2010 (or at least there were in Ireland). A lot are the ECOnetic version, which is a low emissions model. 5 Speed box, smaller fuel tank and a rear spoiler on the hatch. Actually found those better to drive than the 6 speed Zetec versions, less of a gaping chasm in the torque at low revs (but still not great).

Biggest issue is the clutch/Flywheel. If it's been done recently, should see you right over the next few years. If it hasn't been done, you'll probably be looking at a large bill in the near future.

Price wise, it's on the money and on the cheaper side. Sold one recently to the trade (2010 Mondeo ECOnetic) with 177k for not that much less than €10k.

CharlieCroker

I bought a 2009 Econetic in 2011 with fsh 157k on it. Got the timing belt done straight away and the thing has been nearly perfect. It got to 230k when the flywheel went (€1200) and is now on 240k. Good on fuel, only needs routine maintenance (bar the clutch/flywheel) and comfy with a good spec.

Noccy_Mondy

Just wondering on that price, I'm assuming tha'ts without a trade in, straight deal, seems a tad low to me

Sobanek

A local taxi man has a 2008 Mondeo 1.8 TDCI and he's got 350k mls on it, so I wouldn't say 100k is much for this engine.

fg10291

Had a 08 1.8 tdci... About 150000 miles when I handed it back, was trouble free one minor issue with the indicator stalk, good on fuel comfortable, car still felt good with that much miles

keyboard50

Thanks guys for all the replies. A very thorough response ROR. So from the Service history the flywheel has not been done yet. We are going to see the car at the weekend with a mechanic, is this something that a mechanic could assess? I.e could you tell from looking at it if it's in good shape? Yeah that price is without a trade in. It seems decent value to me and from looking at the responses it wouldn't be a bad buy. The car will roughly be doing 400 miles per week which is around 20000 miles per year. We'd be hoping to get around 4/5 years out of it which would have the car up to 160000 miles or so.

Noccy_Mondy

If everything looks in order, has all the history and whatever, and it proves to be fine, then ye will be onto a cracking car for long journeys

toyotaavensis

OP be careful if the 1 year warranty if from a third party as these can be poor.

3qsmavrod5twfe

Price is for that trim with that milage is marginally on the good side of the average you would expect to pay. So long as it checks out okay I would consider it a decent buy.

Ninap

Ninap wrote: »

How much mileage do you plan to do? If not too much, it mightn't be a bad buy.

keyboard50 wrote: »

The car will roughly be doing 400 miles per week which is around 20000 miles per year. We'd be hoping to get around 4/5 years out of it which would have the car up to 160000 miles or so.

You're planning quite high mileage (and it would be up to 180,000 - 200,000 if you keep it 4/5 years) so I now feel you might be better with something with lower mileage to start with...

mullingar

keyboard50 wrote: »

1.8 Zetc Diesel Mondeo for 10k. The car is immaculate, has a very good service history and is coming with a 1 year warranty. However it has a little over 100,000 miles on the clock which is quite a lot.

The Mondeo is a great reliable car and will clock up starship mileage if serviced right.

There are x2 main areas that need attention.
1. The timing belt. This HAS to be done on time as there is documented high failure rates if its not done on time. If its the wet type, get it done earlier than scheduled
2. DMF. For some reason a lot of them fail around 150-200kkm so this needs to be budgeted for.

3rd party warrantys dont cover any wear/tear item. DMF's & clutch's are classified as a wear/tear item.

bazz26

The 1.8 TDCi switched to a wet timing belt which has been known to prematurely snap. It is still expensive to proactively replace this belt. I'd look for a 2.0 TDCi one instead.

tin79

bazz26 wrote: »

The 1.8 TDCi switched to a wet timing belt which has been known to prematurely snap. It is still expensive to proactively replace this belt. I'd look for a 2.0 TDCi one instead.

Does the 2.0 also have a wet belt, but not the premature snapping issues?

What is the belt change schedule for the 2.0?

I ask because I have an 08 2.0 TDCI. The dealer did the DMF and clutch before I bought so if the belt change is a fair way out I might be trouble free for a while. 80,000 miles on it now.

keyboard50

So the garage have changed the timing belt this week. So the only other issue really is that the DMF generally can go in Mondeo's after around 100,000 Miles and it may need changing. I am bringing a mechanic with me to look at the car. I assume this is something he can assess and see whether it looks like it also will need changing in the near future?

mullingar wrote: »

3rd party warrantys dont cover any wear/tear item. DMF's & clutch's are classified as a wear/tear item.

So if a 1 year warranty does not cover the DMF or clutch for e.g. going what exactly does it cover?!

bazz26

tin79 wrote: »

Does the 2.0 also have a wet belt, but not the premature snapping issues?

What is the belt change schedule for the 2.0?

I ask because I have an 08 2.0 TDCI. The dealer did the DMF and clutch before I bought so if the belt change is a fair way out I might be trouble free for a while. 80,000 miles on it now.

No, the 2.0 TDCi is a totally different engine to the 1.8 TDCi. The 2.0 TDCi is designed by Peugeot/Citroen.

bazz26

keyboard50 wrote: »

So if a 1 year warranty does not cover the DMF or clutch for e.g. going what exactly does it cover?!

The only ones who can tell you that are the garage giving the warranty.

tin79

bazz26 wrote: »

No, the 2.0 TDCi is a totally different engine to the 1.8 TDCi. The 2.0 TDCi is designed by Peugeot/Citroen.

Thank you sir. Any idea what the change schedule is for the 2.0?

bazz26

I think on the 2.0 TDCi the cam belt is 125k miles or 10 years but don't take that as gospel as I'm not a mechanic.

tin79

bazz26 wrote: »

I think on the 2.0 TDCi the cam belt is 125k miles or 10 years but don't take that as gospel as I'm not a mechanic.

Thanks that's what I thought too.

mullingar

keyboard50 wrote: »

So if a 1 year warranty does not cover the DMF or clutch for e.g. going what exactly does it cover?!

The general rule is for sudden part failures.

Everything wear & tear (Tyres/pads/DMF/DPF/clutch) is not normally included with any warranty, garage or third party.

Gmanno1

I bought a 2008 1.8 tdi(€8000) and with 100000 miles on it, everybody I talked to said this is nothing to worrie about as these cars will do at least 300000. Had it checked in ford and they said that these cars have chains and the manufacturers say to not change them until 200000? They also said if they were to sell me the car with 12 warranty they'd be looking for€9200. The warranty is for the engine and gear box only with semi dealers. So looks like a good deal

Noccy_Mondy

Gmanno1 wrote: »

I bought a 2008 1.8 tdi(€8000) and with 100000 miles on it, everybody I talked to said this is nothing to worrie about as these cars will do at least 300000. Had it checked in ford and they said that these cars have chains and the manufacturers say to not change them until 200000? They also said if they were to sell me the car with 12 warranty they'd be looking for€9200. The warranty is for the engine and gear box only with semi dealers. So looks like a good deal

I'm 100% sure the 1.8's have a belt, 2 infact. Personally, I wouldn't risk letting it go much further over 100,000. Get the dealer to change it for peace of mind, I'm sure they would do it at a good price.

bazz26

The change over from a chain to a wet belt happened in late 2007 afaik.

Theanswers

One can buy a 2009 Ford Mondeo Titanium X (Top Model)in NI for 5200 euro
VRT is about 4700 or there abouts.

Far better car for less. What more does one want.

Noccy_Mondy

Theanswers wrote: »

One can buy a 2009 Ford Mondeo Titanium X (Top Model)in NI for 5200 euro
VRT is about 4700 or there abouts.

Far better car for less. What more does one want.

With all relevant service history and no chance of being clocked?

Theanswers

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

With all relevant service history and no chance of being clocked?

Full service history (One of those leasing crowds - Then a Ford Main Dealer)
No chance of it being clocked 145,000 miles.

Owned by a Ford Garage...

Noccy_Mondy

Theanswers wrote: »

Full service history (One of those leasing crowds - Then a Ford Main Dealer)
No chance of it being clocked 145,000 miles.

Owned by a Ford Garage...

Are you going buying it or just stating it? If it's in good nick and with all the service history then good luck! I'm just jealous coz I didn't get a Titanium and spent more than that :rolleyes:

Back up a minute 4700 for VRT!

Theanswers

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

Are you going buying it or just stating it? If it's in good nick and with all the service history then good luck! I'm just jealous coz I didn't get a Titanium and spent more than that :rolleyes:

Bought for a friend about two months ago. Great car all together. They don't even sell the titanium x here i think.

Regarding the 'Titanium' sold here (that's nothing even on a par with the NI titanium)

The Titanium X which I bought has (Front/ Rear Sensors, Voice Control, Bluetooth, Heated Seats (Leather), Rear Vents, Auto Lights Wipers mirror and lots of other little gadgets)

I love how NI is twenty minutes away and one can easily buy car with decent spec.

Then you've got stupid VRT. :rolleyes:

Theanswers

The VRT was steep.

Something to do with the higher emissions engine?? 2.0 6 speed.

one gram or something over so tax/ VRT was higher.

Noccy_Mondy

2 Litre I'm assuming. Just ran one through the VRT calculator, and yeah, well over 4 grand. I only paid over 2,000 for mine. Titanium and Titanium X are both english, Ireland just made titanium x. Regretting to this day that I didnt get a titanium

Theanswers

I feel your pain.

Nothing worse than looking at dash with so many missing options.

Don't worry though. Sell your Mondeo and upgrade. Plenty of demand out there.

Noccy_Mondy

It's a zetec so not that awful far behind, still have a few little gadgets. I'm sure its already depreciated like a stone, I've gotten used to it now, might aswell stick with it...

bazz26

These didn't get low emissions until around 2010 so the VRT is on the high side for them. Titanium is a UK spec and very similar to the Ghia that we got here for a short time. Titanium X Sport is the top spec UK model.

Gmanno1

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

I'm 100% sure the 1.8's have a belt, 2 infact. Personally, I wouldn't risk letting it go much further over 100,000. Get the dealer to change it for peace of mind, I'm sure they would do it at a good price.

Yeah they have a timing chain and two belts all the belts have to be changed together at 200000 miles no point in changing the belts and not changing the chain because all the belts are beside each other. Wasting your time and money changing it any earlier

Gmanno1

Gmanno1 wrote: »

Yeah they have a timing chain and two belts all the belts have to be changed together at 200000 miles no point in changing the belts and not changing the chain because all the belts are beside each other. Wasting your time and money changing it any earlier[/quote

200000miles or ten years what ever comes first

George Dalton

Gmanno1 wrote: »

Yeah they have a timing chain and two belts all the belts have to be changed together at 200000 miles no point in changing the belts and not changing the chain because all the belts are beside each other. Wasting your time and money changing it any earlier

There isn't a single bit of this post that is factually correct.

First of all the interval is 200,000km not 200,000 miles.

Pre 2008 versions of this engine had a timing chain between the crankshaft and the fuel pump, then a timing belt which drove the camshaft via the fuel pump. This setup is extremely reliable. The chain never gave trouble and the timing belt could reach and exceed the 200,000km interval with ease.

In late 2007 Ford stopped fitting the chain to the lower part of the engine and instead fitted a timing belt which is immersed in oil, this is commonly called a wet belt.

Your car being 2008 most likely has the wet belt.

These wet belts are starting to become a common failure well in advance of the 200,000km interval. When they fail the engine is usually completely wrecked, with bent valves and cracked pistons so you are looking at a massive repair bill, there are several threads on here about them if you do a search.

So if I were you I would get the situation clarified ASAP and if your car has the wet belt rather than the chain then I would recommend that you get it changed straight away.

George Dalton

Gmanno1 wrote: »

Yeah they have a timing chain and two belts all the belts have to be changed together at 200000 miles no point in changing the belts and not changing the chain because all the belts are beside each other. Wasting your time and money changing it any earlier

Read the thread at the link below from post 17 onwards, it could save you a lot of money

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056021257&page=2

nullzero

Got the belt replaced on my zetec Mondeo recently. Rathfarnham Ford charged €350 supplied and fitted. Not a huge wedge to drop. Done at 190k.

George Dalton

nullzero wrote: »

Got the belt replaced on my zetec Mondeo recently. Rathfarnham Ford charged €350 supplied and fitted. Not a huge wedge to drop. Done at 190k.

What year and what engine?

Gmanno1

George Dalton wrote: »

There isn't a single bit of this post that is factually correct.

First of all the interval is 200,000km not 200,000 miles.

Pre 2008 versions of this engine had a timing chain between the crankshaft and the fuel pump, then a timing belt which drove the camshaft via the fuel pump. This setup is extremely reliable. The chain never gave trouble and the timing belt could reach and exceed the 200,000km interval with ease.

In late 2007 Ford stopped fitting the chain to the lower part of the engine and instead fitted a timing belt which is immersed in oil, this is commonly called a wet belt.

Your car being 2008 most likely has the wet belt.

These wet belts are starting to become a common failure well in advance of the 200,000km interval. When they fail the engine is usually completely wrecked, with bent valves and cracked pistons so you are looking at a massive repair bill, there are several threads on here about them if you do a search.

So if I were you I would get the situation clarified ASAP and if your car has the wet belt rather than the chain then I would recommend that you get it changed straight away.

Thanks. its defo a chain in an 08 new model?. I've rang ford in finglas and they said to me that there 100% sure that the chain dose not have to be done till 200000 MILES gave them my chassis number. Its a 2008 Tdi registered in march new model. They've had the car in with them aswel.

George Dalton

Gmanno1 wrote: »

Thanks. its defo a chain in an 08 new model?. I've rang ford in finglas and they said to me that there 100% sure that the chain dose not have to be done till 200000 MILES gave them my chassis number. Its a 2008 Tdi registered in march new model. They've had the car in with them aswel.

There is a possibility that your car has the chain rather than the wet belt. It could have been manufactured before October 2007 and not registered until 2008.

But if I were you I would get a second opinion from another Ford dealer as they have been known to be wrong on it and you can be sure that they won't be picking up the repair bill if you suffer failure of the belt.

Gmanno1

George Dalton wrote: »

There is a possibility that your car has the chain rather than the wet belt. It could have been manufactured before October 2007 and not registered until 2008.

But if I were you I would get a second opinion from another Ford dealer as they have been known to be wrong on it and you can be sure that they won't be picking up the repair bill if you suffer failure of the belt.

Haha Yeah to right they wont, they'll tell you its your fault and pretend they never meet you.

Im just gonna drive it for the next two years hopefully only be 140000MILES on it at that time. ill put a bit of money into it then, spent enough on buying the thing already. Your nearly better of buying a new(finance up to you neck for 5 years no thanks) or older(00,01,02,03,04) 1.4 (petrol or diesel) civic, focus, golf less of a gamble with money, because that's what cars are, you can lose your nut sack on them.

Noccy_Mondy

nullzero wrote: »

Got the belt replaced on my zetec Mondeo recently. Rathfarnham Ford charged €350 supplied and fitted. Not a huge wedge to drop. Done at 190k.

Same here €350 aswell, €90 for the wet belt and €45 for the other, or maybe it's the other way around. €200 or there abouts for labour. All ford parts. I dunno where there €600+ numbers are coming from....

George Dalton

€90 is the price of the upper timing belt kit.

€45 is probably the alternator belt.

The full list of parts required to do the job is:

Upper timing belt kit €97.45 ex VAT retail.
Lower timing belt kit (wet belt) €157.25 ex VAT retail.
Lower timing cover gasket €20.86 ex VAT retail.
Crankshaft oil seal €24.96 ex VAT retail.
Fuel pump seal €36.55 ex VAT retail.

It is also a good idea to change the alternator belt while you are at it.

So for those who got the job done by Ford for €350 I would suggest that you double check what was fitted, I suspect that the wet belt wasn't touched.

enfant terrible

George Dalton wrote: »

There isn't a single bit of this post that is factually correct.

First of all the interval is 200,000km not 200,000 miles.

Pre 2008 versions of this engine had a timing chain between the crankshaft and the fuel pump, then a timing belt which drove the camshaft via the fuel pump. This setup is extremely reliable. The chain never gave trouble and the timing belt could reach and exceed the 200,000km interval with ease.

In late 2007 Ford stopped fitting the chain to the lower part of the engine and instead fitted a timing belt which is immersed in oil, this is commonly called a wet belt.

Your car being 2008 most likely has the wet belt.

These wet belts are starting to become a common failure well in advance of the 200,000km interval. When they fail the engine is usually completely wrecked, with bent valves and cracked pistons so you are looking at a massive repair bill, there are several threads on here about them if you do a search.

So if I were you I would get the situation clarified ASAP and if your car has the wet belt rather than the chain then I would recommend that you get it changed straight away.

Is the Petrol version just a belt?