08 Mondeo: 1.6 Petrol Engine? Trim Levels?

jimogr

Hi All,

First off, I'm not interested in diesel as my annual mileage is low and my wife can't stand the sound of diesel engines idling!

I'm looking at getting a Mondeo probably around the 2008 age. I have read up and seems there are two piece of advice which are making the search a bit difficult: 1) Avoid the 1.6l petrol as its very slow (most petrol for sale seem to be 1.6) and 2) avoid the LX trim spec as it is very basic.

So the question is: How slow is the 1.6l (I currently have a 1.6l 2000 focus saloon and I am happy with the performance, obviously the mondeo is going to be a lot heavier.)

And: What are the main differences between the LX trim and Zetec on this vintage.

By budget is 7k, I am only interested in petrol but I am happy to pay the tax on a 2l there just doesn't seem to be many for sale.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Jim

Noccy_Mondy

The 1.6 is dead, and I mean dead, foot to the floor still slow to build up. If it's just town driving then I suppose you wouldn't notice it as much, but like you said, it is a heavy car and that engine just doesn't work with it IMO. Regards the spec, the 1.6 unit only came in LX and Zetec spec, no titanium x. The 2.0 has this however.

Main differences between the zetec over the lx are the addition of front fogs, 16" alloys, digital climate control, electric windows in the rear, more bits of chrome around the place, colour coded door handles. Some could have factory bluetooth, don't think the 1.6 comes with cruise control at all. There is a few more bits, but I can't think of them off my head atm. I know the 2.0 is less common, but it's worth it, try for the higher spec titanium spec too, although that budget might need to increase a tad.

ba_barabus

My late father for some god only knows reason test drove a high spec diesel Mondeo in July 07 and was so impressed he slapped down an order for an LX 1.6 Mondeo. I've no idea why. It's fine so long as you don't care about power or economy. Driven easily it would eek out 37-38mpg. The engine seemed to make lots of noise and achieve little speed. It handled fine and other than a few electrical items sorted it was cheap as chips to run. I'm not being overly dramatic but the engine is very underpowered. It's a far bigger car than the Focus you have which i recall as feeling sprightly and nimble with the same engine.

Henry Ford III

The 125bhp 1.6 in a Zetec was fine. No fast as it's a big heavy car, and not that fuel efficient for the same reason.

It does however have Ti-vct which is variable cam timing, giving it pretty decent pull in gear.

The 110bhp version isn't very good however.

bazz26

Henry Ford III wrote: »

The 125bhp 1.6 in a Zetec was fine. No fast as it's a big heavy car, and not that fuel efficient for the same reason.

It does however have Ti-vct which is variable cam timing, giving it pretty decent pull in gear.

The 110bhp version isn't very good however.

All Irish 1.6 litre petrol MkIV Mondeos were 110bhp irrespective of trim and I don't think many people imported petrol Mondeos from the UK.

jimogr

Thanks for the feedback.

I took a 1.6l for a test drive, and as you expected I found it very slow compared to my 1.6l focus.

The car was advertised as a Zetec, but turned out to be an LX and I felt the cabin had a very cheap feel to it.

Noccy_Mondy

Something like this, it's a zetec spec, but the exterior has been tarted up with titanium trim. It's been for sale for ages though.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-mondeo-2-0-ztec/6560885

Henry Ford III

bazz26 wrote: »

All Irish 1.6 litre petrol MkIV Mondeos were 110bhp irrespective of trim and I don't think many people imported petrol Mondeos from the UK.

No. A relation bought a new 125bhp 1.6 petrol Mondeo Zetec here. A hatchback. I drove it a few times too.