J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

I have been offered a Mondeo 1.8 LX at at a good price, assuming the deal comes off are they as good as the reviews suggest ?

NACRO

I had one as a fill in company vehicle, I drove about 7K miles in it, mixed driving and found it really very good. A bit gutless compared to the old shape 1.8 as it is a much heavier and larger car. Also a massive boot in the hatchback and plenty of room. The LX is fairly well equipped too with a/c etc.
Handling was good and it felt smaller than it was, similar to a Focus IMHO.

Flat 4x4

They handle well - basically you can do anything with it.

The rear 3/4 visibility for parking is lousy if you are my girlfriend's height - I do agree with her by the way !
Its also got loads of legroom if you are tall.

If you can get it cheap enough and its been serviced well then not problem. Oh the tyres wear out faster than anything else we've ever driven, Impreza included...

Steaming Wizard

Had to use a turbo diesel version for a couple of days for work, very impressive. Very responsive, handled well, and buckets of luggage space.

But a word of warning, apparently they are on the top list for louts. Ours got broken into outside a hotel in Huddersfield. Chatted with the security numpty, to be told it was the 4th to be done over in 2 weeks in the same car park.

DAC

S.Wizard - which hotel was it ?

just interested being that I live near & work in Huddersfield
cheers

class_A

Thieves tend to go for repmobiles outside hotels, in service areas as they believe that they are more likely to contain laptops, mobile phones etc.

I recently hired one for a trip to Heathrow as it was cheaper than parking. 1.8LX came with e/w all round, air con and CD. I was very impressed during my short time with it.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Interesting about the tyres, it needs two fitting at the mo.

I suppose if you have the handling you will use it, hence the tyre wear ?

Steaming Wizard

DAC, it was the Cedar Court, you know the one with the pink neon triangle on the frontage. Can't miss it.

DAC

S Wizard - I know the one -

close to M62 motorway - so thieving scumbags can get away sharpish.

- usual lack of security and concern for their customers

Steaming Wizard

Yup, your not wrong. Sadly we our firm like to send us to that one at the mo. You know of any good hotels in town?? We're up there a fair bit.

Luke

rented one for a few days in wales. very nice car. Would be very happy to own one.

Rob Walker

Was considering getting one myself. 2.5 Zetec S.. list price about £18k. 6months old about £10k a lot of car for the money

Paul_M

They do handle quite well. If you're considering several models look at the TDCi diesel - normally I'd avoid like the plague but this one's a belter, faster than the 1.8 with loads of torque and 50MPG.

Try and get a saloon if poss, they're quite rare as all the reps prefer the practicality versions but they handle and look better, plus are slightly lighter and have better security (i.e. the boot is much more secure from break-ins).

Flat 4x4

Re the TDCi

The girlfriends has done 20,000m and the fuel consumption has been disappointing - high 30's or low 40's if you take it easy'ish.

On saying that, and the odd rough edge (its very noisy for a diesel at idle and it was supposed to be a NEW engine), its quick enough and you can throw it around.

ps I indicated 135 in it once and we had a head to head when I had my A4 V6 TDI Quattro (180+bhp) over 50 miles. There really wasn't a lot in it. The TDCi also gives you overboost to get the torque over the 250lb/ft marque

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Tdci etc wasnt an option, I have it on approval (1.8 LX) and am fairly impressed, lot of car for the money (very very good deal), needs 2 tyres and a bit of bodywork to a door (200 quids worth), it needs a good valet but otherwise it is as it should be for a two and a half year old car with 44k miles on, nice to drive but not quick, enough for going to work in, and for the basic model its well kitted out with Air Con, CD player, 4 * electric windows, Quick clear front screen, electric seat height adjustment etc.

You could say I am chuffed, just need to pay for it now, shed loads better than the Vectra I drove.

camk

1.8 petrol is gutless, I've just had one for 3 months as a hire car while I waited on my A4 1.9TDi. I hated driving it. Nice interior and very roomy, steering and handling OK but the engine/gearing was bad. You could rarely get into 5th in normal non m/way traffic. Hifi sound was also pretty good. Heated windscreen also good, once you got used to it

[Edited by camk - 10/31/2003 3:28:23 PM]

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Cam, would agree with you there, its not very fast but for going to work its very agreeable, comfy and the cabin is very nice, I drive a MK2 Golf GTI most of the time so anything is a step up interior wise (apart from a Scoob perhaps....), cant say I hate driving it based on it not being a ball of fire its just not like driving the Golf, its meant to do 0-60 in 10.5 wheras the Golf is meant to do it in 9 ish but the Golf would absolutely destroy it without a problem, its feels like its twice as quick.