1994 Mondeo - Advice?

Cam · 20-02-2012, 04:48 PM

Hi All,

I'm in need of a daily at the moment, and have been offered a 1994 Mondeo very cheaply.. Now apart from their ugliness, what else should I be wary of when looking over the car?

Also, any other info / advice on them would be great...

Ta
Cam

**russellw** · 20-02-2012, 06:45 PM

Like most orphans they represent good value - from all accounts they seem to be fairly bullet proof but like most late model Euros a good service history is essential.

Cheers
Russ

Mackspower · 21-02-2012, 07:29 PM

Definitely check when the timing chain was last changed . . . I think the service interval is every 60,000km. Also check that the fan in the cabin works at all speeds (from memory low speed fails).

NZ XR6 · 21-02-2012, 07:53 PM

Just did a quick search and found this: http://www.btinternet.com/~madmole/R...nproblems.html

I have no idea how reliable this source is but might be useful to keep an eye, or ear, open for any of the listed problems when you test drive it.

Just remember that it's not a Toyota or Honda and is nearly 20 years old now. If it has no major problems and you get it cheap enough, then it may well be good value.

Cam · 21-02-2012, 09:45 PM

Thanks heaps for the replies.. Very helpful!

I'm getting the car next week for a few days to see if I am happy with it, my boss is a good guy like that (it's his missus car).

I found out some more info tonight, my boss is a car n00b, so it all helps.. It's a 1996-1999 2L HC GLX, so at least I have something more to work off...

RSgerry · 22-02-2012, 12:36 AM

as mentioned, timing belts have to be changed every 100k. a service history is a must, otherwise, look out for the usual things. they are a nice car to drive. the autos are really, really sluggish, but the manuals are nice.

NZ XR6 · 22-02-2012, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSgerry

as mentioned, timing belts have to be changed every 100k. a service history is a must, otherwise, look out for the usual things. they are a nice car to drive. the autos are really, really sluggish, but the manuals are nice.

We had an auto at work - it was sluggish but still a nice car to drive. We couldn't understand how a 2l could feel so slow and found that the timing was retarded on the NZ cars so it could run on 91 and I'd guess that the Oz cars are the same.

I think you just disconnect a plug but I can't remember the details. I'm sure someone will know.

Cam · 02-03-2012, 03:10 PM

Got the car today.. it's a 1998 HC LX, and Red.

The Good: Had a good look over the car, and it is ridiculously clean for it's age. Has a complete service history and is a 1 owner car from new. Considering it cost me $500 with 5 months rego I am not complaining!!!!

The Bad: It is girls gears, and wind down windows

Driving it home tonight, so we'll see how it goes!

Flash635 · 09-03-2012, 02:45 AM

Pity it wasn't a GLX, lots more fruit.
You got yourself a total bargain there for that price a rego too.

The Zetec engine is good with timing belts being the only issue and even they're not a problem if serviced properly.

I found my speedo was reading way fast so when time came to replace the tyres I put on 195 65 14 Khumos, what a difference! The suspension actually works now.