New shed time

[Frikkin Evil]

Hi all, looking at buying a Mk3 Mondeo TDCi soon, to replace the Focus for everyday trundling.

Anyone had/used one? Common faults?

[ChrisW]

Lol, I thought you were gonna get a 165

Found a couple of forums that may 'shed' some light, hehe

http://www.scottishmondeoforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=17428&start=0

http://www.fordmondeo.org/forum/showtopic.php?tid/778179/

http://passionford.com/forum/general-discussion/320143-problem-with-tdci-mk3-mondeo.html

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Mondeo-Mk3-Estate-TDCI-130-BHP-2002_W0QQugidZ10000000005356075

[Frikkin Evil]

Thanks mate.

It's definately a case of "the more you read, the less you want one", but that's the same with so many motors.

One of the most annoying faults seems to be the injectors/pump whih are coded to the ecu. WTF? Ford then appear to have a monopoly on the repair and replacement of these items.

[Driveby]

The fuel pumps are like glass and the Delphi injectors, well the less said about them the better.  Any decent independant diesel specialist can do the coding for you, Ive done a few in my time
FWIW I wouldnt own one.

[Frikkin Evil]

The fuel pump is deffo a concern... £500 + vat for a replacement.  But that seems to be consistent with other makes of the same age i'm looking at (circ. 2003).

Out of interest, what would you have instead, and why?

[Driveby]

If its diesel, something from the VAG group, preferably with a PD motor.

[Frikkin Evil]

I initially started looking at Audi A4s, but the VAG cars hold their value too well and i'd be looking at getting an automotive antique for the budget i've set. The Mondeo is the best compromise for me, and I actually like the look of the Mk 3.   

[Frikkin Evil]

Well, so far i've been to see a couple of munters, and missed out on what sounded like a good deal.

Yesterday I spent several hours going to see one which was miles away, and turned out to be... a bit dodgy. On the way home my Dad's motorbike brakes over-heated (he tagged along for a blast). Once that was eventually sorted, we hit traffic and were at a standstill for ages while a crash was cleared off the Forth Bridge. Arrrrgh, used cars! 

The focus ain't looking so bad now.

[silverspeed]

what about a skoda or a seat... basically a vag in dress.?

[Frikkin Evil]

I am partial to a bit o' VAG, so I wouldn't rule one out. 

I'm not in any rush, so i'll just keep an eye out for a local bargain.

[fifegt4]

I'm not in any rush, so i'll just keep an eye out for a local bargain.

Spoken like a true fifer lol