2008 Ford Mondeo Estate reviews

Ford Mondeo Estate 1.8TCDI Econetic 2008

Found this 1yr old as an ex demo vehicle and I have now had it for 2 years. It has 65k on the clock and it is running fine. A much heavier, but more stable handling car than the previous model Mondeo Estate, which bobbed around so much it was dangerous. Performance wise, for me it is great, although the higher geared box is not on optimised for super fast acceleration and is not up to sportier models, but who cares? I tend to drive carefully and within the speed limit, slowing down early etc. As a result I have averaged 57mpg for the last year (35k miles) which I think for such a large and heavy car is superb! I laugh at folk in their flash sports models and think of all the road tax they are paying. Fuel prices? I’m OK Jack and easily get more than 700 miles per tank fill. I loath paying company road tax and this car pays out less to HMG (141gCO2) than if I had a standard version and I believe the newer models are even better. I regulary carry up to 500Kg loads in the back without any problems. The only niggles are a big gap (too big) between 3rd and 4th as I have the early 5spd version, again the later 6spd box / 2L engine is supposed to be much better. The gearing at 30mph is either humping or running at 2000RPM when at 30mph, which is not ideal which means drivers will tend to go a little faster and risk either a ticket or an injury to someone. No reliability problems as far as I am aware of except cruise control kept switching off after 30 minutes, but this was sorted under guarantee. The cabin inside is good and looks cool, the seats are comfy too. I have driven nonstop from Yorkshire to Inverness and also Cornwall without any back problems at all. The voice controlled bluetooth radio and climate features system is an absolute joy; my blackberry syncs in and I am totally hands free, all I do is to call out the name of my client or friend and their name shows in the display! Also when they call you can even dial by calling out the numbers four or five at a time, how does it manage it? Will be getting another (hopefully even better) one next time.