USED Ford Mondeo Hatchback (93 - 00)

My car

It's actually a 1.8 Zetec I'm just about to replace, but that's not on the list. I've had this car for four years from 44,000 miles to 102,000, and it has been nothing short of brilliant. For a car of its size, it handles beautifully, being great fun on twisty B-roads (more than it has any right to be, I'm sure), yet cruising up and down the motorway all day long without missing a beat.

It's been a workhorse, a taxi, and a fun drive, and other than a new rear and mid exhaust section, has required very little work at all. Even at 10 years, it's rattle-free and smooth, and I'm going to be sad to get rid of it. Sadly, it's getting to that point where impending work is going to cost more than the car's worth, so I'm chopping it in. But, if you're in the market for a cheap, fun, comfortable and spacious car, I can't recommend the Mondeo highly enough.

My car

I've owned this car for just over a year now and in that time the only fault is that the catalytic converter has collapsed. Other than that it's been completely problem free (touch wood).

The car is 12 years old now, so naturally it has a couple of issues with rust around the rear wheel arches and sills, but this is to be expected of a car of this age and it's hardly noticeable.

The car handles very well, especially now I have put wider tyres on. The ride could be considered as a bit stiff, but that's the price you pay for handling. The engine throws out 130 horsepower or thereabouts, which is plenty for town driving and allows for very hasty overtaking on country roads. On the motorway the car is fairly quiet and the cruise control makes it a relaxing experience.

One thing I will say is that the torque from the zetec engines is all at the top end of the rev range, so you will have to rev the engine a little if you want to get the most out of the car. Having said that, if you're in the right gear at the right time then it's quite sporty.0-60 takes around 9.5 seconds. Top speed is quoted as 130mph. It certainly reaches 100 easily (not on a public road of course). The interior is comfortable, with leather seats, air conditioning, trip computer, sunroof, electric windows, electrically adjusted driver's seat six cd changer and heated front seats.

My car

I bought mine in 2001 for £3,200 at 68k, and 7 years later with 230k miles on the clock, this car is as reliable as it gets. I haven't even serviced it for 2 years. The only problem I get now is rust around the well arch and the silly air bag light. My problem now is deciding what car do to replace it with?

My car

I have owned this 1998 MkII Mondeo for nearly two years now. It's the 1.8 LX model.

Even though it is not the Zetec version, I was stunned to say the least as to how comfy it was to sit in and the drive blew me away. Is this really a Ford, I said to myself? It drives like a Mazda 626 (my father has 626s), but I would say these are more comfy!

If I drive it like an old git, (like a chauffeur - low revs, change up sooner) I can get 400 to 460 miles out of a full tank!

If the fuel crisis did not arise and tax wasn't so high, I would keep her until she died, just like my old Sierra, which I had for 12 years and 190,000 miles! Like most Fords, the 1.8 LX versions are always the best bet.