Ask an expert

I really like the liftback version of this car and have had a look at a few examples under $8k. What are your thoughts on this? I know the earlier Mondeos had issues with the electrics and water pump but have Ford fixed these by the time the 2003 model rolled out? Also as the car is made in Germany is it more expensive to have them serviced when compared to your average Nissan/ Toyota Jap model.

Cheers!

Feedback we've had tells us that this model is a vast improvement on the previous model. Like all cars when they get older, failures can occur, but with regular servicing and taking good care of the cooling system (ensuring coolant is changed regularly, hoses are in good condition etc) this model should be fine.
General servicing should not be much more than a run of the mill Japanese model.

Thanks I bought it and I love the car. Its great value motoring for under $8k and much more pleasant to drive than the older Japanese cars in this price bracket.

The owner gave me a bottle of coolant which he had got from Ford and told me how to monitor the level of coolant. Is this normal for all cars, I've only had japanese cars and have never done this on them

The AA Pre-purchase inspection that I had on this car noted that some oil was leaking from the RH side of the engine bay. The inspector reckoned it wasn't engine oil and said it was either p/s oil or air conditioning coolant. My only question would be that the coolant is normally a gas and not a liquid. Any ideas?

No car should use coolant. If the previous owner gave you the information merely to inform you how to check the coolant, that's great.
However, I don't want to be alarmist, but if the owner had a bottle of coolant, does this suggest the vehicle is using coolant? If so, you should get this checked out by a mechanic as it could indicate cooling system or head gasket problems.
Hopefully, it's the former (ie; he was just being helpful and providing an explanation how to check the level).

Our messages have crossed over. I was replying to your first post while you were writing a second!
The air-conditioning gas carries a PAG oil lubricant in the system. If this leak was pointed out on the AA Inspection, did you have a mechanic check it out further before agreeing to purchase? Hopefully it's nothing too serious, but I'd suggest you have your garage investigate further.

Oh no- thats not good. The coolant level is just above the minimum marker but I will keep monitoring it. It came through the compression tests with the inspection. If there were head gasket issues would they have been picked up by the inspector?

Yep, the garage that issued the WOF looked over it and said its probably a maximum $300 repair which I'm happy with