Ask an expert

Hi,

I am looking at buying a 2005 Ford Mondeo Chain Driven Car - as i've not owned a chain driven car before, are there any particular issues i should be concerned about? How can i tell from the test drive if there are any problems? The car has completed 215,000kms. Its an Automatic as well.

I intend to get an AA pre-purchase check as well. Will this highlight any major faults which would then make me want to rethink my purchase? Such as head gaskets, overheating, brakes etc

In relation to the AA check - i want a mobile check. What hours do the mechanics operate?

Thanks

There are a number of factors to consider when buying a car. I wouldn't get too bothered one way or the other as to whether the engine has a chain or a belt. Obviously, a belt needs changing every 100,000km or so, but all things considered, it shouldn't be a deal breaker and there are other factors I'd consider above the chain/belt.
The car you are considering has done too many kilometres for my liking. Although it's a late model car, it is very high mileage. Don't be persuaded by sellers who say "they're all hot kms" because the reality is it has still had 215,000km of use, so many components such as the transmission, suspension, steering etc will wear whether they are hot or not.
An AA inspection is always a good idea, but remember, the inspectors don't have a crystal ball, so while they can give expert opinion on what they see on the day, they can't say if something might fail in the future. With a high mileage car, it's a risk.
You don't mention what area you are in, so to get details about an inspection, phone 0800 500 333 and take Option 1.

Thanks for your reply - I am in Wellington.

One of the main things i will look for when i see the car tomorrow is if there is any service history.

My budget isnt so great at the moment. I have a 1996 Ford Laser which runs fine despite 245k's on the clock - albeit i did change the clutch on it, the cambelt was done before. Just that my partner cant drive manuals so we need an auto to share the driving.

Ideally i want a car post year 2001 within a 5k budget

I've seen a Mitsubushi Lancer Cedia 2002, with 102k on the clock for 5k and a Mazda Familia 2002 with 112k at the same price. Both are a 1.5 engine, How would that cope on the open road?

These are the ones i will look too next if i dont like the look of the Mondeo

My 1.6 Laser is fine except for heading up hills at speed!

The Mazda Familia has a good reputation for reliability and will be fine on the open road - and at around half the kms of the Mondeo, it should be a more reliable option - probably preferable to the Lancia Cedia. Although it might seem that you are getting a lot for your money with the high km Mondeo, there's a reason why it's so cheap.
I believe the hours for a Mobile Inspection in Wellington are 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, with the last inspection being 3.30pm.

Just adding my 2 cents worth here

I own a 2004 Mondeo and it's had its auto trans rebuilt at only 99,000kms.My local mechanic said it was not uncommon to see the transmissions break down and the head gaskets blow on these models. Great comfy car with heaps of safety features but it drinks like a fish and not too great on the open road either. I'd go Japanese and save yourself the pain!

Thanks mate

I was also looking at at 2001 Ford Laser - made in Japan!
Basically a Mazda
150k's on the clock - about 4800. Pretty common car in NZ

I dont think I will bother with that Mondeo tomorrow now

Went to look at a Ford Laser from 2001 with 150k's on the clock

Cambelt had just been changed
Nicely groomed inside and out

It felt fine - total cost including a trade for old car is 4700 - so just under 3k in cash.

So not bad

Will organise an AA inspection this week

Sounds OK. Mileage higher than the Mazda though.