Used Ford Mondeo 2007 - 2014 review

Large executive hatchbacks like the present-generation Ford Mondeo haven't had such a good time of it recently. The family car buyer has gravitated towards the trendy SUV of late, leaving just the business end of the market to snap up most of these cars, the majority of which are now seen only as motorway mile-munchers specifically for middle management to quarter the country in.

However, this third-generation Mondeo was always immensely popular among those who drove and owned them. It’s hard to fault the way it drives, for one, and it's spacious and practical, too, as well as being reasonably good value to buy and cheap to run. True, the engines aren’t as efficient as those in the Volkswagen Passat, but the diesels are still far from thirsty. Petrol engines from launch included a 1.6, a 2.0 and fast but thirsty 2.3 and 2.5-litre units. It is the diesels that are the most popular, though, whether in 1.8 or 2.0-litre form or the later 2.2-litre twin-turbo.

Various new engines were added to the range throughout this Mondeo’s life, with significant additions being a 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit with up to 237bhp to replace the old 2.5 and, from the 2010 facelift, new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines of 1.6 litres. At the same time, Ford’s Powershift dual-clutch automatic gearbox was made available.

There was a healthy range of trims on offer, too, ranging from entry-level Edge, through Zetec, which was notably well equipped, with alloy wheels, climate control and a heated windscreen among a whole host of goodies, past Ghia and up to Titanium and Titanium X, which are lavishly equipped but inevitably cost a little more on the used car forecourts.

On the road, the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engines aren’t strong enough for a car of this size, and the 2.0-litre petrol is only just acceptable. The 2.3-litre petrol is rare and only comes with an automatic gearbox, while the turbocharged 2.5 is fast but thirsty. Instead, if you are going to buy a petrol Mondeo, the best option is the turbocharged 1.6-litre Ecoboost, which was introduced in 2010, at the same time as the Mondeo was given a mild facelift.

Diesel Mondeos are much easier to find, although it’s best to avoid the 1.8-litre because it has a poor power delivery that makes it hard for you to build – or even maintain – speed without making lots of gearchanges. The 2011-on 1.6-litre is much better, as long as you’re not in too much of a hurry, but it’s the 2.0-litre diesel that’s most suited to the Mondeo, with good performance delivered in a smooth and quiet manner. The 2.2-litre diesel doesn't offer much extra in the way of performance, so it's not worth paying a premium for.

Not only is it quiet and comfortable on the motorway, with whichever of those engines you choose, it’s great fun, too, with sharp steering and excellent composure in the bends. For a car of this type, it handles really well, with a balance unknown in other cars of similar size and age. The ride is comfortable, too, confirming that the engineers at Ford were at the top of their game when this particular car was on the market.

The Mondeo is also very spacious inside, with loads of head and leg room for those in the front and the back. Meanwhile, a very large boot and split-folding rear seats add to the practicality.

The limited rear visibility is more of a problem, particularly when parking, and, while the top of the dashboard looks smart and is pleasing to the touch, some of the lower panels feel distinctly cheap.

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Older Mondeos with super-high mileages are available for a couple of hundred pounds, but this third-generation car starts at about £1800 for examples that haven't quite been to the moon and back. Expect to pay between £2000 and £4000 for a car with an average mileage for the year, a full service history and one bought from an independent dealer.

At the other end of the scale, you’ll pay about £10,000 for a late, low-mileage 2.2-litre diesel in range-topping Titanium X specification. Alternatively, for about £5,000, you can have a 2013 car with an average mileage.

Servicing the Ford Mondeo isn't too expensive, but it's worth shopping around because main dealers' prices can varysignificantly, and it’s also worth considering competent independents.

Depreciation is one of the biggest costs with a Mondeo, and by buying used you’ll avoid that initial hit. However, its value will continue to fall throughout its life, and choosing the right model will make a massive difference.

The larger petrols are very thirsty, so only buy these if the price is very low. Also remember that you shouldn’t pay a big premium for a Titanium car, no matter how many optional extras are fitted.

Of the petrol-engined Ford Mondeos, the most sensible choice is the turbocharged 1.6 Ecoboost from 2010 onwards. The others are either underpowered or will cost a disproportionate amount to run compared with the value of the car.

Of the diesels, it’s the 2.0 TDCi that provides the best blend of power and parsimony, and there are plenty to choose from.

As for specifications, the entry-level Edge has the essentials, but stretch to a Zetec and you'll also get alloy wheels, climate control and rear electric windows. For value, the Zetecs are hard to beat.

Our favourite used Ford Mondeo: 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec 5dr

The Mondeo’s arch rival is the Vauxhall Insignia, which went on sale in 2008 and looks classier inside and out. However, it’s cramped in the back and nowhere near as enjoyable to drive, due to limited grip and a choppy low-speed ride.

Volkswagen’s Passat is much more worthy of your consideration. Like the Mondeo, it can seat four adults in comfort, and, while it’s no classier inside, it has a more logical control layout and is a quiet and comfortable cruiser that makes light work of long journeys.

Another car that should be on your shopping list is the Skoda Octavia, which comes with the same range of efficient diesel engines as the Passat.

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