Project Mondeo

▶ In 2022, Ford decided to stop taking orders for its Mondeo after a run of nearly three decades. The Mondeo name will be lost forever in Europe.

So, we thought we’d take on a Mondeo as a project car as we pass 30 years since the first Mk1 models came off the Belgium (Genk) production line.

Many of you reading this may possibly have owned/driven a Mondeo over the years – sales were strong and have slowly declined since around 2005, largely thanks to motorist buying habits, as MPVS and SUVS took over (Kuga and others).

You’d think it would be easy for me to buy a suitable Mondeo from the auctions, wouldn’t you? But I had a bit of trouble for a few reasons... We wanted a Mk4 version (2007-2014), so I started looking at the BCA app in early December, noting prices and ‘watching’ a few. Our ideal choice of a Mk4 was the 2.0-litre Ecoboost petrol model. That mainly sold with Ford’s Powershift gearbox fitted – a twin-clutch system operating much like the VAG DSG gearbox. The Powershift doesn’t have the best reputation for longevity, although I was viewing cars with 100,000-mile plus. Oil and filter changes are required every 30,000 miles to keep a Powershift in good order, but even then, the electronics can give up.

Two versions of the Ecoboost are available – the early cars have 200bhp, then two years later a 240-brake model emerged. 0-60mph came in 7.3 seconds.

I did put in bids on a 2010 Ecoboost mid-december. The auction price continued above the CAP Clean figure, so I pulled out after a few more bids. It looked like the Ecoboost engine had a strong following.

As we approached Christmas, BCA’S stock of cars dwindled down below 10,000 and Mondeo’s with the Ecoboost weren’t even listed. Now I had to widen my search – turbodiesel engines too.

Of course, the TDCI engine was a favourite in the Mk4, and my choices increased to about 60 cars as we went beyond Christmas, towards New Year – BCA conduct sales on Sundays too...

I did watch a 2014 TDCI with Powershift and 148k. A non-runner and the auctioneer didn’t mention why. Had the engine blown, the transmission, or both! The first time this car went on sale I missed it, but it was back a couple of days later and stopped at £950 – no sale. It came back a third time – one bidder bought it for £500 (plus fees).

The BCA non-runner sales are interesting to watch (eye-opener) – we will take a brave pill one day and bid on a non-runner project potential to see if we strike lucky – or not, as the case may be!

The day after Boxing Day, I became aware of a 2.2 TDCI. Two versions were offered by Ford, the early engine from 2008 had 175PS and the later 200PS, which ran to 2015. This clean 59-plate car (Grade 1 on the bodywork, which is usually unheard of at this age of car), with 113,115 miles. Cap Clean equalled £2075. I found myself still bidding at £2850 and decided to pull out. That’s crazy money, although probably an ideal seller’s car.

Then our 2010 Titanium X model appeared – a TDCI 140 in Thunder Grey Metallic with a manual six-speed – so no Powershift. It didn’t look bad on paper – three owners, last since 2016, nearly 118k, five main dealer services, then more annual garage invoices to November 2019. A CAP Clean of £1600 – though I had to frighten off other bidders by going to £2000 (plus fees).

Although not a facelift model that came in late 2010, it still looked the part. You can easily spot facelift cars by the fitment of daylight running lights in the front bumper, just above the fog lights.

As you will see from page 28, our Mondeo requires a new clutch – it’s probably the original Ford clutch as I’ve heard they usually last to 120-140k – the timing belt change has gone beyond the 10-year renewal period, with general wear and tear items needing attention too. It should be a good one. Let me know if you run a Mk4 or Mk5 Mondeo and if you’ve experienced any problems.