My Mondeo

Captain_Slick · 14 May 2009 at 19:25

Picked it up today after it had had it's new rear bumper fitted.

1998 R reg, 1.8 Verona, 78k miles.

Drove it all the way back from Bolton in ridiculous stop start traffic, which probably wasn't the best way to form an opinion on it. Was fine though, comfy enough for me, enough oomph.

Only problems are: Remote central locking doesn't work - the light go on on the key and I found a website with instructions on how to 'reprogram' it. It's the infrared type.

Radio is codeless - Locked 10, but I've found a program that gives out the codes to unlock them, so I'll try and get the serial number tomorrow.

Clutch seems a lot less capable of holding the car than my old Skoda or the Pug 207 that I learnt to drive in. So I stalled a few times on the way back and I'm making use of the handbreak much more than I'm used to. Seems to need a bit more gas in conjunction with the clutch than I'm used to I guess.

But overall I'm happy. £650, which included fixing the small crack on the front bumper, replacing the rear one entirely and 6 months tax. Pretty good deal I thought... will be a better one once I've unlocked the radio or replaced it though. I think my dad may have a spare one from his old mondeo actually, so if I can't unlock it I'll probably just swap it over.

I'll get some pictures after I've given it a good clean. It's a bit mucky. It's got nice alloys though.

ChoÞÞer · 14 May 2009 at 19:28

pics?

Captain_Slick · 14 May 2009 at 19:29

Oh, and the fuel filler cap release doesn't quite release, which made my trip to the total garage quite hilarious, prying it open with my fingers.

Kol · 14 May 2009 at 19:48

The fuel filler cap can be a bit dodgy (got 99T ST24), dodgy in the sense that if it doesn't work, put the lever down a bit before pulling it.

Sone · 14 May 2009 at 22:41

i had to pull the cable in the boot now and again to get to the fuel cap on my Mk2.

aproctor · 14 May 2009 at 23:32

If your central locking has gone it is probably your solenoid thats gone, iirc they are in the drivers side door, just take the door card off and it's white in the door frame.

I got one for £10 from a breakers, you need to take you old one out to make sure its the right model number as there is a couple, i would imagine any 1997 onwards would be ok though.

Bit awkward but me and my dad sorted it in 2 hours.

Remember to check it works before fitting.

Captain_Slick · 14 May 2009 at 23:39

No, the central locking works fine with the key in the door, just the remote doesn't.

I'm gonna try this tomorrow: http://www.mirez.co.uk/KeyProg.htm

The Edge · 15 May 2009 at 07:13

i'm sure you could have got a fully working and better specced example for £650, but it'll get you from a to b quite happily by the sounds of it

.

For less than £1000 you have to accept a couple of niggles, keep an eye on that clutch though.

Captain_Slick · 15 May 2009 at 11:52

Not without travelling to the other end of the country... It was £500 for the car. The dealer offered to replace, spray and fit the rear bumper and sort of a few other things out (tyres and stuff) for £150, which I jumped at for convenience sake.

Just sorted the radio with a neat little program I downloaded. Pain in the ass to get out though. Needed to get the model number.

Put some WD40 on the filler cap release yesterday and now it's working fine.

So my only problem now is the remote locking keyfob. Which may just need a new battery. Shall try that sometime. Central locking works just fine though, so no biggy.

Gonna wait till the weather is a bit better (it's raining now) before I give it a good hoover/clean and some tcut.

Also: what's the deal with the removal bar with the radio buttons on it? It that to prevent people stealing it? Should I be taking that out when I leave the car?

WantoN · 15 May 2009 at 12:57

Yus, security feature mate

If the car stalls easily then at least it's not a heavily worn clutch

My escort needs a little more revvage than my old pug from a standing start.

You shouldn't ever be resting on the clutch anyway, wears it more quickly and risks other problems

Enjoy ownership, I've loved every one of my Fords

Ant

Captain_Slick · 15 May 2009 at 13:15

Fair enough.

I have found that it's more comfortable, smoother (gear changes especially) and easier to drive than any of the other cars I've driven - Skoda Felicia (¬_¬), Fiat Stilo and my instructors Peugeot 207. Now I see what the fuss is about and why the 'Mondeo' man exists.

I've taken the code bezel thing out, after tuning in my favourite radio stations anyway.