Mondeo loan car :(

Terror_Tree · 01-11-2013, 08:41 AM

Whilst my Territory was getting it's yearly service my local Ford dealer gave me a 2013 Mondeo as a loan car for the day(just over 600km on the ODO). I must say I was quite disappointed. First of all I could not get comfortable in the drivers seat, no matter how I adjusted it. It had very poor throttle response (petrol version), especially when trying to negotiate a roundabout. But the worst was it felt like the bad old front drive cars of the 80's. I have driven a few FWD cars, including a Focus and a Mazda 3 recently and they had none of the horrible FWD characteristics the Mondeo had. When I returned the car I let then know my thoughts and they were quite surprised. It did make me appreciate how good my Territory drives.

GTP534 · 01-11-2013, 11:44 AM

I had the annual service done on my Territory recently too. The dealer let me have a Ford Kuga for the day - brand new it was - 40km!

It was the diesel version and went quite well, was roomy and comfortable.

Only thing was a slight rattle from the left front door trim; it was one of those annoying things always there in the background. Even more annoying as I tried to pinpoint it but with no success!

The Territory is almost 4 years old now, 79000km, and tight as a drum. Always surprises me how smooth and quiet it is, especially on newly re-sealed roads around our way.

Focused · 01-11-2013, 12:08 PM

What model was it? The Ecoboost 2.0 is significantly better than the old 2.3L petrol in the entry level LX.
It's never going to handle as nicely as the 3 or Focus, though, because it's twice as large!

My previous car was a MA Mondeo (diesel) and I thought it drove wonderfully but it never handled as well as my parents LW Focus.)

Terror_Tree · 01-11-2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Focused

What model was it? The Ecoboost 2.0 is significantly better than the old 2.3L petrol in the entry level LX.
It's never going to handle as nicely as the 3 or Focus, though, because it's twice as large!

My previous car was a MA Mondeo (diesel) and I thought it drove wonderfully but it never handled as well as my parents LW Focus.)

It was a LX, I don't think it had the Ecoboost engine.

Nikked · 01-11-2013, 12:51 PM

Must have been a dud, the missus mondeo is a nice car to drive.

zilo · 01-11-2013, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

Whilst my Territory was getting it's yearly service my local Ford dealer gave me a 2013 Mondeo as a loan car for the day(just over 600km on the ODO). I must say I was quite disappointed. First of all I could not get comfortable in the drivers seat, no matter how I adjusted it. It had very poor throttle response (petrol version), especially when trying to negotiate a roundabout. But the worst was it felt like the bad old front drive cars of the 80's. I have driven a few FWD cars, including a Focus and a Mazda 3 recently and they had none of the horrible FWD characteristics the Mondeo had. When I returned the car I let then know my thoughts and they were quite surprised. It did make me appreciate how good my Territory drives.

Did you give it a good thrashing or did you just drive it like a daily commute car?

Smoke Pursuit · 01-11-2013, 12:58 PM

Ive had a few as loaners and never had a problem with them, I find them way more comfortible then Mazda 3 / Focus because theres so much leg room in them.

Horses for courses.

Terror_Tree · 01-11-2013, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilo

Did you give it a good thrashing or did you just drive it like a daily commute car?

With a $2,000.00 excess, I drove it like a daily commuter.

GQ_Smooth · 01-11-2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

Whilst my Territory was getting it's yearly service my local Ford dealer gave me a 2013 Mondeo as a loan car for the day(just over 600km on the ODO). I must say I was quite disappointed. First of all I could not get comfortable in the drivers seat, no matter how I adjusted it. It had very poor throttle response (petrol version), especially when trying to negotiate a roundabout. But the worst was it felt like the bad old front drive cars of the 80's. I have driven a few FWD cars, including a Focus and a Mazda 3 recently and they had none of the horrible FWD characteristics the Mondeo had. When I returned the car I let then know my thoughts and they were quite surprised. It did make me appreciate how good my Territory drives.

Probably the most condemning review I've ever read of a Mondeo. I wonder what we'd be saying if Joshua Dowling wrote it.

The only one I've driven was a XR5 and it was very nice, outlaws have GG Mazda 6 2.3 n/a (based on Mondeo), lovely car to drive.

mr smith · 01-11-2013, 04:38 PM

I agree with OP. Mondeos are rubbish. I know what wont be replacing my Falcon.

The Yeti · 01-11-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

Whilst my Territory was getting it's yearly service my local Ford dealer gave me a 2013 Mondeo as a loan car for the day(just over 600km on the ODO). I must say I was quite disappointed. First of all I could not get comfortable in the drivers seat, no matter how I adjusted it. It had very poor throttle response (petrol version), especially when trying to negotiate a roundabout. But the worst was it felt like the bad old front drive cars of the 80's. I have driven a few FWD cars, including a Focus and a Mazda 3 recently and they had none of the horrible FWD characteristics the Mondeo had. When I returned the car I let then know my thoughts and they were quite surprised. It did make me appreciate how good my Territory drives.

I have the same opinion of them but when I said so in the "is the Mondeo a replacement for the falcon" thread I got poo poo'd and told I didnt know what I was talking about and how its a fantastic car with loads of potential

Focused · 01-11-2013, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

It was a LX, I don't think it had the Ecoboost engine.

Ah yes so it won't have had the ecoboost motor. The 2.3 would be best described as adequate at best.

With the greatest respect, I'd also wonder if the attitude towards how good a car is has more to do with the badge than the actual car itself.

mr smith · 01-11-2013, 04:46 PM

I agree they look good, Titanium Wagon especially. But they just don't perform. Bad ergos, pox motors, pox dynamics and too much doing on the dash.

Focused · 01-11-2013, 04:48 PM

It should also be noted that the current Mondeo is rather old (launched 6 years ago). The all-new model due next year looks absolutely fantastic (I've seen it in the metal a few times) and is making my planned sentimental-2016-Falcon purchase quite difficult...

GK · 01-11-2013, 04:50 PM

My Mondeo Zetec TCDI is great to drive. Yes, it has a little lag on takeoff but once moving is smooth and powerful.

It handles very, very well.

GK

black13 · 01-11-2013, 08:20 PM

its a bit like comparing oranges with brocoli, completly different driving dynamics.

**DJM83** · 01-11-2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr smith

I agree they look good, Titanium Wagon especially. But they just don't perform. Bad ergos, pox motors, pox dynamics and too much doing on the dash.

Yeah cause a falcon is the epitomy of dynamic.

EcoBoost is great.

5tumpy · 01-11-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

My Mondeo Zetec TCDI is great to drive. Yes, it has a little lag on takeoff but once moving is smooth and powerful.

It handles very, very well.

GK

+1 to this... I have a 2011 MB Zetec TDCi, and I love it to pieces... The build quality compared to my previous car (BA XR6t) is so much better that I can't even express it in words... I'm 6'5" and 140kg, and I have no problems whatsoever with the ride comfort, until of course I get into one of my mate's Falcodores or my wife's Escape, and even then the only problem is that I miss the Modeo... I get 1100km from $90 worth of diesel, and I can easily seat 5 adults with a bootful of luggage in it... The torque of the thing is fantastic!

Fordman · 01-11-2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Yeah cause a falcon is the epitomy of dynamic.

EcoBoost is great.

It's more fun that's for sure

aussie muscle · 01-11-2013, 09:00 PM

Go get 'the loaner'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvtcWZ9iUyU
sorry, couldn't help it.

Crazy Dazz · 01-11-2013, 09:51 PM

It horses for courses. That base model Mondeo is Ford’s attempt at a roomy yet boring (and relatively economical) barge for old people (or govt departments.)
I'm sure one of the sportier models with the turbo engine would be a different experience.

GTMOND · 01-11-2013, 10:58 PM

I had a ma mondeo for 100k was a brilliant little car couldn't fault it and thats after stepping out of a ba gt. Both completely different cars but no complaints from me , not one issue from brand new.

**DJM83** · 01-11-2013, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordman

It's more fun that's for sure

Each to their own.

SM1DY · 01-11-2013, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

First of all I could not get comfortable in the drivers seat, no matter how I adjusted it.

Subjective

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

It had very poor throttle response (petrol version), especially when trying to negotiate a roundabout.

Subjective

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

But the worst was it felt like the bad old front drive cars of the 80's.

Subjective

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

I have driven a few FWD cars, including a Focus and a Mazda 3 recently and they had none of the horrible FWD characteristics the Mondeo had.

Such as?

Terror_Tree · 02-11-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SM1DY

Subjective

Subjective

Subjective

Such as?

Of course my comments are subjective, I have only ever owned RWD, or AWD cars and I have never liked the feel of FWD cars. Some of the things I noticed was:

1. Steering got heavy under acceleration
2. Torque steer, especially at roundabouts.
3. Some vibration in the steering wheel under acceleration

I don't have a hidden agenda, like some motoring journalists, I was just sharing my thoughts after a day of driving the Mondeo. I didn't set out to upset anyone.

zilo · 02-11-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terror_Tree

Of course my comments are subjective, I have only ever owned RWD, or AWD cars and I have never liked the feel of FWD cars. .

I think that is the dictionary definition of "prejudice"

You forgot to mention that it probably doesn't satisfactorily tow your boat/caravan/tandem trailer.

Don't suppose you noticed the remarkably low fuel consumption and ease of parking etc compared to the Territory or the much lower running costs?

bobwm · 02-11-2013, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilo

Don't suppose you noticed the remarkably low fuel consumption and ease of parking etc compared to the Territory or the much lower running costs?

Just out of curiosity, what makes a Mondeo so easy to park? Still looks like quite a large car - size seems comparable to a Falcon. Is it easier to park than a Falcon? Or is that just compared to a Territory?

I should say I've never driven a Mondeo...

Kable72 · 02-11-2013, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilo

I think that is the dictionary definition of "prejudice"

You forgot to mention that it probably doesn't satisfactorily tow your boat/caravan/tandem trailer.

Don't suppose you noticed the remarkably low fuel consumption and ease of parking etc compared to the Territory or the much lower running costs?

None of those are going to make a difference if having to drive the car every day sends him insane.

XtRmn8 · 02-11-2013, 10:58 AM

We recently traded our MA Zetec Mondeo (2.3l petrol) on a new Kuga diesel. We bought the Mondeo brand new back in early 2008 and had nothing but 155000kms of trouble free motoring.

In that time I have always had a Falcon (BA Fairmont, BA XR6T and FG XR6T) parked next to the Mondeo in the garage. Still have my FG and no plans to upgrade/change just yet.

Anyway, just wanted to say that in my opinion the Mondeo was a fantastic car. Much better built than all the Falcons I have ever had, from fit and finish to quality of materials. Much better internal ergonomics over the Falcon and in my opinion much easier to get conformable in the drivers seat (I am 6'4"). It drove great for a large FWD and had a great 6 speed auto and not to mention a list of features that are still lacking in my FG, not to mention how the BA stacked up next to it back in 2008

The 2.3L was not a rocket-ship, but was solid and never gave us any issues. Great fuel economy and was "adequate" considering the size of the Mondeo. Was a great daily commuter that has now been replaced by another fantastic (better) commuter that the other half if pretty chuffed with.

Not here to rubbish one or the other but just giving my opinion after 5+ years of ownership.

new2ford · 02-11-2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zilo

I think that is the dictionary definition of "prejudice"

You forgot to mention that it probably doesn't satisfactorily tow your boat/caravan/tandem trailer.

Don't suppose you noticed the remarkably low fuel consumption and ease of parking etc compared to the Territory or the much lower running costs?

Now come on, that's comparing apples with oranges! The Territory's a larger car, of course it's going to cost more to run. And I have to call you out on the parking - the Territory's a cinch to park (especially if you have the camera).

But as for the anti FWD prejudice, last year I switched between the Territory and Superb/Octavia and back and I'd have to say that anything on the VAG platform has FWD seriously well-sorted. I can't pick any difference, they're as beautiful to drive as any RWD. There are manufacturers who've make a hash of FWD over the years but you can't tar them all with the same brush.

The Territory though has a limousine-like quality that's hard to beat. Changing to a smaller, low-slung car would highlight differences to somebody used to cruising around in their Terri!

As for towing, you should see some of the things being towed around in Europe by little buzz bugs! Bit of a myth there I think, unless it's a very large boat.

The tow bars in Europe would give Hayman Reese fans a fit though!

http://www.shop1auto.com.au/Images%2...0tow%20bar.jpg