[mrhclarke]

I am looking for a cheap run around for work. Have seen this advertised. What do you think? Worth a look?

I am not to good with mechanics, anything I need to look out for to make sure I don't get a money pit?

1997 P Reg FORD Mondeo 1.8 LX TD5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Diesel, 121,000 miles, Metallic Blue, MOT-09-2007. Service History, Central locking, Cloth upholstery, Electric windows, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Power assisted steering, Radio/CD, Sunroof, Body work is a bit shabby & has a cracked bumper hence the price. £650

 

[Raffe]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Just make sure it runs properly and listen for strange sounds , if it runs fine and sounds ok I would buy it.

 

[mrhclarke]

What sort of sounds do i need to look out for? Diesels sound quite loud to me, so guessing I might not notice something bad?

 

[Raffe]

Klonking sound from front , also when you testdrive it check for "grinding" sound when driving straigt or turning slightly (wheelbearings are a common fault on mondeos , atleast in sweden , have owned 6 mondeos and had to change atleast 1 on each of the cars and it´s a pig of a job if the stuff is rusty) , engine should be fine if it sounds fine (oldschool diesels lasts forever if serviced properly) , also check so there is no oilfilm in coolant or soot and it should´n smoke white when warm (headgasket). Also check when cambelts been changed (quite expensive job and parts) if any doubts get it changed after you buy it and save yourself an engine.

 

[mrhclarke]

Thanks for the advice. I hope the service history is quite detailed. Not too bothered about the cosmetics as long as the mechanics are ok.