Mk1 Mondeo Ghia X V6...

[r.welfare]

Just had a phone message from an old mate of mine. About a year or more ago he bought a 2-owner (father and son) 95M Mondeo Ghia X V6 saloon with something crazy like 38k on the clock. Full Ford service history, manual box, black heated leather, absolutely stunning - like it had just rolled out of the showroom. IIRC he paid a bag of sand for it. At the time I mentioned that if he ever wanted to sell...etc etc, as you do.Anyway - the call was to tell me he is looking to get rid. No idea on price as yet, but it's now up to 44k (he works the local signalbox so hardly drives it at all), had four new tyres and an exhaust. Also no idea if it's in as good a condition as it used to be, or whether he has succumbed to any Barry mods on it.Not sure I really have a use for it, but...anyone here interested, obv. when I get more info and some piccies? Or should I take the plunge if the price is right? (Would mean sacking off the 405 saloon, and I'm not sure I want to do that). My only personal knowledge of these Mk1 V6s is helping my next-door neighbour try to diagnose various ailments on his terminally-knackered P-reg Si, and noting there is bugger-all space round the lump in the bay. I'm also aware that the OEM water pumps have a plastic impellor, but have no idea whether this has been changed along with the cambelt - are Ford techs up with the nous that a belt needs changing due to age as well as mileage, I wonder? On the plus side, a couple of the mechanics at my local spannerwerks drive Mk2 V6s so they should be au fait.Opinions from the board gratefully received!EDIT: Just spoke to him, wants more than £500 but would take less than a grand (so I'm out), and it's apparently still a pearler. Any interest let me know, and I'll try and get more gen and pics.

[AnthonyG]

Never driven a V6 Mk1 but I would say go for it - if it's all still in good nick etc. Be a good idea to check about the belts though.Edit: Check if it's 4WD, some of these early high spec ones were, although it seems crazy in retrospect!

[Owain-328i]

Mazda units? Mondeos are a nice drive in fairness, ive not driven a v6 though. Should be silky smooth, however id be a tad concerned about it eating CV joints

[r.welfare]

Bizarrely enough, despite it (IIRC) having the exact same cubic capacity, I believe it is a completely different lump to the Mazda 2.5 V6 which was used in the 626, MX6 and Probe.

[Owain-328i]

Oh thats interesting, ive always been led to belive it was a mazda unit! I know there a pain in the arse to service, even changing the plugs (back 3) is a pain

[Cavcraft]

Definately different engines: Probe was Mazda, Mundano was Ford Im sure of it.All the Mk1 2.5s I ever drove sounded horrendous to be honest. I don't know if there was a camshaft issue with them but they all seemed to ratlle to buggery and didn't really seem that quick either.

[retrogeezer]

Fella I used to work with had one for ages and really loved it, wasn't too bad on fuel either.What kind of MOT/tax is on it?? See if you can get a pic Rich.

[Owain-328i]

It wont be quick, there only 170 bhp but should still have a bit of ummph. A 2.0 zetec engined one would be a safer bet, and they go well enough

[r.welfare]

MOT till March RG, but I'm convincing him to put a year's ticket on it. Looks like pictures may have to wait until next weekend, unless I can pop across to him during the week. Deffo not a 4x4, AnthonyG. Looks like a factory-standard Mk1 Ghia X saloon in silver, for those of you who can conjure up a Google or mental(ist) image...complete with the chromy little grille.

[Owain-328i]

You could never get a 4x4 v6 mondeo anyway. 2.0 Petrol was the best for a 4x4, poss the only engine available in 4x4 trim.

[carlo]

Get yourself a nice 406 V6 saloon instead Richard, much more up your street. They're also criminally cheap at the moment. I nearly succumbed to a 60,000 mile R plate GLX V6 on ebay a few months ago - went for about £600. Only 210 bhp!

[retrogeezer]

If it's really nice I *may* be interested - look forward to pics.

[pogweasel]

I think you should buy it Welf. I'll give you a couple of groats for your 405 if it helps.

[andrew e]

All you need to know is heated winscreen for those cold winter mornings

Have these to spur you on!

 

 

 

What signal box out of interest? I work in Slough PSB tell him!

[Milford Cubicle]

Those heated screens are wonderful. Shame some of the cars they're attached to aren't so great.

[Lord Sterling]

I'd say go for it if its at a good price, what have you got to lose? Mk1 Mondeo's in good nick are hard to come by, and a manual box coupled with a V6 equals fun! With heated leather seats and a heated windscreen, it cant be all bad.

 

Looking forward to the pix.

 

Lord Sterling

[r.welfare]

What signal box out of interest? I work in Slough PSB tell him!

Colthrop (just up from Thatcham station), and he's also covering Kintbury and Steventon at the moment. You might know him and have seen the car!

 

I'm deffo out on this, as I really can't justify it (nice though it is), plus the V6 luxobarge hole in my life (if there is one!) may well be filled, for nowt, by a 99T 825 Sterling later today...but am happy to garner info/pics for those interested.

 

Pog, get on that Exec TD wagon on t'Bay in St. Albans stat, stops me from thinking about it when I have no real reason to get another...

[pogweasel]

That Exec looks thoroughly acceptable motoring. Will watch with interest.

[alfetta]

Duratec V6 is an American unit with timing chains so no issues...check the oil is at MAX and you won't get any probs...oil starvation results in top end noise in these...

[CortinaDave]

i told a mate about this tonight and he was twitching. Stick some pics up and ill wave them under his nose.

[r.welfare]

Just had a note from him saying he's found a buyer locally. Wonder what he got for it...have to ask!

[CortinaDave]

sounds like it was a good deal to me. ghia x mk1's do seem to fetch decent money. i rang about one early this year that was in the local rag at £850, thinking id go out, have a look and offer him 6 if it was REALLY good.. and it was already gone!at the end of the day they still feel quite modern in looks and in how they drive, if a bit dull..so a fully loaded one's a nice car

[AnthonyG]

Dull? MK1 Mondeo???How dare you sir !!!!!