Looking at getting a Mondeo XR5

[Darth]

Hi all....first post.

I currently have an 04 Rex sedan and I'm in the market for a replacement, I need a bigger car, which can accomodate a toddler and a baby and something which offers more std and safety features than my rex....which shouldn't be hard to do as the rex interior is very low rent.

I have a list of vehicles I'm interested in and the Mondeo has caught my eye. I like the styling and being an ex-pom that used to work for Ford in the early 90's...I have a bit of a soft sport for the blue oval.

I have a few questions regarding the Monny, specifically the XR5 and if anyone can help, it's be appreciated.

1. Are there any known problems with the vehicle, big/small/niggles etc.. I know the car is new to Oz, but it's been out in Europe for a while now.

2. Which dealers in Melbourne are the better to deal with. I live near Elsternwick and I know there's a dealer not far away. Who should I avoid?

3. As the car is new, is there room to move on the sticker price? Has anyone got a particularly good deal? (I know the sticker price looks pretty good to begin with)

4. What's the build quality like? The Subaru has been absolutely bullet proof, I have not had one squeak or rattle in over 4 years and that's with stiffer and lower springs. The rex is my first Jap car and I can't get over how good the build quality has been compared to certain other Euro's I've owned in the past. I don't want a car that makes annoying noises.

Thanks in advance,

Steve.

P.S. Feel free to PM answers if some are contentious.

[Polyal]

Mate..in short; JUST DO IT!

1. I think its to new to known of any issues, but I have never heard anything bad about the XR5 focus which is similar too. If I had the cash I would buy it over the current falcon for sure. Its a great car, and I would almst gaurantee that you will buy one after the test drive.

2. No idea about dealers, try talking to some of the dealerships in the sponsor section of this site. Rex Gorrell's in Geelong has a pretty good rep.

3. Highly doubt you could get any discount unless its ex-demo

4. Ive driven the previous hot mondeo (st220) and this particular car had been used for various things, it had a hard life. It was faultless, smooth, powerful and handled to well.

Again, cant stress enough, go and drive one; if you can honestly walk away and not like it then I will go jump. They handle amazingly well for a FWD car.

[melbzetec]

Originally Posted by Darth

2. Who should I avoid?

The one near Elsternwick!!!!(Also owns City Ford, and Jefferson Ford)

IMHO Dealers worth trying:

New Oak
Westpoint
Bayford
Etheridge

And AFF Sponsor Strapp

Should give you good service (But the one near you may end up giving the cheapest price......but that is not always the most important thing)

[JG66ME]

Mate, just 2 hours ago I drove one, a demonstrator at Jefferson Ford S Melb. The car was STUNNING.

Steve