Buying a used ford is this a problem

MyOpinion

I'm looking at buying a used Ford Mondeo 07 new model from an independent dealer. I took it out for a test drive at the weekend and the drove well and was generally in good condition. However the radio didn't work at all and the trip computer was misreporting average speed and MPG, the figures on the computer were low single figures. The dealer said that these would be put right before I pick up the car next weekend and I assume that the radio is easy to swap out but what is wrong with the trip computer? Should I be concerned by this? Additionally the log book hasn't had a service stamp in it for 18 months and 20K but the computer isn't displaying any servicing/oil change required is this OK, the car has done 34K in total

I can buy a similar car from a franchised dealer with another 11K on the clock for about the same price but this would come with a 2 year warranty would this be a better buy. Does the Ford warranty cover most the stuff that could go wrong?

Thanks for your help all.

rev_henry

It is possible to disable the service indicator to disguise lack of servicing. But for this car I don't know but 20k may be an ok time to go without a service for. I doubt it though...

Strider590

I's suspect the car has been with that dealer for quite sometime and has at some point needed the battery removed/recharged, this could explain the radio.

A missing service stamp wouldn't bother me too much, dealerships don't service cars properly anyway. I have in the past walked into a dealership service area only to find some wingnut about to pour used engine oil back into my car.

On the other hand, if the dealer can't be bothered to put these things right for a test drive, then I'd be inclined to go elsewhere.

wallbash

that the radio is easy to swap out

Make sure you get the radio code for the new radio .

harveybobbles

Sounds like the battery has been flat. Hence the low figures on the computer. Radio could be a fuse...?

This time of year is a !!!!!! for batteries going flat. Customers sit in the car with the heater on full, heated seats, heated screen etc all on full.. Leave the car running for about 60 seconds then turn it off. Next customer comes along and does the same... And the next...

MyOpinion

If I budget for a full service this is vehicle is still maybe £1000 cheaper than most mondeos or the same age/mileage. My main concern is the computer. I've paid for an HPI check so it's not that dodgy.

hubert_cumberdale

or a digit is missing of the display this was a common problem with saabs so maybe fords do it too

mmaarrkk1982

as said above radio code is more then likey due to battery going flat, have a check under the bonnet in case it is accident repaired, not all accident repaired cars show up on hpi.

The new shape mondeos arent that cheap to repair engine wise, i would be tempted to go for the one with warranty if it is in the same price bracket

Hotspur

In your position, unless I definitely knew the problem was due to a fuse/flat battery, I think I'd walk away and get the franchised dealers car. It could be a simple repair or an electrical/module issue. There are plenty of Mondeo's about so alternatively waiting for another shouldn't be a problem.

Ford dealers tend to sell cars with full history and the 2 year warranty gives peace of mind. Check what is covered though,

shown73

On my Mondeo, previous model, the mpg and average speed have to be reset every trip in order to give an accurate reading. It's just one press of the reset button, but I always forget, grrr....I thought mine was duff when I got it, having never had such a widget before.