What options for replacing my car? | Ford Mondeo News & FAQs

Hi there,

This is my first question on "ask an expert" and I'm not very experienced in the world of selling cars.

Anyway, here's my problem: My Ford Mondeo Estate (1.8Sci Ghia) 58,000 miles recently broke down. RAC towed me to a garage. The consensus is that the gasket had failed which seized the engine. Therefore, new engine required.

As of yet, the garage has not managed to locate a scrap or reconditioned engine to match (in over a week). The only option is a brand new engine from Ford at £2,500 (+VAT +Labour).

I guess the car would only sell for approx £3500 privately anyway, so hardly seems worth doing.

The car is too new to go for a scrappage deal, besides I only have £3-4,000 available to spend but need to get something reliable fairly soon. What are my options? Is my Mondeo worth repairing? It seems a shame to scrap it with only 58,000 miles on clock and good condition.

Am I likely to get anything for it as a part-ex deal anywhere? Any possible options you could suggest would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary

Hi Gary

I know people who have bought new engines for old cars, but I don't know anyone who felt it was good value. Plus, the rest of the car may start to play up as soon as you have paid for that shiny new motor.

The problem you face is that you have the rare direct-injection Sci engine. Rather than the normal 1.8 Zetec job.

And there are hardly any about and no old ones that you could pick up cheaply.

The trouble is, I suspect your car is actually worth £4,500 with a good engine.

You could see if anyone will buy it from eBay auctions as a non-runner for £1,000 which is what you are going to end up with as remaining value after labour and VAT are paid.

Or, buy a banger to run around in, and keep looking for a Sci replacement engine?

Or this might be possible: Check with your insurer before doing anything, but you could have a normally aspirated 1.8 litre engine fitted (you can pick up a 60,000 mile normal 1.8 for £1,000 complete with a car around it) and then have an inspection carried out to verify the car safe and road worthy et cetera to satisfy your insurers.

Best of luck,

Matt