Test Drove an Mondeo ST TDCI and ST220 today, now quesitons
Discussion
Have to say I am shocked with my decision... I prefer the ST TDCI. Now you have to understand I drive a 370BHP supercharged BMW Z4, so I was not expecting to like the diesel.
The diesel just picks up so easily, where as the 220 is fairly gutless below 4000rpm. When cruising you would never no what car you were in. With a Bluefin or ChippedUK remap the diesel would be awesome and no doubt quicker in real life. Plus it was reading 45.5mpg when I got in, can't complain about that, where as the ST220 was 18mpg. PLus I want a newer one, prob a 56 plate and I am not prepared to spend £400 a year on road tax.
3 questions following on from the the test drive.
Do all Recaro seats squeak? This one did and my mate has had the same problem with his recaro seats in his VW. I think it would drive me mad.
Also why does the sound system with the Sat Nav sound so much better? Does it have more speakers or different system completely? Can you get an ipod connection with the Nav?
Can you change the roof bars out on an estate from the black to the silver type? Any idea on the cost? I know it's around £250 just to upgrade.
Anyway, I think I am going to enjoy the summer in the Z4 and then look for a 1 year old ST TDCI estate in performance blue.
G
The diesel just picks up so easily, where as the 220 is fairly gutless below 4000rpm. When cruising you would never no what car you were in. With a Bluefin or ChippedUK remap the diesel would be awesome and no doubt quicker in real life. Plus it was reading 45.5mpg when I got in, can't complain about that, where as the ST220 was 18mpg. PLus I want a newer one, prob a 56 plate and I am not prepared to spend £400 a year on road tax.
3 questions following on from the the test drive.
Do all Recaro seats squeak? This one did and my mate has had the same problem with his recaro seats in his VW. I think it would drive me mad.
Also why does the sound system with the Sat Nav sound so much better? Does it have more speakers or different system completely? Can you get an ipod connection with the Nav?
Can you change the roof bars out on an estate from the black to the silver type? Any idea on the cost? I know it's around £250 just to upgrade.
Anyway, I think I am going to enjoy the summer in the Z4 and then look for a 1 year old ST TDCI estate in performance blue.
G
18MPG?! It must have had a hard life as i've been enjoying mine and it's reading over 21MPG now. Gutless below 4000RPM doesn't sound right at all-mine takes off like a rocket and screams like a biatch at 4000 RPM upto the red line!! Sound system-not compared mine to anything else but it sure does sound sweet-dunno how it compares to the Sony system though.On the build paper work for mine it says it has premium speakers fitted with sat nav?? Ipod connection is in the glovebox. Recaros-i believe this is a known problem-seat has to be stripped down and new frame fitted.
Edited by Dave_ST220 on Tuesday 24th April 09:23
Dave_ST220 said:
18MPG?! It must have had a hard life as i've been enjoying mine and it's reading over 21MPG now. Gutless below 4000RPM doesn't sound right at all-mine takes off like a rocket and screams like a biatch at 4000 RPM upto the red line!! Sound system-not compared mine to anything else but it sure does sound sweet-dunno how it compares to the Sony system though.On the build paper work for mine it says it has premium speakers fitted with sat nav?? Ipod connection is in the glovebox. Recaros-i believe this is a known problem-seat has to be stripped down and new frame fitted.
Hi Dave, thanks for your views. Even 21mpg is shocking, I get an average of 27mpg, 36mpg when cruising with an engine of the same capacity yet supercharged putting out over 50% more power. I agree at 4000rpm is does scream which is nice, I guess it's just what you're used too.
The sound system is awesome, I have the upgraded system in my Z4 with 10 speakers and two subs and it's not far off that at all, very impressed.
Will Ford warranty the recaro problem after one year? I've heard you don't get as much covered in years 2 & 3.
G
gwatson said:
The diesel just picks up so easily, where as the 220 is fairly gutless below 4000rpm.
Youre bang on there. However, above 4000 RPM it shoves really hard.
gwatson said:
where as the ST220 was 18mpg.
I drive reasonably hard, and mostly around town, and still manage to get 21 MPG
gwatson said:
Do all Recaro seats squeak? This one did and my mate has had the same problem with his recaro seats in his VW. I think it would drive me mad.
Mine do.
gwatson said:
Also why does the sound system with the Sat Nav sound so much better? Does it have more speakers or different system completely? Can you get an ipod connection with the Nav?
I believe the DVD navigation in the Mondeo is re-badged Sony kit.
gwatson said:
Can you change the roof bars out on an estate from the black to the silver type? Any idea on the cost? I know it's around £250 just to upgrade.
Can't help you there I'm afraid - Ihave the hatchback.
gwatson said:
Anyway, I think I am going to enjoy the summer in the Z4 and then look for a 1 year old ST TDCI estate in performance blue.
If I were going to have more than one car, I'd get rid of the ST220 and have the ST TDCI. However, as I only have one motor, the ST220 is the best compromise for me. There's certainly nothing else like it at the price. I reckon you've made the right choice.
Edited by Witchfinder on Tuesday 24th April 13:34
gwatson said:
Hi Dave, thanks for your views. Even 21mpg is shocking, I get an average of 27mpg, 36mpg when cruising with an engine of the same capacity yet supercharged putting out over 50% more power. I agree at 4000rpm is does scream which is nice, I guess it's just what you're used too.
What does your Z4 weigh compared to the Mondeo though?
18mpg!!! 
Even the Focus ST has managed 26mpg and it gets some stick as I dont have to pay for my fuel.
My recaros dont squeak in the Focus and afaik they aren't any different. I would advise you to look as newer STdci as possible as when I looked the later ones had better seats.
I went through this exact scenario before I found out the Focus was OK for my company car scheme and found the STdci to be superb. For a diesel the performance is superb as is the tax bonus of not having to pay £400.
Even the Focus ST has managed 26mpg and it gets some stick as I dont have to pay for my fuel.
My recaros dont squeak in the Focus and afaik they aren't any different. I would advise you to look as newer STdci as possible as when I looked the later ones had better seats.
I went through this exact scenario before I found out the Focus was OK for my company car scheme and found the STdci to be superb. For a diesel the performance is superb as is the tax bonus of not having to pay £400.
Thanks guys...
"What does your Z4 weigh compared to the Mondeo though?"
Z4 is around 1350kg... not sure what a Mondeo is, around 1500kg? That said an M3 is around 1.5 tons with 345bhp and it still does an average of 24mpg. Mind you V6 are inefficient in there very design, but they do sound good
"What does your Z4 weigh compared to the Mondeo though?"
Z4 is around 1350kg... not sure what a Mondeo is, around 1500kg? That said an M3 is around 1.5 tons with 345bhp and it still does an average of 24mpg. Mind you V6 are inefficient in there very design, but they do sound good
flasher said:
My recaros dont squeak in the Focus and afaik they aren't any different. I would advise you to look as newer STdci as possible as when I looked the later ones had better seats.
I won't be getting one until the summer is over, want at least one more summer in the Z4. But I'll be looking for a 56 or 07 plate, so hopefully the problem will be resolved, although thinking about it the one I drove was a 06 and it was very squeaky. Maybe some silicone based lubricant under the seat would help ??
gwatson said:
Dave_ST220 said:
18MPG?! It must have had a hard life as i've been enjoying mine and it's reading over 21MPG now. Gutless below 4000RPM doesn't sound right at all-mine takes off like a rocket and screams like a biatch at 4000 RPM upto the red line!! Sound system-not compared mine to anything else but it sure does sound sweet-dunno how it compares to the Sony system though.On the build paper work for mine it says it has premium speakers fitted with sat nav?? Ipod connection is in the glovebox. Recaros-i believe this is a known problem-seat has to be stripped down and new frame fitted.
Hi Dave, thanks for your views. Even 21mpg is shocking, I get an average of 27mpg, 36mpg when cruising with an engine of the same capacity yet supercharged putting out over 50% more power. I agree at 4000rpm is does scream which is nice, I guess it's just what you're used too.
The sound system is awesome, I have the upgraded system in my Z4 with 10 speakers and two subs and it's not far off that at all, very impressed.
Will Ford warranty the recaro problem after one year? I've heard you don't get as much covered in years 2 & 3.
G
Not sure, all i know is a Ford tech m8 asked me has the drivers seat started creaking?! I said no-it's only done 350 miles!! It sounded like a known issue but i've not seen any TSB on it. Years 2 & 3 as you say do not cover as much
My 21MPG is a brand new car-it is still rising with every trip(not to mention i've been driving it like a new toy!) Most owners say 28-34MPG, one reason i went for the 220 over the FST was because of that! The High Line Sat Nav is made by Denso, not rebadged Sony. The "normal" stereos are Sony kit. The sound system makes previous cars i have had sound pants TBH!! Good base and very loud The ST Tdci is a very good car but i just like the sound of a V6 too much I plan to get a diesel as a second car though!gwatson said:
Thanks guys...
"What does your Z4 weigh compared to the Mondeo though?"
Z4 is around 1350kg... not sure what a Mondeo is, around 1500kg? That said an M3 is around 1.5 tons with 345bhp and it still does an average of 24mpg. Mind you V6 are inefficient in there very design, but they do sound good
"What does your Z4 weigh compared to the Mondeo though?"
Z4 is around 1350kg... not sure what a Mondeo is, around 1500kg? That said an M3 is around 1.5 tons with 345bhp and it still does an average of 24mpg. Mind you V6 are inefficient in there very design, but they do sound good
1485 in Saloon form which is what i have.Estate is a lardy 1549 & hatch 1490.
damn right... not mine, and a Company car.. 
when i had my ST220 i thought about replacing it for the ST TDCI, I test drove one for a hour or so which very quickly made me realise that nothing can replace the 3l v6 for sound and engine flexibility. the St220 picks up from tick over in any of the first 5 gears, try that in the diesel. or the sound the engine makes as you tootle around town, or the roar from 4000rpm to the red line. my fav is entering the motorway at 50mph, do i pick 2nd gear (good for 68mph) or 3rd? (85 mph) nah, i'll pick 4th (110+) the top lane is free and no need to look like i'm showing off.. more than enough acceleration in 4/5th gear with out worrying about dropping down a gear. it won't be as fast as your Z4 supercharged 3L but alot of cars won't be. a petrol gives your options a diesel gives you a narrow power that means ur left leg and left arm become like one as you constantly change gear around town and motorway driving -drop below 60mph in 6th you will find that you need to drop to 5th to keep in the power band.
fuel consumption? my average iirc was 28. 34mpg on a long run and 24 around town maybe less if i give it the beans. i never ever got 18mpg no matter how hard i drove it! if fuel consumption is a issue get the diesel, if not the ST220 is the better car.
happy hunting!
NST
fuel consumption? my average iirc was 28. 34mpg on a long run and 24 around town maybe less if i give it the beans. i never ever got 18mpg no matter how hard i drove it! if fuel consumption is a issue get the diesel, if not the ST220 is the better car.
happy hunting!
NST
notwen said:
Just coming up on 8000 miles on my 06 plate ST TDCi
No squeaks from my Recaro's
No squeaks from my Recaro's
I didn't realise you could get the the Recaros on the ST TDCi. I thought the smoggy one got "sports seats" and the Recaros were reserved for the 220.
EDIT: Ah, a £1600 option. Pricey, but they are good seats (despite the creaking)
Edited by Witchfinder on Tuesday 24th April 21:17
On the audio front the speakers are dual cone 5x7's , there is the normal 6000cd made by visteon , the sony sound system made by sony with upgraded speakers (still dual cone) and the sat nav is made by denso with the same speakers as the sony option ,
ireally did make the wrong choice at picking the company tool box , the mondeo for what it is , is a bloody good car .
ireally did make the wrong choice at picking the company tool box , the mondeo for what it is , is a bloody good car .
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