Ford Mondeo LX TDCi 130 PS Hatchback 2003 Pre-Facelift Model - Used Car Review

Background

Replacing the Sierra in 1993 with a $6bn new car programme (one of the most expensive ever), the Ford Mondeo has become one of the most popular mid-size vehicles in the UK market. It?s no coincidence that its reliability has made the Ford Mondeo the favoured car for fleet owners of any size.

The current MkIII (mark 3) model Ford Mondeo was introduced in 2000 after the MkII (mark 2) mondeo was discontinued 3 years after its inception in 1997. The third generation Ford Monde was launched in 2000, and addressed the 2 main criticisms of its predecessor: the modest legroom and sluggish diesel engine. The legroom is noticeably bigger and the pull of the straight-four-cylinder, turbo-intercooled, 16-valve direct-injection TDCi engine is a marked improvement. The chain-driven camshafts also rectified a common problem in the earlier models.

The security of the Ford Mondo MkIII is also an improvement on its predecessors, including the Intelligent Protection System (IPS), anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution. No wonder it frequently featured as the most popular car in its class at the turn of the new decade and ranked as high as 8th top selling car in the UK.

Common faults
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The review

We purchased the Mondeo LX 130 TDCi as a 3? year old diesel vehicle with 85,000 miles on the clock and full Ford service history.
To look at the MkIII (mark 3) Ford Mondeo is still a modern looking car, and with 85,000 miles on the clock, this Mondeo neither looks nor feels tired. The light metallic blue paint gives it a bright, happy look, and although the wheel trims don?t have the same effect of the alloy wheels (alloys) of the zetec or ghia models, this LX is still a great looking car. With the dash and centre console following the lead set by the 1996 Volkswagen (VW) Passat, and a nice dark charcoal upholstery, I was looking forward to getting behind the wheel for the roadtest.

On the road I wasn?t disappointed, and the extra 15 PS made the 130 PS TDCi faster than a lot of its petrol rivals I came across that tried to add an extra minute or two onto my journey time. The handling was fine, brakes sharp, and the increased torque was just enough to keep the ride ?pokey? without the slip-and-slide of a lighter competitor. And it even has lower emissions than its 115 zetec counterpart...

In summary, a good pedigree, good handling, solid build quality, generous equipment, roomy interiors and low cost servicing. And when you can get 200 to 300,000 miles from a well serviced TDCi Ford Mondeo LX 130 for only ?5495 on the road, you won?t be disappointed with your investment.

Please feel free to submit your comments and experience of your Ford Mondeo LX 130 PS 2003(03) 2.0 TDCi hatchback to the webmaster at the used car world website.

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Upvc Windows: Give Your Home A Face Lift

When people visit your home UPVC windows can make a good first impression. There are several features available with these windows and you can choose from sash windows or casement windows. PVC is a good material choice. Here are some of the reasons why.

In North America, they call it vinyl, but on this side of the pond it's known as PVC. This is a durable material which is very strong and many people now prefer it for modern doors and windows. Indeed most people include UPVC windows in a modernisation package which includes doors and a conservatory as well.

There are several reasons to install windows of PVC when considering home improvement projects. The fact that they are weathertight is a major factor when remodelling. Double glazed UPVC windows consist of a membrane between two sheets of glass (hence the alternative term 'double glass windows'). This protects against heat loss and means that your heating bills will be lower once your new windows have been installed.

Windows of this material also improve the security of your home. They are more difficult to break into than traditional windows if people are trying to pick the lock. The locking mechanism is tight for additional security and if you want to experience a good flow of air, you can also lock modern vinyl windows in an ajar position for the best of both worlds.

When selecting new windows for your house, there are many ways in which PVC is superior to wood. For a start, there is the additional insulation that it provides but there is another important advantage as well. You won't have to spend as much time on maintenance with PVC. With wood, sanding and painting is standard every couple of years. With PVC the same renewal can be achieved with soap and water, leaving the material looking good for years.

One of the choices you will face when deciding on new windows for your home is the type of window you should select. These are likely to be either sash or casement. Sash windows are the windows that slide up and down and may have a locking mechanism at the top of the sash. Some sash windows are single, sliding one way only, while others are double, with both top and bottom panes able to move.

Casement windows are popular when it comes to UPVC windows. These are the windows that are hinged on the side and open inwards or outwards. Sometimes these windows can swing in several directions, to allow a fire exit or to increase the flow of air. Many companies that specialise in windows offer casement windows.

UPVC windows are a great way to save energy in the home, but let's not forget about decoration. There are additions to your windows that will enhance their attractiveness and the attractiveness of your home as well. Consider having leaded casement windows for timeless elegance, or enhancing your windows with stained glass panels. Let more light into a room by putting clear or frosted glass on the sides of your casement windows. There are several options which will make your home more beautiful.

Adrian Jones has been involved in the home improvement UK market for many years. This article outlines the options available when installing replacement windows for your home.

The Meditational Face-lift

The benefits of daily meditations prove innumerous. Meditation can improve your concentration level and allow you to make better decisions. But just by changing the position in which you meditate, you can turn your daily healing mantra into a natural face-lift treatment.

Normally you would sit in an upright position to meditate. Now, to maximize the beautifying potential of your daily meditationals try this:

1. Gently rotate your neck in circles for one minute. Then roll your shoulders forward and then backwards for one minute. The point of these mini exercises is to relax your neck. It is almost impossible to relax your face and enjoy a natural facelift with a tense neck.

2. Next, lie on your bed and place your neck over the edge of the bed. Granted, your spiritual guru may argue against such a position fearing that you will doze off, but you can handle this.

3. Now, commence your daily meditation in this position with your head tilting downward. Remain in this position for no more that five minutes to avoid a head rush and feeling dizzy.

4. Once your arise from this position, repeat the neck and shoulder mini exercises.

Tilting your head downwards for five minutes offers several face-lifting benefits:

a. The downward position helps counter the daily pull of gravity on your skin- even if it is for just five minutes.

b. The position brings more blood to your face so that excess toxins and excess fatty acids can get transported away from your face. Puffy eyes and a double chin will certainly benefit from the removal of unwanted circulating fats.

c. Psychologically, placing yourself in a new position or a new orientation helps alter your mode of thinking. When you alter your thinking models, your brain cells work in new ways- a process that keeps you mentally young and sharp.

Now, your meditational face-lift is done. Use daily for optimal results.

Naweko San-Joyz founded Noixia- a self-service image makeover company based in San Diego. Noixia creates custom acne scar removal products for the face and body. San-Joyz has authored several books and articles that focus on do-it-yourself beauty makeovers including ?Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne? and ?Skinny Fat Chicks: Why we?re still not getting this dieting thing?. San-Joyz lives and works in San Diego, California.