Your Thoughts Please

[spike240]

Hi - I currently drive a Mk3 Mondeo TDCI. The car is brilliant to drive, is very economical and quick enough for me. I have had it 3 years and in the first six months it needed DMF, clutch, starter, water pump. At this point I said enough and threatened to offload it and buy Japanese. I am touching wood here but has been ok for last 2 years. At the moment only things wrong are Aux belt area makes a din on tickover and the AC has gone AWOL. I can live with the last two problems.
However I am lining up my next car, and I, and my mrs like the Honda Accord. The model that we can afford is the 7th Generation. Bearing in mind that the Mondy is an absolute pig to work on, I would welcome your views on the Honda. Probably looking at the 2.0 Ltr petrol. Probably manual but welcome comments on auto box also.
Information like - any rust probems at all? Do petrol models have clutch DMF problems? What are they like to work on? Realistic MPG. Oh and am I correct in thinking this model had chain driven camshaft?
Sorry to go on, and apologies if this is in the wrong place.

ATB

 

[SayamaAccord]

Hi and welcome.

The 7th Generation petrols are very well made and reliable motors, cam chain, no DMF, autos sound, OK to work on, a lot of people on TA do their own servicing.

After a while certain things go such as compliance bushes and drop links but they are not major money. And rear brakes are ropey on the Tourers.

But good history is important.

It's a decent bet if you can find the right one. Preferably before that fuel pump goes on the Mondeo.

 

[toffee_pie]

Autos are not as good as manuals, get a manual. Also keep in mind honda parts are expensive keep that in mind when you go 'shopping'

 

[spike240]

Ok thanks for comments. All sounds good.
I have read a few posts about those front bushes. What sort of mileage before they go?

Thanks again - The Mondy might behave itself for the next few years, in which case I will have to wait. But I have the site bookmarked so will keep in touch.

ATB