Ford Mondeo Towing Vehicle Purchaser (years 2014-2022)
The Ford Mondeo, a once iconic road vehicle, has proven to be a practical choice for those considering it as a tow car, especially in its used form. With its impressive boot space and decent towing capacity, it offers a sensible and economical option for lighter towing needs.
Pros of Using a Used Ford Mondeo as a Tow Car
The Ford Mondeo, particularly recent estate and hybrid versions, typically offers a maximum unbraked towing capacity of around 750 kg. This is suitable for towing smaller trailers, boats, or lightweight caravans. The estate variant provides generous luggage space (up to 1508 liters with seats down) and a decent roof load (75 kg), offering practicality for towing-related cargo.
Ford Mondeos are known for a balance of decent power (113 to 236 bhp depending on engine) and fuel economy (31-56.5 mpg), which helps when towing to manage fuel costs. The Mondeo also boasts comfortable handling and stability, making it easier to manage trailers compared to smaller or less stable cars.
As a used car, Mondeos are widely available at reasonable prices with a good parts and service network, making maintenance affordable.
Cons of Using a Used Ford Mondeo as a Tow Car
Despite its advantages, the Mondeo's towing capacity is limited to 750 kg unbraked, which is low compared to some competitors. This restricts the size and weight of trailers you can tow safely. Some older or base Mondeo models may have less powerful engines and less responsive transmissions, making heavy towing harder or less efficient.
The towing limits mean it is not suitable for heavier caravans, horse trailers, or larger boats. Depending on the exact model year, a used Mondeo might have higher insurance groups or road tax due to engine size or emissions. Being a mid-size car, it has a turning circle of around 11.5 m, which can make maneuvering trailers in tight spaces challenging.
Summary
Using a used Ford Mondeo as a tow car is best suited for light to medium towing needs up to about 750 kg unbraked. It offers a practical estate body, reasonable power, and good fuel economy, making it a sensible and economical option for smaller trailers. However, if you plan to tow heavier loads regularly, a car with a higher braked towing capacity (like certain Mazda 6 variants) might be more appropriate.
It's essential to consider the specific model year and condition of the used Mondeo, as some may have issues such as improperly bonded opening glass sunroofs or acid leaking from the battery, as recalled in certain models. Additionally, the Mondeo's boot floor has an annoying step that makes it awkward to slide in longer items such as flat-pack furniture.
Despite these drawbacks, the Ford Mondeo remains a viable option for those seeking a used tow car, offering a blend of practicality, power, and economy.
The Ford Mondeo, with its sports-inspired handles and stable driving characteristics, is an excellent choice for those looking for a tow car that caters to an active lifestyle. Its estate variant allows for easy transport of sports equipment with generous luggage space.
For sports enthusiasts who enjoy towing small racing trailers or lightweight boat trailers, the used Ford Mondeo's impressive towing capacity and balance of power and fuel economy make it a suitable tow car option.
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