Why is the Mondeo not holding its value?
2 Answers
The main reason why the Mondeo does not hold its value well is the gap between it and its competitors in the same segment. Sales volume determines the number of vehicles in circulation, and the number of vehicles in circulation usually determines the resale value. As a joint-venture mid-size car, its competitors in the same segment are strong rivals like the Accord, Passat, Magotan, and Camry. The gap between them is reflected in many aspects, including product strength, performance, quality, and reputation, all of which are important factors. Here is a brief introduction to the Mondeo: 1. Origin: The first-generation Mondeo was produced between 1993 and 1996 and was named "Mondeo." This name highlights Ford's high expectations for it. The name "Mondeo" is derived from the French word "Monde," which originally means "high society," symbolizing classic and noble status. At the same time, "Mondeo" also carries the meaning of "Mondial," which translates to "worldwide." 2. Development: Since 1993, the Mondeo has been sold in Europe in hatchback, sedan, and station wagon versions. Its total sales in the region amount to approximately 5 million units.
The low resale value of the Mondeo is influenced by quite a few factors, in my opinion. As a big car enthusiast who frequently checks used car market data, I've noticed that the Mondeo's three-year residual value often drops to just over 50%, far below the approximately 70% for comparable models like the Accord or Camry. The core reasons are, first, the brand issue—Ford isn't seen as a high-reputation brand among Chinese consumers, who generally perceive its reliability as inferior to Japanese brands. Second, the product itself suffers from slow generational updates, conservative styling, and lagging technological advancements. New models often launch with heavy promotions, which directly depresses used car prices. Additionally, high maintenance costs and frequent minor electronic issues—like central control failures—result in expensive repairs, making buyers wary of future expenses. Macro trends also play a role, as the rise of new energy vehicles has accelerated the overall depreciation of traditional fuel cars, with the Mondeo, as a conventional midsize sedan, bearing the brunt. In short, the poor resale value is the result of multiple factors combined.
