Mondeo 2.0 Ghia X. Yes, you can all groan, but here is a list of reasons why they rock:
a) Great on the Motorway. Over 40mpg, cruise control, comfortable heated leather seats, air conditioning, 6 CD changer and a nice trip computer to play with.
b) Great on the A roads - reasonably decent 2.0 16v powerplant, class leading handling.
c) Great value - £3k gets an absolute minter of a W/X plate. Even £2k gets a decent one, you can even find P/R plate ones for a grand
d) Loaded with kit. Other than stuff like Xenons and nav, if you can think of it, it probably has it. Climate, cruise, leather, electric seats, etc..
e) Reliable - dependable cars that rarely break down and if something does go wrong it's usually cheap to fix.
f) Most people think they are dull - this means nobody will nick it, and nobody else wants to buy it so its cheap.
I wouldn't have any other sub 3k car. It's perfect student transport ;)
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Oh, I had a Xantia. Liked that also, it was a great car but I think my Mondeo is much better.
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>>not just handling but ride is important too.
On that basis I'd say Vectra rather than Mondeo or Primera
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I'd agree with Michael on this one, no matter how much of a groan that may induce amongst other backroomers!
Michael, I don't want to hi-jack this thread, but have you still got plans to sell your Mondy this year? If so, when's it likely to be? Like I say, I don't want to hi-jack the thread so feel free to e-mail me if you like, just if you're selling at the right time then I could be interested...
Blue
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Michael, I don't want to hi-jack this thread, but have you still got plans to sell your Mondy this year? If so, when's it likely to be? Like I say, I don't want to hi-jack the thread so feel free to e-mail me if you like, just if you're selling at the right time then I could be interested...
I'm still aiming to replace it with a 530i provided I don't get irrationally tempted into ST200 purchase, yes.
As for whether I'd sell it, I really don't know. The provlem is that it had 130,000 miles and is V reg so financially its virtually worthless - after the effort I've put into maintaining and improving it I'd hate to part with it for a paltry sum, so I may end up keeping it.
Back on topic, if ride is a concern it's certainly no reason to discount Mondeo. It does not ride harshly - I came from a Citroen Xantia, a car reknowned for exceptional ride quality and whilst it was better, I would be wrong to say I've ever thought the ride on the Mondeo was anything other than good.
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I am with MichaelR on this. You wont get a TDCi for £3k unless perhaps it has done 300k miles, a late Vectra is worthy of consideration.
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Now, perhaps it would be the prudent time to mention I currently run a Focus 1.6 LX (f/lift) on a 51-plate, with 106k. I'm considering exchanging it for several reasons:
a) small-ish boot.
b) Firm-ish ride.
c) Proving surprisingly costly to run, with just 34mpg average.
d) Engine/tyre noise on the motorway.
e) A little more pace (not much) and ABS would make me feel better...
f) All the above is live-able with, except maybe costs, but Dad keeps telling me that petrols won't last much beyond 110k, is this true? (I doubt him because we've naturally differing views on cars. He said I should've bought a 1.2 FIAT Brava a year ago instead, don't ask me why. Failing that his suggestion was a 99' Corolla).
But trouble is I don't want to sacrifice it's handling, safety and general all-round ability.
And it would pretty much be a direct swap, I'm assuming the car is worth around £3k, having been worth £3,800 this time last year?
RE: Mondeo. The only Mondeo I would possibly consider is an early current-shape 2.0 TDDi. What is this engine like, is it really THAT inferior to the common-rail TDCI?
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Your Dad is wrong, a petrol engine provided it has been properly maintained and not abused will do many more miles than 110K.
What about an early Focus diesel?
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I tried the TDDi engine in the Focus (a 1.8 I believe). I didn't like it. It was loud (and not as nice a noise as the 1.6), slower, and I just generally didn't like it.
I'm glad to hear you think the Focus engine will last longer...I suspected as much as he's been critical of the Focus since I bought it calling it noisy, harsh-riding and over-rated. He particularly hated the gearbox, which I consider one of it's best features...
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I should add, I would still consider cheaper-to-run alternatives if they're out there...
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Your Dad is wrong, a petrol engine provided it has been properly maintained and not abused will do many more miles than 110K.
Hear hear...my track record over the last few (8) years:-
Carlton 3 litre - written off at 194K, still going strong & using no oil when I bent it.
cavalier mk3 1.8 - pensioned off at 196K due to coolant hoses splitting , HGF at 180K was the only signiifcant problem.
omega V6 - traded in for Zafira at 166K, still going strong & using no oil, did need cam cover gaskets changed.
omega 2 litre - pensioned off at 170K due to heater matrix failure, engine still OK if a bit rattly. needed oil strainer clearing out at 140K
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As for whether I'd sell it, I really don't know. The provlem is that it had 130,000 miles and is V reg so financially its virtually worthless - after the effort I've put into maintaining and improving it I'd hate to part with it for a paltry sum, so I may end up keeping it.
Ho hum, fair enough, well if you change your mind mention it here first mate! I thought it was a nice looking car in the show us yer motor thread :-)
Blue
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