The late mk2 Mondeo TDs are exceptional value for money, and bombproof if even half maintained. I bought a 97,000 mile, X- reg LX TD in 2006 for £2400. Ran it for two and a bit years, and put 50,000 miles on it. Utterly reliable, a doddle to work on, cheap parts, and, performance aside, a really nice car to drive. Tatty when I got rid of it, but still ran like clockwork, and started on the key. Apart from servicing, I changed an engine mount, a couple of glowplugs, and opted to change the water pump when I did the timing belts.

They are solid, well made cars that handle and ride brilliantly. Plus, being towards the end of its life, Ford threw everything spec-wise at these last ones to sell them, so even the lowly LX is quite well appointed. Mine had (decent) air-con, ABS, electric front windows, remote locking, electric heated mirrors, Quickclear screen, electric drivers seat adjustment, and an RDS radio/CD player. Higher spec models got you nicer trim and alloys, but not much else. Ghias sometimes come with leather, but this is ruined by the fake wood trim which looks truly dreadful. All models have decent seats, and a range of driving positions to accommodate everyone. If you can't get comfy in a mk2 Mondeo, you must be a very odd shape ;-)

Apart from something like a timing belt failure, the only big bill you are likely to get on a mk2 Mondeo is when the clutch goes. Everything else can be fixed for peanuts. Good cars, and I would recommend one.

The pre-HDI Peugeot 406 is also worth a look. Superb comfort, and we ran these to stupid mileages on our old company fleet with few issues. The later, facelift HDi models were far more problematic, mostly in the electrical department.

Edited by DP on 28/03/2010 at 21:28

You shouldn't find a problem getting spares across most of Europe for a Ford, Opel, or the German marques. The Rover would be a wildcard - I don't think I've ever seen a Rover 75 in Spain, but I'm sure they exist. There is a Peugeot dealer on every street corner here.

If you're planning to be in central / southern Europe during the summer months, you'll probably want to take a closer look at your cooling system - esp. coolant condition, hoses, thermostat, radiator, etc - before you leave. Some routine replacement wouldn't go amiss - so you don't get stuck somewhere.

Note that spares prices can vary, but good mechanics are MUCH cheaper outside the UK...

Don't forget that parts of southern Europe can shut down over August; and France will probably be on strike whatever time you visit ;)