It's difficult when you have a car that has served you well and that you've looked after; it's often a better bet than getting rid and taking a chance with something relatively unknown to you.

Of the cars you've mentioned a Mondeo would give you the most car for the money, relatively cheap to maintain, be a very decent drive and you'd have lots to choose from at moderate mileages. Lexus and Merc would mean older and higher mileage with potential for bigger bills but bags of badge appeal. A well maintained Lexus or a 2.0 manual, petrol Mondeo with all the trim and toys would be my shortlist.

Definitely give some serious thought to using all season or winter tyres for the extra grip, traction and safety.

Edited by oldtoffee on 24/10/2011 at 22:22

Welcome to the forum, im guessing i was omitted from the 'lot of sense spoken' segment of the original post :P

Right. Cars. I am one of Ford's biggest fans so we have to start with the Mondeo. In your price range you can get an awful lot of car for it and it'll be newer, lower mileage and a better deal than any 'premium' name like Mercedes or BMW and at that price range you're looking at the mk3 which is - even compared to the new model - a fantastic car. Just seen a lovely looking 2.0 Ghia Auto on an 05 reg on AT for £3495 although there are more economical models but you should shop around with the Mondeo as theres always another one not far away.

There is one car in this class you completely forgot which is the Mazda 6 which is a surprisingly good car, the shame is hardly anybody ever finds out because they skip over it but a big 5 door hatchback, nice petrol engines, well put together and drives better than the Vauxhall norm. Stick to the petrols - avoid the diesels at all costs - and you can get a lot of car for not much money.

If you wanted to go a bit more upmarket you could consider one of what i own - Jaguar S-Type. Mine is the 3.0litre SE on a 56 plate but you're probably looking nearer 01-04 reg on your sort of budget. Its a lovely car and ive had no problems with mine (post facelift model) but the RWD layout eats into the boot space which is pretty shallow and the sloping roof does make journies in the rear for anyone over 6ft a bit uncomfortable. Beware of £460 VED on some models depending on their age (some fall into Band K despite having a co2 rating of band M) and if you were interested make sure you shop around for a good one with a full service history.

Just thought i'd give my own car some selfless promotion there :)

From your picks I would probably prefer the Volvo, then Skoda, the Ford.

The only issue I have with the Skoda is the amount of them that are used as taxis, although a good thing in itself as clearly they are reliable it does make them extremely common on the road. Vauxhalls I had always dismissed as I don't really like the styling inside or out.

BR

Somebody once said to me that everybody in their life buys that fast car that they knew made no sense at the time. I've yet to have mine so maybe the Subaru should make the shortlist! ;)

>>>maybe the Subaru should make the shortlist!

Don't whatever you do check out AT and look for 3 litre Legacys within or close to your budget. Luckily you sound a sensible sort of chap who would soon realise that despite the 240bhp, terrific all wheel drive, five doors and legendary reliability any car with a £400 VED and 25mpg surely couldn't be worth it. Could it?

Never mind the cost , I'd probably have no license within a month!