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My current 2002 Mondeo has done the job for me. Carried kids, bikes, luggage, washing machines, sideboards etc. It is still on the original clutch and exhaust and other than the usual tyres, brake parts, etc not too much has gone wrong. Biggest repair was a fuel pump. I bought it at 3 years old.
So while it is still running and just got through it's MOT with only a tyre and a drop link needed I can't help thinking it's on borrowed time. So partly because it's got to need more repairs going forward and partly jusy because it's scruffy and I can afford to replace it without finance next year I've started thinking what next?
Budget will be 10K max, ideally a bit less. Looking at another 3 year old car to dodge the worst of the depreciation. A Mk4 Mondeo is the first candidate. Anything else I should look at?
Requirements - big boot (got to be hatchback or estate) at or near Mondeo size.
Petrol - I do about 7000 miles a year. Leaving low miles aside I'm worried about stories of expensive DMF and other repairs on newer diesels.
Traditional handbrake not electronic
Traditional key ignition
Chain cam rather than belt which I think means the 2.0 petrol Mk4?
Reliable, cheap
So thinking 2009 or newer Mk4 Mondeo - seems to avoid Mondeo steering rack issues on 2008s and earlier.
A 1.8 Avensis 2008-2009 seems to fit the bill as well though I've not looked at them to check key systems handbrakes etc.
So anything else I should be looking at?
Edited by IRC on 22/08/2012 at 14:59
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