I bought this car on the recommendation of HJ and I’m so glad I did. It was a 16 month old ex-rental with 28k on the clock bought from Silverdale Cars and Commercials. HJ assured me ex-rentals make good buys (as long as they are serviced) as the mix of drivers runs them in perfectly. I was a bit nervous but needn’t have worried. The car was delivered in excellent condition and has run perfectly for the 40k miles I’ve done in 27 months. And when I say perfectly I mean perfectly. Apart from servicing all it has cost me is £3 for 2 bulbs.....and that’s it! A point to note is a lot of the main dealer stock I saw were ex rental too and at least £1,000 more expensive.
The only fault I’ve had was a broken lumber support in the driver’s seat fixed without quibble in the last week of the 3 year warranty.

Good points:-

Grips, handles and steers beautifully. Feels much smaller than it is on the road.

Looks fabulous, especially when washed and polished with gleaming 18’’ alloys.

Very economical. 38-40mpg urban, c45 in mixed driving and over 55 mpg on the motorway if you take it steady. I should add I do have a light right foot.

Fabulous range. I drove to Southampton and back via Macclesfield, Sunderland, Whitby and Scarborough (that’s 800 miles+) on a tank and still had an indicated 70 miles left!

Very comfortable to drive and to travel in.

Massive interior with loads of rear legroom and a massive boot (think twice before you pay the extra for the estate)

Excellent on tyre wear. It had a set of Continentals with 6mm of tread when I bought it and I got a further 20k miles out of them.

Feels very well made. Lovely thunk from the doors.

Zetec very well equipped with gadgets like blue tooth and voice control working very well.

Doesn’t seem to suffer the reliability issues that so many modern diesels do these days.

Cam belt only needed every 125k or 10 years.

The most complete car I’ve ever owned.

Bad points:-

The sports pack (boot spoiler, 18’’ alloys and I think stiffer springs) looks great but it does affect the ride. It’s still good but not as limo like as my mates that doesn’t have it. The alloys are easily kerbed. Think I’ll just try and find a spoiler and fit it myself next time.

3 year warranty is only 1 year manufacturer and 2 year dealer. Means some items like trim and rubber seals aren’t covered in years 2 & 3 so make sure you know what is covered before you buy and check what isn’t.

Tyres for 18’ wheels more expensive than you’d think and it’s a chassis that responds well to good rubber.

Servicing a bit pricey considering how little this car needs done. However get a few dealers competing for the work and you can get c15% off.

30 mph seems to sit between 3rd and 4th gear resulting in two speeding fines at 36 mph in 4th. Be warned and stay in 3rd in town!

I like to change my cars regularly but this is soooo good for the money there is no other choice.... and I’ve had my fair share of BMW’s, Audis and VW’s.