Cheapest listed in past sales at Manheim is about £3k for 2007/08 examples with about 100k.

You might see the odd one go for less which is tatty and done 150k but they're not regularly below 2.5k yet.

Last of the old shape on an 07 are topping out at about 2000-2500 with about 60k miles.

I am almost certain I am not alone in avoiding auctions inparticular BCA and manheim with their ridiculous buyers fees.

I used to use BCA lots back in the 90's but as you say their increasingly grabby and anti public practises has made me probably never use them again.

I agree with your strategy to buy the Mondeo though, great cars for the money.