Big banger theory
I have about £800 to spend on a family car for two adults and two kids. What would you recommend? I have seen a 1999 Vauxhall Vectra 2.0DI turbodiesel, 100,000 miles. But, after reading your report I'm not sure it will be reliable. Just some advice would help, I'm not going to hold you to anything.
Asked on 6 February 2010 by S.C., via e-mail
Answered by
Honest John
£800 is 2nd banger territory. But if you can find a 1997-1999 Mondeo 1.8LX or 2.0LX that hasn't been scrapped, that is the most reliable car according to Warranty Direct statistics. The trouble is, if the clutch fails, it will cost as much to replace as the car is worth, so check that very carefully. A Mondeo 2.0LX run on Shell V-Power will do 40mpg on a long run. Used for repeated short runs from cold this will of course drop below 30mpg.
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