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I am looking to quickly jack in my 2000 MkII 1.8 petrol Mondeo before the clutch finally gives in, but unfortunately as per usual on a budget (circa £2.5k)! The trouble is I'm not quite sure where to look. Despite the credit crunch, fuel prices etc. etc. I enjoy driving too much to be overly sensible and want to upgrade to something possibly bigger, probably upwards of 2litre, that will be comfortable and sensible when I need it to be, but also enjoyable when I want it to be, and something that isn't going to hit me with four figure bills every time a bulb or fuse goes... I don't ask for much :) I have one or two ideas but not enough, so all thoughts positive or negative are welcome :)
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Ok, I'm going to suggest it before anyone else does....how about a 2.5 Mondeo? A Ghia X will have a pretty tasty spec.
Of course, it all depends how much you like your current Mondeo! I don't know how much two and a half grand will get you but I should imagine in the current climate, if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll find something pretty decent.
I know I've suggested a Mondeo...I'm sorry.
Adam
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I changed my Mondeo mk2 for a Volvo S60 2.0T earlier this year. Spent exactly 2.5k and landed a tidy but high mileage (124k) 51 plate with full Volvo history. Drives beautifully. I daresay with the forthcoming VED "adjustments", they've come down even more since, although the 2.0T in manual form doesn't quite hit the top band.
Goes when you need it to (180 bhp) and does 35 mpg on the motorway if you stay under 80 or so. 20v five cylinder turbocharged engine sounds gorgeous and pulls like a train. Build quality impeccable, low noise levels, brilliant seats, and well specced. Mine's the entry level "S" and has electric windows all round, part leather, electric sunroof (optional, I think), dual zone air-con, cruise control, ABS, traction control, 16" alloys, remote locking and electric heated mirrors, and a radio / cassette / CD player that beats any other standard fit system I've ever heard. The SE gets you a Dolby Pro Logic stereo, bigger 17" alloys, full leather, and climate control instead of air-con.
A lot of well built, quick and good looking car for the money, with reasonable repair costs through a host of independent specialist parts suppliers and repairers. Generally accepted to be pretty reliable anyway, and certainly mine doesn't feel like it's done more than 60,000 miles. The Volvo club has a high mileage register, and the number of Volvos on there with 400,000 + miles on them speak volumes about how well built these cars are. I had no complaints with the Mondeo, but the level of engineering on this is a definite step up. Not just in terms of the interior trim, but when working on it, the way it has no corroded fasteners, the way things come apart and go back together easily, and the way everything seems massively over-engineered.
Downsides really are limited to steering lacking feel, and a choppy low speed ride. Handles tidily, but it's definitely not as involving as the Mondeo.
Loads about - go drive one and see what you think.
Mondeo would be a good choice as well. You could do a lot worse.
Cheers
DP
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Funnily enough the idea of a 2.5 Mondeo did cross my mind last night and I would indeed go for a Ghia (X) over an ST model as they're just too boy-racer (or is that man-racer?) for me. The only thing stopping me is the prospect of having a third Mondeo in a row...! But if I was to come across one and like it then who knows... some interesting suggestions so far, keep 'em coming :)
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Suggest looking at Autotrader on the net at any make/ model that comes to mind and you may get some inspiration, I did that that for an hour or so and my original target of a diesel ended in getting a 3.2 petrol! but very exciting...............
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You sound like just the kind of guy I'd get along with Barney!
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Just got myself a 2.2 petrol Signum. Cheap as chips. Goes well enough and remarkably frugal. 36mpg. They use this engine in quite a few Vauxhalls. Suspect it won't stand as much abuse as my old Mondeo diesel mind.
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First off - don't spend £2.5k - no need, horrible amount.
off the wall - Mazda Xedos 6.
eg: tinyurl.com/57m732
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First off - don't spend £2.5k - no need horrible amount. off the wall - Mazda Xedos 6. eg: tinyurl.com/57m732
>>
The car in the link is a Xedos 9 - 2.5 ltr V6 turbo
A Xedos 6 is either a 2 ltr V6( up to 1999) or a 1600cc (91-96)
I have the Xedos 6 - bought 1 yr old in 1999 and has been exemplary - odd repair - roll bar bushes, disks, exhaust but otheriwse faultless.
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The Xedos in link is 2.5 normal engine -- The Xedos 9 Miller is 2.3 Supercharged and if you get a good one a stunning engine ---- they have known problems namely valve seals leaking at surprisingly low mileage ---- mine had 60k on it when I bought it and seals leaked then --- puff of smoke on startup but I have never needed to top oil up so isn't serious yet -- other problem is rocker cover seals to spark plug cavities some of my plugs are sitting in pool of oil -- when it all packs up the car will be scrapped --- it rev's like a scalded cat to red line is quiet and much smoother than my old 626 V6 ---- fuel is 25/28mpg and are on Autotrader for anything from £900 to£3k ---- considering they were £26k in 1999 and my old Mondeo V6 was £19k in 1998 they are missing a few of luxuries -ie heated seats and steering wheel only goes in and out --- no up and down?? --- The Mondeo was a more complete car but Mazda has more presence and is bigger and wider --- the Mondeo of that era has head gasket problems.
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How about a top of the range Omega Elite. Either 3.0 or 3.2 if you're lucky. 210BHP or 217BHP. Great cars.
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Haha I've been waiting for that one :) It's very much near the top of my own list, I really don't care how much of a 27 year old grandad it'll make me look. Looking at the figures seems the 3.2 which I think is only available in automatic is just a little TOO thirsty. Seems to be loads of 2.2's out there at nice prices but I don't think that'll quite cut it, especially if it's auto, but the 2.5's and upwards I will be looking out for.
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Quite a while ago I had a 2.5 Cavalier and my best mate had an Omega 3.0 Elite at the same time and the 3.0 litre engine is noticeably better. You can get Omega 3.0MV6s that are manual but these aren't usually the full Elite spec iirc. The Elite's are most commonly 4 speed autos (don't know if they ever got 5 speeds?). Loads of toys, incredibly comfortable, fast and nice to drive. Great cars for the money.
Good luck with your hunt.
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Thankyou,
Indeed, and there's a fair few of the pre-facelift model around, but to be honest I think they're hideous and would only go for a 2000-on version.
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how about a nice xj sport or xj8. great ride and lovely inside
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Nice car the Omega. I've had 2 of 'em. Just part ex'd it a couple of months ago- it was a silver 52 plate 2.6 CDX -in fact its currently on the autotrader for 2795. It was absolutely bob on. Darent confess how little it part -exd for!
Be prepared for 20 mpg though. 32 mpg on a run. Not uber fast really, more of a cruiser but not under powered like the 2.0/2.2 as they are heavy cars and have really heavy doors. Any one thats had one will know!:-)
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How about...A Mitsubishi Galant?
They look nice. And they're quite different too. I'm not sure how much parts prices are (could be expensive) but I remember being surprised at how cheap the 2.5's were when I last looked so surely they're even cheaper now?
tinyurl.com/6hgkyz
I know the quality (and prices!) of them seem to vary but if you keep your eyes peeled, looks like you could bag yourself quite a nice one.
Adam
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A-ha, that's an interesting one that hadn't yet crossed my mind! Bit more of a looker in a love it/hate kind of way (I love it) compared to the more indifferent or just plain bland looks of most of the others I'm considering so far, though might be difficult to find the right one in the timescale I'm looking at, but it's on the list now :)
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Does it have to be a saloon, Volvo C70 is very good value now. Cost a fortune when new, very well equipped, 240bhp in T5 form. Plenty in your price bracket.
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Another crazy idea (just tell me to shut up if you want to),
VW Passat 2.3 V5.
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Hmm I have to confess the C70 is a stunner for the money. Unfortunately though one of the boxes I'm hoping for this next car to tick is "Can two people sleep comfortably in the back with the seats down?" :D Seriously though, although I have somehow developed into the family taxi service, I'm keeping a relatively open mind and if I saw one and fell in love with it.... who knows?! Besides, once I start seeing those V6 fuel bills, Demon Taxis Ltd. may well become defunct anyway...
If the figures I've just read are correct, the Passat 1.8T is a pretty impressive proposition and there's more about than the V5, but I'm guessing it might be one of those cars you have to fight with to achieve the performance? And as for sleeping two in the back...
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Re the 1.8T engine. I had one in a Audi A4 for a while. Nice enough drive but thirstier than you would imagine. No real advantage over some bigger engines in that respect.
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