Be brave buy what people are afraid of!

a BX Diesel Turbo for £200 did me for 25k over 2 years without drama, but it was a leap of faith and I did change the octopus in mid ownership. an enjoyable and rewarding job, but not if you have to pay somebody to do it!

Now I regret selling it in a fit of peek when I found a dribble of water from the water pump at 125k.

I always thought Mondy diesels were a bit flaky but there are plenty around and many are still used as mini cabs. Mind you I wouldn't hesitate to go for a petrol mondeo 1.8. Good cheap cars and reasonably easy to work on and easy to get spares.

"are the diesel versions of this car any good? (Mondeo II)"

Diesel engines in the Mondeo II come in two forms - the old fashioned TDDi ones and the more modern common rail TDCi ones. The latter are more sophisticated - basically quicker, more economical, and quieter. The advantage of the former is that you are less likely to be hit with a very large repair bill.

Citroen Xantia and Peugeot 406 diesels are also pretty reasonable - if you get one in good condition.

Edited by tyro on 19/03/2010 at 21:49

Definitely agree on condition.

all your diesel savings will be for nought the first time you get a bill.

Sometimes that 2.4 is the better bet. Depends on what you come across.

i know of someone in a similar position who has just bought a Vreg Peugeot estate 406 diesel.

he paid £500 for it + £200 for a service. although he needs to replace some parts of the suspension which will cost another 200 odd quid, it has no issues doing regular 500 mile round trips each weekend and will return the best part of 60mpg on a run. and has plenty of space that he needs being an estate.

iMo an absolute bargin of a car.

Edited by OldSkoOL on 23/03/2010 at 10:05