My dilemma: a 1997 Lexus GS 300 with 80,000 miles against a 18 month old Ford Mondeo LX hatchback with 12000 miles. Both are automatic, both are from main dealers and both are a whisker under £10K (prior to some good,hard negotiation, of course). Strange bed-fellows, I know, but they are a result of an exhaustive search looking for a vehicle with excellent front leg room and comfortable seats. The Mondeo has marginally the larger cabin all around. With a hatchback it is undoubtedly the more practical, insurance is around £200 cheaper and day to day running costs should prove lower. However, a used Lexus will be prepared to `as new` standards and will have an excellent warranty and dealer back up. Numerous satisfaction surveys suggest I will enjoy Lexus ownership far more than Ford. That said, the motoring press generally agree that the current Mondeo is an excellent vehicle and far better than many `luxury` competitors. As with all things automotive, the ultimate issue - and the biggest cost - is going to be depreciation.
So, what would you do??
|
My money and given the choice Lexus every time.Mondeo good enough car but the Lexus is just a different league again.If you havent yet had a proper drive in them both,do it,then you will see.Without wishing to do a diservice to the Ford dealer im sure you will get better service etc from the Lexus dealer.
|
|
Did you try the Audi A8? Big, light, quick and quiet. The 2.8 has nothing mechanically too exotic to worry about, nearly as good as the 4.2, both great cars. For your budget you should be looking at an S/T plate but you must buy through auction or an auction buyer, the trade/retail spread is huge on A8s.
PB.
|
And the reason for that?Nothing to do with punitive reconditioning costs.
|
|
I would NOT buy a used Audi A8: they are not as reliable as Japanese and the repair costs for anything are horrendous: and they will occur. (and bodywork repairs!and the word barge comes to mind for the styling!)
Lexus/Mondeo.. Matter of choice. If low mileage motoring is your scene, take the Lexus, high take the Mondeo for lower day to day running costs. As for depreciation a 6 year old Mondeo is an also ran, an 11 year old well maintained Lexus is saleable.
If you want to be anonymous Mondeo, standout Lexus.
Which will fit your garage and local parking spaces might be relevant.
Despiet Ford's good reputation , Toyota are supreme as far as longevity and reliability.
madf
|
Low mileage + 3 litre high power engine which will therefore never be used properly? Hmm.
If you don't do too low mileage, the Lexus. Probably not much difference in running costs if you factor in reliability.
|
For me, this is a no-brainer.
The Ford handles well (but probably not a lot better than the Lexus). However the Lexus wins on every other count (reliability, equipment, pride of ownership, resale value, dealership care, stereo)
Peter
PS SWMBO's last comment on cars was, "when we next change, can we have another Lexus, please?"
|
Lexus v. Mondeo = Mohammed Ali v. Buster Douglas !
Hope that helps :-)
|
So what sort of car would Frank Bruno be then?
Something with loads of character, but not really up for the job (and it has to be British).
|
Rover 820 fastback ? Looked good but .......
|
|
|
I had a similar dilemna when buying my 6 month old Mondeo II. I had driven a Merc 190E for ages and for my new car was seriously considering either a Merc E Class (95M plate 60k main dealer) or a used, new shape BMW 5 series.
In the end I was seduced by a virtually brand new car that drives and handles extremely well, has 12k service intervals and comes with a 2 year warranty
With the older prestige car it will need fixing sooner at main dealer rates. Plus MB services every 6k are a pain
If you've not yet driven the new Mondeo try it
|
The Lexus definately, ford auto's are renowned for being rubbish
|
Surely to give the Mondeo an equal chance in this you would have to try the 2.5 Ghia X and not an LX?
Cannot comment on Ford autobox
|
Why noy save a few grand and buy a Camry???
|
Because, as he stated in the opening message these two models are the result of an extensive search for cars that met certain criteria relating to Slender's physique. I think we can safely assume that the Camry doesn't meet these specific requirements.
Matthew Kelly
No, not that one.
|
|
|
|
|
Gotta be the Lexus. The Ford will continue to depreciate like a stone, the Lexus has already taken the biggest hit. Which would you or SWMBO rather be seen in? How much time will the Lexus spend in the workshop? And the Mondeo?
I had a new company Mondeo (97-01 model), which drove nicely, comfortable enough, but lacked that je ne sais quoi. I now drive a Saab 9-5, ex-company, picked up at two & a half years old for a third of the new price....quality will out!
I think you've probably decided....
|
Although the Lexus is a far better car, I would be inclined to say that if you cannot afford a lower mileage Lexus, then take the Mondeo. The warranty will take care of the car for a couple of years, plus it wont cost megabucks to repair. 80'000 miles will ensure there will be a few components in need of replacement, and i'm sure they will not be cheap.
If your happy to keep the cheque book handy and deal with the higher running costs of the Lexus then there is no competition from a Mondeo.
|
|
|