Mondeo - £4K family car

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Thu 6 May 2010 21:45
Mondeo - £4K family car - Mick68

I am returning to motoring after 7 years (no,not D&D) and i'm looking to spend £4K on a 'sunday drive' family car. My head says a Mondeo but i want to treat myself and the car won't be relied on for commuting so day to day running is not an issue. I am tempted by an '01 BMW 525, an '02 Jag x-type or an '01 Audi A4 for the same money. I am aware of the pro's and cons of the models as they stand but my very specific question is, out of these 3, which is the best (and which is the worst) for parts and servicing prices, bearing in mind i will be fully comp as far as any bodywork parts are concerned. Thanks in adavance for any help at all.

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Thu 6 May 2010 23:10
Mondeo - £4K family car - Avant

I can see that you'd like something that feels more special than a Mondeo - good though that car is - but I wonder if something different but less obviously upmarket might fit the bill?

Think about Volvo S60, Honda Accord, Mazda 626/6, or even Rover 75 / MG ZT - you'd get a newer one of any of these for your £4,000 than the ones you mention.

Worth a thought?

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Thu 6 May 2010 23:49
Mondeo - £4K family car - Boggy

As a Mondeo owner (past 2 cars also Mondys), I can't praise them enough. A lot of motor for your money, fit and finish on a par with the Audi A4, good running costs, lovely drive.

X Type is a Mondeo with a picture of a cat stuck on the front, Rover 75, watch the coolant level / head gasket!

Don't let me influence your decision though......

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Fri 7 May 2010 15:55
Mondeo - £4K family car - Mick68

Thanks. I did look at the mazda 6, they are quite rare if you need the TS2 to get the same equipment level as the other cars i've mentioned. The BMW, Jag and Audi (and maybe saab (in that order) are the ones that are really keeping me awake at night, and thats what it all about isn't it ? I have had 2 mondeos already and i'm now well into my mid life crysis you see. I just really need to know which of these 3 are the best and worst for parts. Thanks guys

Edited by Mick68 on 07/05/2010 at 15:58

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Fri 7 May 2010 21:29
Mondeo - £4K family car - sandy56

I have a mk3 Mondeo 2.5 v6 Ghia x 2004 with all the toys , its a good car and very roomy. It has been quite expenisve to run with a few big/expensive repairs, but now it seems fault free so touch wood....

My wife a BMW 318I 2002- its a nice car to drive not as roomy as the Mondeo obviously, but its economical and so far without fault this last 18 months.

If I had a choice again I think I would go for the BMW 525- almost as big as the Mondeo and rear wheel drive.. go for it.

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Sat 8 May 2010 12:20
Mondeo - £4K family car - corax

I would say the best for parts is the BMW. If you are going to a main dealer for parts and servicing though be prepared to have deep pockets. Much better to go to an independent as these cars are fairly easy to work on from a mechanics point of view. And parts can be had much cheaper from somewhere like German and Swedish or Eurocarparts.

I would say that a 3 series will be cheaper to run than a 5 series as the suspension is less complex, the car is lighter (5 series eat shocks and bushes), and simpler. Something to consider on a £4000 budget.

The Audi is OK but won't be as nice as the BMW to drive, and parts and servicing will be more expensive than the BMW. Audi don't reduce their parts prices for older cars, making it difficult to run them long term on a budget.

I can't comment on the X type, havn't owned one!

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Sat 8 May 2010 12:57
Mondeo - £4K family car - Mick68

Thanks Corax you've hit the nail on the head for me. and thanks to everyone else that posted

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