no not a new driver, my husband 20 years driving me 25 years so don't think we are at the top of the insurance bracket to be fair,

And the area well it's ok.

I see your point and yes we aren't loaded but then again not exactly on the streets either.

No we just prefer not to spend all our cash on a car, we would like a workhorse that gets us from A to B with the least expense and hassle possible.

Not really bothered what it is.

Take your point on the Mondeo had a 1.8 LX 10 odd years ago and was a great family car so may well take a look at those.

Was more interested in peoples opinions on whether the difference between a 2 k spend and a 4k spend is that apparant in that would it buy us significantly more reliability and value or is it better to buy cheaper and spend on repairs as and when.

Thanks

Whether the difference between a 2 k spend and a 4k spend is that apparant in that would it buy us significantly more reliability and value or is it better to buy cheaper and spend on repairs as and when.

I don't think it would be significant. Most people spend too much on buying a car, and scrimp on running costs. This is the wrong way round.

Ethan Edwards is absolutely right. A £1000 Mondeo is very likely to work. It can be very liberating to drive a car of low value because your liability is very low. Take out a decent break down policy and enjoy the stress free driving. If it doesn't work-throw it away and get something else!

A £4k car still needs consumables (brake pads/discs, tyres, oil changes exhaust etc) just as much as a £2k car.

The key to buying a cheap car is avoiding the temptation of trying to be clever and buying a car that appears undervalued.

I'd second the general advice you've been given.

One other slight consideration: Whilst Hyundais and Kias tend to be very reliable, if they DO need a part, there may be no 'alternative manufacturer' part available and you have to visit the Hyundai/Kia dealer, where the parts may not be that cheap, perhaps may not be immediately in stock , and is there such a dealer in a convenient location for you?

A Mondeo on the other hand can be taken to any old backstreet garage and they'll be able to see to it quickly and cheaply. Not that much is likely to go wrong anyway.

I happen to like Kias and Hyundais, but for budget motoring I always end up thinking the above, so have so far never taken the plunge!