Mondeo thread - whats a good price point to get one?

bobert50

bobert50

bobert50

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I've not always spoken too highly of these as some will recall :p

Previously i think i'd just had a dig at these with the masses as they're so common.

However, lately i've been actually looking for a budget car between 1.5k and 3k to 'tide' me over until i can afford a mint ATR in a years time (perhaps :)). Its just recently occured to me that at this price point i'm finding it really difficult to find any other alternatives that compare to them for the same money, they seem to tick all the boxes i'm after including being easily spacious enough to fit my 6ft 8" frame in. They seem to make all alternatives look very "mickey mousey" which i suspect is why they come so highly recommended by a lot of members on here. What it all boils down to really is that i can't buy an inferior car just on the basis that its "not a mondeo".

What would be a good price point to get one? I've seen one thats on a 2ltr / ghia x (cream leather interior which looks quite nice i think), sony cd player jobby that some of them have etc etc with 101k on the clock (genuine motorway miles blah blah blah) for 3k. Is this pretty reasonable? By the way, what extras do you get with a ghia x over a ghia ?

Also, which petrol engine should i get if i was to get one? i only do 8k miles a year or so, so it'd be daft to get a diesel. Generally from what i've read before it seems people in the know favour the 2.0ltr ? am i right in thinking these don't have a cambelt to change?

Is there a certain price point thats a 'sweet' spot for getting a decent one atm? any weak points or things that are very common to go wrong? heard a few mentions of dodgy rear suspension.

Any suggestions / comments / feedback welcome.
 
I think Ghia X/Ghia comparison depends on what year it is?

The later ones (97-00)it was Ghia was "Luxury Trim" and Ghia X was "Top Spec Trim"

Earlier (93-96) both specs covered a series of engines, but the Ghia had a 1.8 in it, and Mid level trim, the Ghia X didnt have the 1.8 option and had luxury trim.

*edit* Wiki steal
 
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Malt_Vinegar said:
I think Ghia X/Ghia comparison depends on what year it is?

The later ones (97-00)it was Ghia was "Luxury Trim" and Ghia X was "Top Spec Trim"

Earlier (93-96) both specs covered a series of engines, but the Ghia had a 1.8 in it, and Mid level trim, the Ghia X didnt have the 1.8 option and had luxury trim.
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These are for the Mk2, and if that is indeed what your looking at then no way in hell should you be looking at £1.5k - £3k! £1.5 should be your absolute maximum with an aim of £1k for a goodun.

I just picked up a 1.8l Zetec on a T reg with 102,000 miles for £700.
 
Skeeter said:
These are for the Mk2, and if that is indeed what your looking at then no way in hell should you be looking at £1.5k - £3k! £1.5 should be your absolute maximum with an aim of £1k for a goodun.

I just picked up a 1.8l Zetec on a T reg with 102,000 miles for £700.
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There is no mention of Ghia X on the MK3 wiki, but after a quick google, it seems you are right :p
 
Malt_Vinegar said:
There is no mention of Ghia X on the MK3 wiki, but after a quick google, it seems you are right :p
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Dont worry, i jut got a little confused by the post.

£1.5-£3k is Mk3 money
Ghia and Ghia X are Mk2 trim levels.

The OP needs to clarify wether they are after a Mk2 or a Mk3.
 
bobert50 said:
Yea seems the most obvious difference in mk3's is the leather seats that come with ghia x's. I was just wondering what else.
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You also get bigger wheels and nicer external detailing. Inside you get the leather heated/cooled seats and probably some more elctronic toys. Shame they didn't do a ghia x equivalent without leather, I don't like leather so I'm forced to look at a lesser spec. Be carefull with the Ghia X it's becoming harder and harder to find a nice one as the 'word is out' the Zetec S is a good compromise.
 
Do the mk2 or mk3 mondeos have any competition when it comes to value for money at their price points?

I'm reluctant to go ultra cheap but i've seen a few 00/01 plate honda accord 2.0ltr / tiptronic/ cruise / air con etc sitting around the 2k area or so which may suit me as a 'lazy bulletproof car' for the year, other than that i've seen very little. Focus's seem pretty overpriced for what you get.
 
bobert50 said:
Do the mk2 or mk3 mondeos have any competition when it comes to value for money at their price points?

I'm reluctant to go ultra cheap but i've seen a few 00/01 plate honda accord 2.0ltr / tiptronic/ cruise / air con etc sitting around the 2k area or so which may suit me as a 'lazy bulletproof car' for the year, other than that i've seen very little. Focus's seem pretty overpriced for what you get.
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The Focus is definately over priced for what you get and it seems to be the way with a lot of similar sized cars. I really didn't want anything as big as a Mondeo but couldn't face paying the same money for a lesser car.

The accord is a very reliable option but quite expensive when compared to an equivalent mondeo and if anything does go wrong expect bigger bills as the Honda isn't quite as common as muck as the Mondeo.
 
[TW]Fox;11726133 said:
Cooled seats only on mid 03 onwards models.



Titanium is similar.
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I've only ever looked into the facelift models so didn't realise the cooled seats were an addition. Think I shall go for a Zetec or a Ghia they still have plenty of toys and all the essentials, the leather seats put me right off the Ghia X and the ride on the bigger wheels isn't great with a zetec s.
 
Strangest thread ever :confused:

Anyway finally in reply to the OP - you're looking at the right price point. As usual, the car to buy is the 2L, in the higher spec levels. I'd be looking to pay somewhere around £1.5 depending on condition for an 02 model. Check cambelt been done on schedule.

Unless of course you want the V6, which you should be able to buy for a decent chunk less.
 
therealnerd2 said:
Strangest thread ever :confused:

Anyway finally in reply to the OP - you're looking at the right price point. As usual, the car to buy is the 2L, in the higher spec levels. I'd be looking to pay somewhere around £1.5 depending on condition for an 02 model. Check cambelt been done on schedule.

Unless of course you want the V6, which you should be able to buy for a decent chunk less.
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What's strange about it? Seems perfectly reasonable to me...
 
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