Mondeo-sized car for £3k

Saytan · 24 Jun 2010 at 11:11

cristi said:
blah blah. typycal OMG vauxhall, go buy a focus/mondeo.

while I do agree that if pushed really hard the mondeo would handle sharply, does it really matters on this type of car? We're talking rather big diesel cars with around 130bhp, if you're buying one to push it hard around corners every day then you're looking at the wrong car.

we're not comparing a vectra b with an elise here, we're comparing a vectra c with a mondeo, in everyday driving there won't be any bloody difference at all in terms of cornering ability. Heck even if pushed hard, the difference will be barely noticeable. there's plenty vectras 1.9cdti's to choose from, have a look around, sit in and test drive one, it's a car with great value for money in this price bracket.

why buy something that isnt the best available within the parameters set?

and incidentally, my focus is loads better than my friend's Audi A3 in regular driving because it has steering feel...

Rojin · 24 Jun 2010 at 14:58

Saytan said:
why buy something that isnt the best available within the parameters set?

and incidentally, my focus is loads better than my friend's Audi A3 in regular driving because it has steering feel...

Because perhaps the difference isn't all that? I've driven both and neither are drivers cars per se (standard not peformance models), you can easily make the decision based on what you prefer from driving them both, be it looks, space or functionality. Unless your looking at a sports model there really isn't that much to choose between them. We've got a '59 plate Mondeo now and whilst it has loads of room and is great as a famliy car I can't wait to get back in the MG or Alfa for a bit of fun

a1ex2001 · 24 Jun 2010 at 15:46

cristi said:
blah blah. typycal OMG vauxhall, go buy a focus/mondeo.

while I do agree that if pushed really hard the mondeo would handle sharply, does it really matters on this type of car? We're talking rather big diesel cars with around 130bhp, if you're buying one to push it hard around corners every day then you're looking at the wrong car.

we're not comparing a vectra b with an elise here, we're comparing a vectra c with a mondeo, in everyday driving there won't be any bloody difference at all in terms of cornering ability. Heck even if pushed hard, the difference will be barely noticeable. there's plenty vectras 1.9cdti's to choose from, have a look around, sit in and test drive one, it's a car with great value for money in this price bracket.

It's hardly OMG don't but a Vectra they are rubish though is it?

If you read what I said I've clearly stated that for motorway driving the Vectra is probably the better car but I've then said from a driving perspective the Mondeo is better (Yes I used a comical exageration but it was pretty obviously tongue in cheek). I've driven both over long distances and I'd definately take a Mondeo if it was my money, given that both cars cost pretty much the same there is no reason to buy a Vectra. I've also got no idea why everyone is suggesting a diesel the OP wants a 35MPG car which a 2 litre petrol will give.

Participant · 24 Jun 2010 at 15:51

Saytan said:
why buy something that isnt the best available within the parameters set?

and incidentally, my focus is loads better than my friend's Audi A3 in regular driving because it has steering feel...

Why do you need or want steering feel in a shopping trolley? They're not track cars you know. I'll take the comfort, refinement, relaxation and feeling of quality of an A3 (assuming not S-Line) over a Focus any day.

monkey_boy · 24 Jun 2010 at 17:17

ubersonic said:
Tried a Mondeo?, I know its been said but still, its a very valid point

Yes it's the front runner but I just wondered what other options there were and what the drawbacks were when compared to a mondeo.

a1ex2001 said:
the vectra is actually probably a nicer car than a MKIII mondeo if you only drive it at 70+ in a straight line, less wind noise and slightly smoother ride. However if you ever go round corners your better off with a Mondeo!

I'll suggest he at least gives them a try then thanks. What is the Vectra equivalent to the Ghia X?

iaind · 24 Jun 2010 at 18:16

monkey_boy said:
Yes it's the front runner but I just wondered what other options there were and what the drawbacks were when compared to a mondeo.

I'll suggest he at least gives them a try then thanks. What is the Vectra equivalent to the Ghia X?

Ghia X is the desirable option, so the vectra equivalent would be... Not owning a vectra

Spamalot · 25 Jun 2010 at 08:42

iaind said:
Not owning a vectra

Oh, you just sold it didn't you?

The best Vectra model is the one with the SAAB 9-3 AREO pack.

iaind · 25 Jun 2010 at 09:09

I have yeah. But I kind of had that coming anyway

fullspizz · 25 Jun 2010 at 10:03

I've got a 2003 Ghia X tdci.
Nice enough car, few rattles from the parcel shelf, but that's to be expected at 110k miles.
Plenty of feedback from the steering and I manage about 47mpg mixed driving.
I drove a work colleagues Vectra (diesel) and there wasn't as much "feel" through the steering wheel, plus it was pretty bland inside.

I got mine last February and paid just over 3 grand for it.
It's since cost me new disks and pads and a new backbox. Thats it.

EddScott · 25 Jun 2010 at 10:41

mjt said:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1806467.htm

Good MPG, fully loaded, stunning looks.

Is this the going price for one of these? Wifey would probably fancy something like this.

Saytan · 28 Jun 2010 at 13:52

Robbie G said:
Why do you need or want steering feel in a shopping trolley? They're not track cars you know. I'll take the comfort, refinement, relaxation and feeling of quality of an A3 (assuming not S-Line) over a Focus any day.

steering feel will save your life one day.

in all seriousness, steering feel is the car telling you what's going on under the tyres. driving without it is horrible....