Best used car on a budget?

RastaManBob · 17 Jul 2013 at 11:26

Hello!

Around 3-4 years ago when I was pursuing the answer to the same question (per the thread subject) it was a real easy answer - Anything below the £3k mark seemed to be answered with 'Ford Mondeo'. At that time I took the advice and purchasing a Ford Mondeo MK2 (X-registered) for around £1300. It's been a great car but it is aging and following it's recent MOT I will be replacing the car - Whether I do that immediately or within the year is to be decided (see other thread).

So; faced with the same question now is there 'the' car which is recommended in the same way the Ford Mondeo was a few years ago? I'd like a similar car but not too sure where to start. The Ford Mondeo was always recommended for it's value for money - Low price, good extras (for the age) and common leading to cheaper parts and repairs.

So, given this, what's the best used car on a budget this time around?

Thanks.

rossk26 · 17 Jul 2013 at 11:36

Seems not much has changed in the past 4 years

Ford Mondeo

Manbatius · 17 Jul 2013 at 12:24

rossk26 said:
Seems not much has changed in the past 4 years

Ford Mondeo

This tbh, I guess the question is if the car is too similar or not.
I would suggested looking for one in your price range and perhaps see the difference in specification between yours and the potential replacement. Then perhaps a test drive!

RastaManBob · 17 Jul 2013 at 12:28

davey36 said:
This tbh, I guess the question is if the car is too similar or not.
I would suggested looking for one in your price range and perhaps see the difference in specification between yours and the potential replacement. Then perhaps a test drive!

I do not mind similar, just newer - I'm at the point where I'm considering the costs of keeping the MK2 running. I'll have a look at what is available MK3 onwards and get an idea of prices. I definitely have some research to do as I do not know what trim level to look for (it was simple enough with the MK2, Ghia/Ghia X).

GravyMonster · 17 Jul 2013 at 12:50

£3k should get you a nice facelifted ~06. Avoid the diesels, but that goes without saying

*ninja*
Here you go...

jakehall109 · 17 Jul 2013 at 14:22

Fords, simple as

Focus, Mondeo cheap cars to run and repair and can buy them for peanuts with a years MOT etc

Confused · 17 Jul 2013 at 14:37

Still the same advice - 2.0 petrol Mondeo.

therealnerd2 · 17 Jul 2013 at 15:02

I'd definitely consider the Focus too

paulspounds · 17 Jul 2013 at 15:58

rossk26 said:
Ford Mondeo

Yep.. Everyday!

[TW]Fox · 17 Jul 2013 at 19:47

therealnerd2 said:
I'd definitely consider the Focus too

I wouldnt bother, there is no reason to buy a Focus over a Mondeo unless you 'dont want a Mondeo sized car'. The Mondeo is simply better in every way and better value, too. It's typically cheaper than the same age Focus.