yep they have potential to throw some epic bills up, our Mondeo has just swallowed up £500 in consumables this morning and nudging on towards £1500 for the month.
that said its absolutely hammered and covers 10k miles a month as a taxi so slightly harder use than most cars would see.
in fairness theres not a lot between the vw 2l tdis and fords, both can offer good mpg good performance and some eyewatering bills. the Vauxhalls on the other hand I wouldn't touch having had 2 in our hands over the years the insignias are far too soft and don't take high miles well.
skoda superb is an excellent shout if you can find one you like in budget its probably one of the comfiest taxis I've had the pleasure of using.
but out of the 2 above get the Mondeo.
potential problems to watch out for
rear trailing arm bushes - used to be an expensive job but you can now get the bushes separate got a pair for £35 each fitted them in under an hour, no longer the £600 bill it used to be.
clutches and flywheels are not a major issue certainly no worse than any other modern turbo diesel. although if your looking at one with more miles and hence slightly newer try and get one that has had this replaced- saves you a hefty bill (budget around 6-700 for clutch flywheel and slave)
consumables. brakes are cheap (just did my front and rear discs and pads for sub £200 all round with genuine ford parts. pattern stuff is peanuts front arms can be a touch pricey if you go genuine again quality stuff like lemforder can be had for £85 a side so not end of the world either.
servicing is standard fare its a stock 2l Peugeot diesel so nothing untoward although be warned if your doing it yourself the oil filter housing is a right pita to access as its buried under the throttle body.
cruise and BT is pretty much standard across the range. as is aircon and heated front windscreen.
currently spending my days battering up and down the m6 in a 2l tdci Mondeo and returning a solid 58-60mpg day in day out
this looks a good buy and within budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...anual/maximum-age/up_to_3_years_old?logcode=p
although you can afford to be picky theres millions of the bleeding things out there
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