5k for a family car, safe and reliable etc.

Hedge · 16 Aug 2019 at 19:51

We recently had a baby and are looking to buy a car to replace my old Mondeo that is kicked to hell.

I regularly transport a mountain bike and also our dog will occasionally go in the car.

I have a desire to own a Volvo but I'm open to anything similar.

Annual mileage of around 17-20k.

Could push to £5.5k if necessary.

What should I consider?

Nasher · 16 Aug 2019 at 20:11

A Mazda 5 has lots of space for about that price. Sliding rear doors also which is really nice in car parks

MissChief · 16 Aug 2019 at 20:41

What about another Mondeo? 2.2 Diesel Estate? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908101002096

Hedge · 16 Aug 2019 at 20:55

MissChief said:
What about another Mondeo? 2.2 Diesel Estate? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908101002096

That's actually a nice example.

My current mondeo is a mk3 estate. 2.0tdci.

Only worry I'd have is the likely dmf around 100k if its anything like mine.

blueboy2001 · 16 Aug 2019 at 22:22

Best Mk4/4.5 Mondeo you can find. Finding a good one is tricky, they weren't overproduced in the same way the Mk3 was.

The Volvo would presumably have to be an Estate as they only do the V40 as a hatch. The V60 is more Focus sized so you may find it a bit small compared to a Mondeo, the V70 is bigger but they tend to hold their value quite well. The 2.4 D5 is decent but they tend to chew front suspension components up because they're a big heavy car.

The most reliable and economical Volvo's are said to be the Euro 3 184BHP D5's, but they're all about 15 years old now.

kissenger · 16 Aug 2019 at 23:28

Used ix35 for around £5k? Spacious, safe, decent boot.

Hedge · 17 Aug 2019 at 21:41

MissChief said:
What about another Mondeo? 2.2 Diesel Estate? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908101002096

Think I'm going to enquire about this car tomorrow. Any advice?

MissChief · 17 Aug 2019 at 22:45

Hedge said:
Think I'm going to enquire about this car tomorrow. Any advice?

Forget mileage, look at condition and service history. MOT history shows some concerns about front suspension:

Nearside Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Offside Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

and it was MOT'd in November so it might be worth doing some speed bumps and tight turns (where safe) to make sure there are no knocks or grumbles.

Hedge · 17 Aug 2019 at 23:31

MissChief said:
Forget mileage, look at condition and service history. MOT history shows some concerns about front suspension:

Nearside Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

and it was MOT'd in November so it might be worth doing some speed bumps and tight turns (where safe) to make sure there are no knocks or grumbles.

Thanks for info.

Just been looking and this one looks decent too.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908080947861?atmobcid=soc3

Might be better going for the 2.0 too to save me a bit fuel.

ninezerofive · 18 Aug 2019 at 00:38

As long as it's Toyota you can't go wrong.

blueboy2001 · 18 Aug 2019 at 09:12

The 2.2 manual fuel consumption isn't that much greater than the 2.0 in the earlier Mk4's.

The later 2.2 200PS Autos are thirsty, they're not much better than the 2.0 EcoBoost IRL.

Phemo · 18 Aug 2019 at 09:18

I had a Mondeo 2.2 diesel, 200ps. Liked the car a lot but fuel economy was dire. I actually had to put effort in to get mpg in the low 40s on a journey that was almost entirely motorway. A petrol can manage that so it kind of negated most of the point of diesel in my view. I’d definitely get the 2.0 over the 2.2 since you do a reasonable mileage each year.