£2.5-£3k...which car?

Phil W · 21 Sep 2008 at 10:45

206 is up for sale and pending its sale, i'll have around £3k to spend on a new car.

Main reason for selling the 206 was size, with a GF and little girl to cater for, the 206 just didn't cut it for space.

I've been looking at Mondeos mainly, but if anyones got any suggestions please fire them at me

I've seen quite a few MK3's in my price range, but what trim level is best to go for?

Phil.

Aod · 21 Sep 2008 at 10:47

get a Soviet UAZ-469

Howard · 21 Sep 2008 at 10:52

Phil W said:
I've been looking at Mondeos mainly

Need we say more?

Ghia or Ghia X is probably the one you'd want to be looking for

paradigm · 21 Sep 2008 at 10:53

In MK3 form, I think even Zetec trim is worth looking at.

However, I have a strange feeling that a Mondeo isn't really the kind of car for you.

mattpc · 21 Sep 2008 at 12:55

Xsara VTS? Maybe an Accord?

Puzzled · 21 Sep 2008 at 13:16

You could get a fully kitted out MG ZT for £3k.

Bit more interesting than a Mondeo but will cost a bit more to run.

Phate · 21 Sep 2008 at 13:34

MonkeyMan said:
You could get a fully kitted out MG ZT for £3k.

Bit more interesting than a Mondeo but will cost a bit more to run.

Correct

- And if that's too big theres always the ZS.

Although, for a gf and baby girl it may be too bumpy and harsh tbh...

Phil W · 21 Sep 2008 at 16:29

Phate said:
Correct - And if that's too big theres always the ZS.

Although, for a gf and baby girl it may be too bumpy and harsh tbh...

They have lived with -50mm on the 206 since Feb, i'm sure in standard form its not going to bother them

Main idea in changing now is space and comfort, probably getting old before my time, but i suppose peoples priorities change

MK3 Mondy does sound/look good to me, and dare i say it, so does the MGZS (Saloon)

pitchfork · 21 Sep 2008 at 16:51

You buy an mgzs you are getting old before your time for sure. Ie. you're buying an old persons car.

get a mondy if you must get a "family car"

Phil W · 21 Sep 2008 at 17:01

pitchfork said:
You buy an mgzs you are getting old before your time for sure. Ie. you're buying an old persons car.

get a mondy if you must get a "family car"

Seems a bit of a daft statement to make, but each to their own

Phate · 21 Sep 2008 at 17:04

pitchfork said:
You buy an mgzs you are getting old before your time for sure. Ie. you're buying an old persons car

There have been some ridiculous statements on these forums but that's up there with the best

Scottland · 21 Sep 2008 at 17:13

Maybe a MK3 Mondeo in Zetec-S trim? If you can find one that is.

Phil W · 21 Sep 2008 at 17:55

The Zetec-S are nice, but i dont think the 2.5 V6 would be a good option in terms of tax etc.

Just been offered a swap with a BMW 520SE on a W plate, seems in good condition but i'm guessing a 520 struggles to pull its own weight?

Sone · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:06

the newer 170bph 520i is okay, the older 150bph is pants. (they switched over somewhere near 2000)

Fox will probably come along abd tell you why its pointless

Phil W · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:10

Its on a W plate (2000) and is a pre-facelift (i think), heres a picture...

Sone · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:14

its pre facelift as facelift se's had colour coded bump strips.

It will be 150bhp and pants

Phil W · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:15

Thought as much

Repta · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:37

Sone said:
its pre facelift as facelift se's had colour coded bump strips.

It will be 150bhp and pants

just curious is that compared to other bmw's or to cars such as mondeo etc tht are availible with that budget?

Howard · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:45

It won't be "pants" it'll be a nice, comfy, well built family car. You're not looking to win drag races with the family in tow, are you?

[TW]Fox · 21 Sep 2008 at 18:51

I would buy a Mondeo over a prefacelift E39 520i.

I am the worlds biggest E39 fanboy, so if I wouldnt buy one over a Mondeo neither should you

It's not the sort of car you buy to make a good cheap family car becuase you'll be constantly paying out to keep it running. It would be hard to justify the expense both in your position and for a 150bhp 520i.

And unless its emptying the owners bank balance every month why on earth would anyone with half a brain swap one for a 206? Nobody would, so the guy is either stupid (And dont buy cars owned by stupid people) or there is something rather wrong with it.