No, no, for the love of god, no.
I'd go for a Mondeo over a Focus as you'll get a newer better specified car for the same money. Don't bother with that last Mondeo you posted, you can afford a MK3 so why settle for a MK2.
Another spec! £1000 - £1750.
- Thread starter Ahleckz
- Start date
I'd go for a Mondeo over a Focus as you'll get a newer better specified car for the same money. Don't bother with that last Mondeo you posted, you can afford a MK3 so why settle for a MK2.
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Err...
Restricting yourself to local postcodes is daft, always be prepared to travel to find a car, it gives you more options.
In an ideal World, but I'm scuppered at the moment as I don't have a car to get there and nor am I able to get a lift from anyone. So it would have to be a taxi or public transport job. I don't mind travelling around Glasgow, but it can't really be much further than a 20 mile radius from my post code.
There are probably 4 Mondeos which all look fine to me that I could go and see tomorrow. I'm just not sure if it's going to be too big of a car.
I'm moving up to the North East of Scotland for a month (but hopefully permanently) and will need a car. It's only going to be used for 5-10 mile trips daily and the odd two hour journey every other week or so.
Won't be earning a lot, so trying to find an economical car that will work and carry on without any work needing done.
Thus, I thought Ford and it looks as though I can afford an '02 Mondeo. Though as I don't know much about cars I don't want to buy a total shed.
This seems like a good buy though:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/postcode/g312rx/page/2/radius/20?logcode=p
I think a 1.8 would be the best bet for me and the mileage on that one is quite low so I think a phone call and a trip to see them tomorrow is in order! And the insurance is only £700 pa fully comp.
I'm moving up to the North East of Scotland for a month (but hopefully permanently) and will need a car. It's only going to be used for 5-10 mile trips daily and the odd two hour journey every other week or so.
Won't be earning a lot, so trying to find an economical car that will work and carry on without any work needing done.
Thus, I thought Ford and it looks as though I can afford an '02 Mondeo. Though as I don't know much about cars I don't want to buy a total shed.
This seems like a good buy though:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/postcode/g312rx/page/2/radius/20?logcode=p
I think a 1.8 would be the best bet for me and the mileage on that one is quite low so I think a phone call and a trip to see them tomorrow is in order! And the insurance is only £700 pa fully comp.
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That mondeo looks nice. Why would a car be too big though? Provided you can reach the pedals and fit it down side roads, I don't see the logic
Low mileage means you don't have to worry about fuel economy as the difference is so tiny. I'm doing maybe 40 miles a week at the moment in my accord - same size as the mondeo. It's probably using about 20 quid of fuel in a month. What's the point in sacrificing spec, comfort, practicality to save maybe a fiver a month?
Low mileage means you don't have to worry about fuel economy as the difference is so tiny. I'm doing maybe 40 miles a week at the moment in my accord - same size as the mondeo. It's probably using about 20 quid of fuel in a month. What's the point in sacrificing spec, comfort, practicality to save maybe a fiver a month?
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Just wasn't sure if a 1.8 is overkill, but like you said it's quite negligible with low mileage. And, the insurance on that isn't much more expensive than a small engined car.
Going to phone up in the morning, and see if I can go and see it.
What should I be looking for? (First time buying a car, and got no one to help!)
Going to phone up in the morning, and see if I can go and see it.
What should I be looking for? (First time buying a car, and got no one to help!)
Start by having a read of http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/mondeo-iii-2000/?section=bad
Whatever car you go see get it HPI checked, and if you feel the cost is justified maybe an AA or RAC check.
Quickly narrowed it down to a Focus or Mondeo. Cheap enough to run, but should still be fun enough to drive. Cheap to fix if something goes wrong. Fairly reliable and what not...
These are my four finalists, going to ring up tomorrow and see what's what.
Y Plate Focus.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/radius/20/page/2/postcode/g312rx?logcode=p
51 Plate Focus.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/radius/20/page/2/postcode/g312rx?logcode=p
Y Plate Mondeo.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/page/1/postcode/g312rx/radius/20?logcode=p
52 Plate Mondeo
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/page/1/postcode/g312rx/radius/20?logcode=p
If I'm honest, the 52 plate Mondeo would be my most wanted but I'm not sure what the MOT life is like and the low mileage and low price concerns me. Seems out of place though I think it's a private seller which may explain that?
Not sure if anyone is reading this, kinda using it to keep all my thoughts together! Though I welcome (and need!) advice.
Insurance is sub £800 on them all.
These are my four finalists, going to ring up tomorrow and see what's what.
Y Plate Focus.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/radius/20/page/2/postcode/g312rx?logcode=p
51 Plate Focus.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/radius/20/page/2/postcode/g312rx?logcode=p
Y Plate Mondeo.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/page/1/postcode/g312rx/radius/20?logcode=p
52 Plate Mondeo
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rd/page/1/postcode/g312rx/radius/20?logcode=p
If I'm honest, the 52 plate Mondeo would be my most wanted but I'm not sure what the MOT life is like and the low mileage and low price concerns me. Seems out of place though I think it's a private seller which may explain that?
Not sure if anyone is reading this, kinda using it to keep all my thoughts together! Though I welcome (and need!) advice.
Insurance is sub £800 on them all.
Try to find a 1.6 or 2.0 focus if you can - the 1.8 has the downsides of both, economy of the 2.0 and speed of the 1.6 but none of the upsides. You'll find they're normally cheaper because of this.
The 1.8 in the Mondeo isnt too popular either, its a tad underpowered but not too bad. I'd rather a 2.0 though
The 52 plate Zetec looks good to me - Zetec is a nicer spec than LX although its mostly cosmetic improvements. It is a trade seller though, according to the advert?
Another one to consider if you're thinking about Mondeos is the Accord, if you can cope with the image. I got mine a few months ago, a 2001 with 80k miles, 1.8 but top of the range spec with heated leather, climate etc for 1500. Its an older generation than the Mk3 Mondeo, more comparable to the Mk2 but they're good cars. Dull as ditchwater but it serves a purpose!
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=17359599&postcount=7620
The 1.8 in the Mondeo isnt too popular either, its a tad underpowered but not too bad. I'd rather a 2.0 though
The 52 plate Zetec looks good to me - Zetec is a nicer spec than LX although its mostly cosmetic improvements. It is a trade seller though, according to the advert?
Another one to consider if you're thinking about Mondeos is the Accord, if you can cope with the image. I got mine a few months ago, a 2001 with 80k miles, 1.8 but top of the range spec with heated leather, climate etc for 1500. Its an older generation than the Mk3 Mondeo, more comparable to the Mk2 but they're good cars. Dull as ditchwater but it serves a purpose!
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=17359599&postcount=7620
Ghia is the top level is it not (now Titanium)? That's beyond my budget, unless I drop down to an older car and more mileage I reckon. I'm from Scotland, I can handle the cold in the winter!
Ah, cheers iaind. I wasn't sure about the Accord. I have no issues with image. I just need a car that'll serve the purpose that I need! I will have a look and see if it's another option.
Will search for a 1.6. I thought that a 2.0 would just be too expensive to keep going really, and insurance would be more. Will keep looking though!
Ah, cheers iaind. I wasn't sure about the Accord. I have no issues with image. I just need a car that'll serve the purpose that I need! I will have a look and see if it's another option.
Will search for a 1.6. I thought that a 2.0 would just be too expensive to keep going really, and insurance would be more. Will keep looking though!
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The 2.0 wont cost you any more than the 1.8 in the Focus, possibly in insurance but I cant imagine it will be much more.
Dont look at accords for more than £1500, but they are still worth considering I reckon. The VTEC engines are pretty decent, nice and quiet and reliable. I'm averaging mid 30s mpg out of mine, although thats probably droped now I'm using it less and mostly around town. They dont look quite so geriatric in a better colour either
Dont look at accords for more than £1500, but they are still worth considering I reckon. The VTEC engines are pretty decent, nice and quiet and reliable. I'm averaging mid 30s mpg out of mine, although thats probably droped now I'm using it less and mostly around town. They dont look quite so geriatric in a better colour either
Two Accords:
HONDA ACCORD 2.0i VTEC SE 5dr Hatchback, £1100. W Reg. 103,000 miles.
HONDA ACCORD 1.8I VTEC S 5DR, £1295, X Reg. 95,742 miles.
I was trying to keep it below 100,000 miles but I understand Hondas pretty much keep going on and on? So maybe the 2.0 is worth a shout because of the price? (Private Seller too). MOTed until July too... Insurance is £997 though.
HONDA ACCORD 2.0i VTEC SE 5dr Hatchback, £1100. W Reg. 103,000 miles.
HONDA ACCORD 1.8I VTEC S 5DR, £1295, X Reg. 95,742 miles.
I was trying to keep it below 100,000 miles but I understand Hondas pretty much keep going on and on? So maybe the 2.0 is worth a shout because of the price? (Private Seller too). MOTed until July too... Insurance is £997 though.
Worth a look at the first one. Although none of them are basic, all have air con etc - the SE is just a bit nicer.
Dont get caught up on mileage, you want to be looking at average over its life - that's done 10k a year which is spot on really. So long as it's in good condition and has been serviced properly then it's no more of a risk than anything else really - that applies to any car. Mine was lower than average mileage and it has a slightly iffy clutch - I doubt thats a coincidence.
Dont get caught up on mileage, you want to be looking at average over its life - that's done 10k a year which is spot on really. So long as it's in good condition and has been serviced properly then it's no more of a risk than anything else really - that applies to any car. Mine was lower than average mileage and it has a slightly iffy clutch - I doubt thats a coincidence.