Replace the last of the OCUK Mondeos!

Soldato
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Way back in 2008 I followed the then prevailing forum trend of buying a Mondeo which has served me incredibly well. Sadly it has now reached its 20th Birthday and age is taking its toll on this once magnificent machine!

So the question is what should I replace it with? What is the best bang for buck family car on the market? I’m looking for something similar in size to the Mondeo that can be used for long family trips with my two fast growing boys which is also able to carry all the gear, bikes etc that they are amassing! Budget is around 10k, I’m not a brand snob just looking for something comfortable and reliable.
 
Way back in 2008 I followed the then prevailing forum trend of buying a Mondeo which has served me incredibly well. Sadly it has now reached its 20th Birthday and age is taking its toll on this once magnificent machine!

So the question is what should I replace it with? What is the best bang for buck family car on the market? I’m looking for something similar in size to the Mondeo that can be used for long family trips with my two fast growing boys which is also able to carry all the gear, bikes etc that they are amassing! Budget is around 10k, I’m not a brand snob just looking for something comfortable and reliable.
Another Mondeo guy here. Other than lack of a bit more power the Mondeo does everything for me. Mine is a 59 plate hatchback. If I wasn't brand conscious I would look for a Mondeo estate (for the bikes) or a Skoda Superb estate.

Examples below,
Skoda Superb

BMW 520d Touring

E Class Estate


Ford Mondeo Estate

 
Feels a bit small and I’m not convinced by the value in second hand Skodas they seem to hold the value a little to well for my liking!
Probably more just the way things are at the moment. Most popular cars are all going to be overpriced, but things are starting to get better since the COVID weirdness with second hand cars.
 
Another Mondeo guy here. Other than lack of a bit more power the Mondeo does everything for me. Mine is a 59 plate hatchback. If I wasn't brand conscious I would look for a Mondeo estate (for the bikes) or a Skoda Superb estate.

Examples below,
Skoda Superb

BMW 520d Touring

E Class Estate


Ford Mondeo Estate

I can’t fault my Mondeo it’s only thrown one big bill in the time I’ve owned it and that was the classic dual
Mass fly wheel, touchwood the injectors have been fine so far!

Superb and Mondeo are very much in my list but was wandering if there was better value in something a bit less popular.
 
Superb will have the best rear leg room for your growing boys. Alternatively, look at SUVs like the Kia Sorento/Hyundai Santa Fe?
 
A newer Mondeo, love my 16 plate Mk5 be keeping it until it dies.
Mazda 6 Estate might interest me as well in the future, love our Mazda 3.
 
Given my history of car ownership I’m unlikely to sell it before it is scrap so residuals are not my Number one priority but I do take your point.
Mine has got the inevitable subframe corrosion on the MOT now for both front and rear. I asked around for a fix and received an offer to refuse. :D

Keeping it till it dies or breaks from rust. Nearing 127k miles now.
 
Mine has got the inevitable subframe corrosion on the MOT now for both front and rear. I asked around for a fix and received an offer to refuse. :D

Keeping it till it dies or breaks from rust. Nearing 127k miles now.
I’m north of 160k and the rot is fast closing in all over the place. I’ll be sorry to see it go. Currently need to swap out the intercooler pipe for the 3rd time but other than that it is mechanically relatively sound for a poorly maintained 20 year old car. I keep expecting it to throw a bill I’m unwilling to pay but to date it’s been ‘ok’!
 
I’m north of 160k and the rot is fast closing in all over the place. I’ll be sorry to see it go. Currently need to swap out the intercooler pipe for the 3rd time but other than that it is mechanically relatively sound for a poorly maintained 20 year old car. I keep expecting it to throw a bill I’m unwilling to pay but to date it’s been ‘ok’!
I am in the same boat. Have done the clutch, DMF, timing belt, water pump, drive belt and just waiting for the next big bill to boot it. I am ok for this year now as it passed it's MOT last month. Still have that annoying clutch release bearing noise on lift off. It's gonna cost £500+ to get it sorted. I am not doing it as it hasn't been a problem so far in 20k+ miles.
 
Way back in 2008 I followed the then prevailing forum trend of buying a Mondeo which has served me incredibly well. Sadly it has now reached its 20th Birthday and age is taking its toll on this once magnificent machine!

So the question is what should I replace it with? What is the best bang for buck family car on the market? I’m looking for something similar in size to the Mondeo that can be used for long family trips with my two fast growing boys which is also able to carry all the gear, bikes etc that they are amassing! Budget is around 10k, I’m not a brand snob just looking for something comfortable and reliable.

Out of interest, what mileage has it done?
 
Out of interest, what mileage has it done?
~164k dual mass flywheel died at ~50k and took the starter motor with it so had the classic big bill for that (anyone would think it was a known fault and the replacement parts were updated given mine is still pretty much rattle free!) other than that it’s gone through plenty of tyres a couple of springs and annoyingly 3 rear callipers as they seem to do nothing when gently driven so rust up solid! Had it’s first ever welding a year or so ago and the underside is definitely deteriorating.
 
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