The inevitable spec-me thread

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
15,177
After my tale of woe with the MX5, it's time to look for a new car.

My Fiancé and I think it would make sense to 'replace' our ageing Mondeo Mk3 2.0 TDCi (rather than a direct replacement for the MX5) and then when the Mondeo finally packs up, the new MX5 RF will hopefully be a bit more affordable and we can go back to having both a practical car and a fun car.

As such, we're looking for something similar to the Mondeo and so far we've come up with… a new Mondeo.

Wishlist:
  • Budget up to £10k
  • Mileage up to 70k
  • 2L Petrol
  • Automatic
  • Xenons
  • Cruise control (adaptive if possible)
  • Heated seats (+ cooling if possible)
  • Dual-zone climate
  • DAB Radio
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Bluetooth
  • Half leather (not full leather and not cloth)
  • Heated windscreen
My commute is ~6k a year and we do ~3k on top of that, so no need for a diesel.

We've ruled out BMWs and Audis because we don't think we'll get the spec we want in-budget and we assume the running costs will be higher.

From what I can see; the above spec is bang on the cusp of the Mondeo Mk4/Mk4.5, looking at a 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium X Sport Powershift.

After a quick spell on Autotrader, I've found this pre-facelift for £6,995 (66k) and this facelift for £8,489 (60k).

From what I can see, the only things missing from the facelift model is blind-spot assist (not overly fussed) and navigation.

The pre-facelift doesn't have DAB radio, blind-spot assist or DRLs but it does have nav.

I believe that in some cars, having nav actually gives you a much bigger upgrade than just the screen. Is it the 3 Series where getting 'nav' actually gives you a huge upgrade to the sound system, iDrive etc? I don't know if the same is true of the Mondeo. I've always used my phone for navigation so if not having it built-in isn't the end of the world, I'd be quite happy without it.

The other big difference is the facelift has an extra 40PS.

So — what do Motors think to a pre-facelift with nav over a facelift without it? Factoring in the ~£1,500 price difference?

As a slight curveball, I'm also considering a Skoda Superb, although I'm not as clear on the trim levels.

I've found this Elegance 2.0 FSI DSG Estate 2011 (76k) for £8,890 and it has the Laurin & Klement luxury pack.

It's slightly higher mileage than stated above but seems to tick almost all the boxes (except it's full leather) and it also comes with nav.

I don't mind an estate but I could only find one Superb hatchback that fit the criteria anyway. That's a 1.8, it's had three owners and only done 34k miles — something seems a bit off… also, I'm worried that the 1.8 will be underpowered.

So, what do Motors think to the Superb vs. the Mondeo?

Thanks again for any advice. :)
 
I think you go with whichever you prefer the look, feel and drive of. You've clearly done your homework, you know what you are after, and you've picked two cars that offer good equipment levels for the budget.

I'd personally go with the Superb, but that's only because I know what I'm doing with VAG group cars, diagnostics and repair, I'm sure there will be as many (if not more) people suggesting to go with the Mondeo.
 
Agree with above. You have obviously already done your homework.

I'd probably be trying for a 2.0T Superb first and foremost. Mostly for the same reasons as above (for example, I know how to retrofit stuff like satnav easily already, and already own the proper diagnostics stuff).

But, if the right Mondeo came up, I certainly wouldn't dismiss it either. I'd personally aim for the facelift. For the more power. I'd generally take less spec for more power. Spec can often be retrofitted later.
 
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