WITH the advent of the latest Mondeo from Ford the excellent previous models prices have fallen and it now makes quite a bargain.
But, like all such mass market cars, dont buy without full service history or close to it. There is always another available.
The Mondeo Mk3 is a superb all rounder and is just as good to drive as a BMW. Saloon, hatch and estate are available in all manner of variations and permutations.
Petrol engines range from 1.8 to 3.0-litres and from 123 to 222bhp. Diesels are 2.0 and 2.2-litres with outputs from 113 to 152bhp
Mondeos have a more comfortable ride and more surefooted handling than cars at twice the price and all are as cheap as chips to fix. Road holding is marvellous and safety excellent.
All have excellent power steering, ABS brakes, power windows, central locking and air conditioning.
Most will also have alloy wheels and many upper models have leather upholstery with electric seat adjustment.
Interior
All have a light clutch, a slick changing five speed gearbox and enough seat and column adjustment to give an excellent driving position.
Theres plenty of comfort for four or five adults and hatches are s100 more expensive than saloons because they are more practical. Build quality is generally good.
FAST FACTS
Ford Mondeo 1.8 5dr
Price: Pay about s2,100 for an 00 X-reg LX, s4,300 for an 03 53-reg Zetec or s9,900 for an 06 56-reg Ghia X
Mechanical: 128bhp, 1,796cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 10.5 secs
Combined mpg: 38
Insurance group: 9
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Vauxhall Vectra, Audi A4