Second Hand Sense: Ford MondeoWhen a new car model is being introduced - especially a major seller - it is always a good time to seek out a bargain in what car companies refer to as the run-out model, before the arrival of the all-singing, all-dancing replacement. It is also a very good time to look for second-hand bargains as the older model loses favour to the new.
This is the case with the Ford Mondeo, the new version of which will soon be on the forecourts. Its arrival should see floods of second-hands arriving into dealerships as people replace or trade-up their cars.
The Mondeo makes a very good second-hand choice for two reasons. It is well-built and reliable, and sells in huge numbers to fleet and family buyers alike. The irony is that its popularity means big numbers, and big numbers mean a huge choice for people seeking a second-hand. So if the car appeals to you - and it should - take your time.
It comes in saloon, hatchback and estate versions and has a range of engines, from the sensible 1.8 petrol and 2-litre diesel to the relatively exotic. The aforementioned petrol and diesel are the best options, because they provide for most requirements and are as good as each other. The Mondeo has been around since 1993 and has grown from a jelly mould design with quite a troublesome reputation, to a car that has stayed the pace, been improved in every way, aged well and built a significant reputation for reliability.
It has to be said that the Mondeo is not an exciting car to look at. Ford makes cars that sell in huge numbers, so they are designed to appeal to the broadest range of customers. It is a solid car with a good safety record and the interior was quite bold in its day.
It is comfortable to drive, with well-built seats and plenty of room. Add a very good boot capacity and an even better hatchback option for those who need it, and you have one of the best packages of recent years. The fact that the car has front and side airbags and ABS as standard gives it a further edge.
You have to go back a long time to find serious fault with the Mondeo in terms of reliability - its last significant recall was in the years 2001 to 2003 for problems with the handbrake, and not all cars were affected.
It has a four-star rating out of a possible five in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Its protection was described as balanced and it performed "well". This test was in 2002, so things have been improving since. The body structure and chest loads on the driver and passenger were criticised.
Now is the time to use your bargaining skills for a relatively new second-hand with low mileage. A 2005 model with a 1.8 petrol engine with extras such as air conditioning and alloys and only 15,000km on the clock is on offer for €18,900. A 2-litre diesel of the same year and with 56,000km, is on offer for €18,500. A 2006 1.8 petrol with 25,000km is on offer for €19,500, and a 2006 diesel with 23,000km for €20,000.
FOR: Reliability and quality AGAINST: Unexciting styling and sales profile