Out of these three cars, which would you be leaning toward?

Richard53

fivetide wrote: »

Beware the engine!

The Mondeo diesel can have a lot of issues in certain guises.

Car to unpack that comment a little? I have a Mondeo diesel (Mk 3, 2 litre Tdci, 130 bhp) and it has run fine for 50k miles, but having read this forum I am now afraid it is going to grenade on me any second. Which engines are the ones to look out for, and why?

Serious question.

jase1

Turbo failures (especially with the 130BHP), DMF failures, injector failures, all especially on cars that have been pootled about town and have low miles. None of which is cheap to fix.

Not all of them go wrong but of the cars I've seen personally (work colleagues) failure rate has run at around 90% at some point or another.

Mondeo/Mazda 6/Laguna diesels from the mid-2000s are three models I would have no interest in investing in whatsoever. Engines should be sealed for life; anything that deviates in the 21st century is garbage.

OddballJamie

I'd also add most of the Citroen/Peugeot diesels and any Ford with one fitted from the same era to jase1's list too.

Except the 1.4hdi, as I haven't heard many issues with that one.

yazgee

I don't understand all the posts about these cars being overprice?? You don't even have the details ie owners, mileage history? It could be a one owner, low mileage, FSH, immaculate vehice!!

Having said that out of that choice solely I would say Avensis too. Simply because it's a good size, decent spec and very reliable. If you don't need the size though then go with the Corsa which will have lower running costs.

Alternatively check this out:
http://www.sytner.co.uk/search/ford-focus-hatchback-sytner-select-leicester-463782-975040.aspx?st=Vehicle&vhl=-463782&drv=129235&loctn=975040

No pic yet but it is a reputable dealership

OddballJamie

If you're after a smaller car, £4k would get you a decent Micra or Yaris.

jase1

OddballJamie wrote: »

I'd also add most of the Citroen/Peugeot diesels and any Ford with one fitted from the same era to jase1's list too.

Except the 1.4hdi, as I haven't heard many issues with that one.

Yeah, I think generally if you want a diesel and potter about town, the smaller the better really. The Renault 1.5dCi seems to be a pretty solid little thing as well generally, as are the various Hyundai/Kia small diesels.

[Deleted User]

OddballJamie wrote: »

If you're after a smaller car, £4k would get you a decent Micra or Yaris.

As I'm 6'2" tall, I think something a bit bigger is needed.

I've got some more info on the Mondeo.

It's a 1.8 TDCi, 125PS.

It's done 79k.

OddballJamie

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

As I'm 6'2" tall, I think something a bit bigger is needed.

I've got some more info on the Mondeo.

It's a 1.8 TDCi, 125PS.

It's done 79k.

Why are you considering a Corsa if you want a bigger car?

BTW a Micra has ample head room for a 6 footer, not sure on a Yaris.

Ultrasonic

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

As I'm 6'2" tall, I think something a bit bigger is needed.

I've got some more info on the Mondeo.

It's a 1.8 TDCi, 125PS.

It's done 79k.

If you give us some idea what you're looking for a in a car you might get some more helpful replies...

Ultrasonic

BTW I'm about 6'2" tall as well, but most of my 'height' is in my legs, so for me I've found having steering wheel rake adjustment is handy for getting a decent driving position. My current car (an Octavia) is the first one I've owned where I can drive with my knees under the steering wheel rather than either side of it!