Mondeo or Rover 75/ZT - any recommendations?

BigAde

Now that my trusty old Mondeo 4x4 Estate is getting on a bit, I'm starting to think about replacing it... nothing actually wrong with the old one, it's been brilliant, but thought I'd better quit while the going's good and it still has some value second hand.

Anyway, assuming I can get a loan sorted out, I should be able to get a 3 year old estate... have Mondeo (new type) or Rover 75/ZT in mind. Can't make up my mind between the two - I love the look of the MG ZT-T, but somehow the Mondeo seems to be the more sensible choice. I've had Rovers and Mondeos before and have had no complaints about any of them. I've read up on both and all reviews say that these are basically good cars and a good used buy because they do most of their depreciating early on.

Can anyone offer their opinion on these cars?

balsingh

Both are nice cars but I'd go for the Rover simply for the fact that it is in essence in a class above the Mondeo and carries less of a 'repmobile' image. Only concern would be Rover's current status (possible problems with getting servicing/parts????)

BigAde

Thanks balsingh... not that fussed about image personally... if I was I'd be paying a lot more for something like Audi. And I'm not sure Rover's current status will make all that much difference - enough of them have been sold to make it profitable for all the parts manufacturers to continue supplying parts for them... after all you can still get parts for MGBs!
Just out of interest have you driven either of these cars?

balsingh

I've driven 2.0 (I think) saloon versions of both cars. The Mondeo was a manual and the 75 was an auto. The mondeo was very easy to drive and felt very quick. Quite sporty actually. The Rover is very comfortable but not as driver orientated as the Mondeo. Interior in the 75 is hit or miss. Very British - cream leather with lots of wood everywhere.

You really have to drive both. By the way, the 75 came about from the BMW/Rover partnership and was highly rated by the press.

YorkshireBoy

I've had my '03 1.8LX Mondeo hatchback 2 years now. 20K miles later and I can say it's the best car I've ever owned. Still on the first set of tyres, and all it's cost me is 2 services (want to keep a good FSH to try and offset some of the horrendous depreciation).

The car is good for 127mph (according to the manual anyway ), and yet my average fuel consumption since new has been 36mpg.

It's got bags of room in the back, which is handy with 3 kids. Even the '03 LX came with rear electric windows and air-con!

I ran a 1.8LX MK1 Mondeo for 6.5 years prior to getting this one (bought at 18 months old & sold at 8 years old). That car was good, but nowhere near as good as my MK3.

I've never owned a 75, but was looking at them a few years ago. I thought then, that whilst they looked "rich", they were very much a poor man's Jag, an "older" mans car (and I'm 44). I'm not sure I'd go with Rover at the moment though with all their troubles.

BigAde

Many thanks balsingh and Yorkshire Boy - your opinions are much appreciated. Not fussed too much about the 'posh' appearance of the 75... much prefer the ZT-T, but then that's more money! As you say will have to see if I can get a drive of both. In the end it will come down to how much money I can raise... and I suspect the Mondeo's going to give more car for the money. Might have to pop along to the auction and see what both are going for. Thanks again guys.

burbs_2

I cannot believe that you are even thinking about taking a Rover. Nasty, cheap cars trying to be an expensive car never works. I deal in sports cars and would not touch a Rover if it drove into me at high speed.

The Mondeo on the other hand is an easy car to sell, nice car to drive and depnding on what spec you buy, a nippy car with bags of room.

If you are checking out the auctions then you will be spoilt for choice on the Mondeo front. Having said that there are quite a few Rovers coming through the auction at the moment, probably as less and less dealers are willing to take Rovers in part exchange.

Silent_Bob_3

Top Gear said that the Mondeo was a great car. The build quality on Rovers is poor to say the least. Friends had one and it was forever falling apart and worn out inside within the 2 years they had it.

I don't like them personally but then I drive a sports car

BigAde

burbs wrote:

I cannot believe that you are even thinking about taking a Rover. Nasty, cheap cars trying to be an expensive car never works. I deal in sports cars and would not touch a Rover if it drove into me at high speed.

The Mondeo on the other hand is an easy car to sell, nice car to drive and depnding on what spec you buy, a nippy car with bags of room.

If you are checking out the auctions then you will be spoilt for choice on the Mondeo front. Having said that there are quite a few Rovers coming through the auction at the moment, probably as less and less dealers are willing to take Rovers in part exchange.

I know Rover-bashing is a popular pastime these days, but having owned and driven a 1992 Rover 200 (Honda Concerto in disguise) and a 1998 Rover 400 (Honda Civic in disguise) my experience has been that these are essentially very good cars - I have had no major problems with either of them in over 150,000 miles. I would not hesitate to buy another one. If you deal in sports cars then I can understand why you won't deal with them - street cred and image aren't their strong points.

Sure, if money were no object I'd by an A4 Avant or Jag X-Type, but I have a limited amount of cash for a new car and I want the most car I can get for my money and IMHO either a Rover 75/ZT or a Mondeo make fine second hand buys, mostly due to rampant depreciation early in their life.

burbs_2

Even if money is a problem mate there are much better cars that you can get in the same price bracket as the rover 75.

BigAde

Such as?????