6 June 2009
Hi.
I'm looking to buy a nearly new estate car. I've been looking at a 2008 Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec which are selling at around 11k - 14k depending on mileage.
Would I be better off with a similar age Vectra 1.9 CDTi which seems to be the main rival for my attention?
Before you tell me...I know these are both fairly dull...but they are 'reasonably priced' and very practical for camping trips with a young family!
I'm happy to consider other alternatives. Any advice gratefully received.
WFZ
20 February 2009
From the post title, I was hoping you were going to crash them head on and declare a winner!
Have a look at the Passat, you get a huge boot, a better engine and a higher quality feel throughout. It doesn't scream "sales rep" as loudly as the other two either.
Accord Tourer also a good shout.
8 January 2008
I ran two company Vectras for 100k and a new shape Mondeo for a year/20k. They both have their strenghts and weaknesses. The Mondeo has better steering, gear change and handling but I would say that the ride is similar (post 2006 Vectra, pre 2006 is a bit bouncy). The Vectra is a much better motorway car if that's where you spend alot of time being more refined at high speeds and having better seats.
The Vectra estate has the long wheelbase so rear legroom isn't too different. As for the engines the ford is more refined but the Vectra is much quicker (in 150bhp version) and should give at least 5mpg more.
I know I probably had a bad Mondeo but I had more build and reliability problems with it in one year that in 4 years with the Vectra.
Overall I would say that as long as you end up with a good one the Mondeo is better but if the Vectra is significantly cheaper I'd go wiith it. The Vectra is a better car than many critics give it credit for.
9 January 2008
Whilst the new Mondeo is supposedly a better car than the Vectra I would have the Vectra evry time. Get a nice SRi spec and it looks better to....
After driving the Mundano I really cant see what the fuss is about! It is boring to look at and has a badly designed poorly finshed interior and finally and (probaly the worst of all) its a Ford....
Save your money and buy a Vectra, if you want to spend more wait till you can get an Insignia.
Dont be persuded by people on here saying 3 series or A4 - you need a 5 or A5 to get your desired space.
31 October 2008
Can I ask how you came to this short list? Is it a case of buying the newest car that fitted your budget and space requirements?
If it doesnt muddy the water too much i'd suggest looking at cars 1 to 2 years older. You'll either get a car from the class above for the same money, or the same car for much, much cheaper.
My personal perspective is that i'd never buy an average brand, mass market, fleet orientated car midway through the worst part of its depreciation curve.
If you're worried about warranty you could always buy one off the shelf with the money you'd save?
19 May 2009
from a financial standpoint yes you would be better off with the vectra however the mondeo has the vectra beaten in every field. as for alternatives to the mondeo, there are none. it beats all other cars in it's sector and more expensive bmws and audis. have run present and previous models as company cars and the only fault i have to report is that diesels need a lot of revs and clutch slipping to pull out quickly from junctions and roundabouts.
25 November 2007
I'll give the same advice I normally do, go out and drive both.
It is really down to personal preference and which car does it for you. It's all very well going with the populous opinion but if you don't like the driving position or something annoys you about the car then it can seriously taint your ownership experience.
Both cars are good average cars, which should suit your needs without a lot of hassle or cost.
Personally, I would go for the Mondeo for driving enjoyment reasons.
It's all about the twisties........
29 December 2008
Yerp, the Vauxhall is effectively a 9 yr old design, so unless it is significantly cheaper then the Mondeo every time for me.
Orangewheels.co.uk
11 March 2009
If you can try japanese ... they are reliable and hold their value.
Indeed. Just had a quick scoot on Auto Trader - last-gen Honda Accord 2.2 CTDi estate, a bit older than the Mondeo (07 or 57 plate) for the same budget as you have for the Mondeo or Vectra. The Accord is also enormous inside, and does look a bit better than the Vectra, although it is very square - good for tents!
7 February 2009
What is your main criteria?
Have you looked at approved used Volvo's, V70 or V50, you could pick up a nice 57 plate V50 diesel for about £14k from a main dealer or a slightly older V70 for the same price.
Better built than either the Mondeo or Vectra, far better dealerships, and reliability is not really a problem, the 1.6 and 2.0 diesel engines are the same as the ones in the Ford range as well. A more upmarket image (in most peoples eyes if thats important) for the same basic price, depends as I said on your criteria, size, economy, reliability, image etc.
Be picky, if you choose to go the Mondeo/Vectra route there are literally thousands of them about, if there is the slightest doubt about the one you are looking at walk away.
5 June 2009
Yup, I agree with the above. The Ford Mondeo is a lovely car to drive and reliable too, my cousin has a 2003 estate and says its the best car hes ever bought.