19 Nov 08
Mondeo Man (or Woman) made the right choice: it'd be difficult to go wrong with one of these. The Mondeo has been a best-seller in this class since its 1993 launch, and deservedly so - large family cars don't come any better than this. It's roomy, user-friendly, affordable to buy, cheap to run and even fun to drive.
Though rather flashier in its design than it used to be, the Belgian-built Mondeo is handsome in hatch or estate form, and its interior is well-trimmed; its cabin and general refinement is great for the price. Build quality and reliability record are good: these things just keep slogging on.
The miser's Mondeo is the 1.8 TDCi diesel (49.6mpg in 100bhp form, 48.7mpg with a worthwhile extra 25bhp) though as usual, the best-buy deals are on the less-loved petrol versions - getting cheaper on independent forecourts, and even Ford dealers are now open for a haggle. Agents and brokers are sourcing Mondeos at bigger-yet savings.
Cars for Sale: Ford Mondeo
Another pretty Peugeot; the feline-faced 407 is elegant despite its sheer size, and it's an agile, enjoyable drive. It comes in saloon or 'SW' estate bodystyles (there's also the Coupe, though that's not exactly an economy-seeker's option) with the 1.6 HDI (110bhp) diesel engine the best option. This returns 53.2mpg (saloon) and slots into tax band C.
This model's even a well-priced option if buying nearly-new: most 407s sold are diesels - especially the SW - so there aren't many petrol versions around. 2.0 HDI (136bhp) diesels are similarly-priced and affordable used. Year-old (2007-registered) estates with less than 10,000 miles on the clock are now around for under £12,000, and independent brokers have been sourcing 407s with savings of more than 40% from list price.
The 407 hasn't been problem-free - it's scored quite poorly in reliability surveys - but its electrical and electronic issues should now have been sorted, and Peugeot's diesel engines have always been good for high mileages.
Cars for Sale: Peugeot 407
