im feel dirty even asking

[Russ]

but what are mondeo/focus diesel's like? were thinking of keeping my gf's KA for the run about, but getting a larger saloon or possibly estate for throwing the dog in and getting dirty. i've seen a couple of 2000-2003 mondeo GHIA TDCi's go for 3-4k on ebay, which seems like a good price to me. has to be diesel because of rising tax and petrol prices are the the safest option or can anybody recomend something else

[RavenNight]

I've driven a Focus diesel quite a bit, I really liked it, nothing blindingly special, but a very nice drive.

[Guy]

As long as its a TDCi engine, and not the older TDDi engine, then you'l be on to a winner, there excellent diesel units, and as long as its been properly maintained they last for ever! If you can try and get the 128 bhp version, theres very little difference in terms of MPG but the extra power and torque make for a better journey.

[Russ]

cheers guys, was also considering a passat or similair

[joshwa]

You'll get a much newer Mondeo for your money. But I have seen some high mileage Passats got for very cheap, eg 03 Passat Estate TDI 130k for around £4300. So similar-ish money to the Mondeo...

For safety - the Laguna's probably the cheapest 5star euroncap you'll find.

Here's some Passats: £3700
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 130SE TDI SILVER Estate Quick sa on eBay, also, Volkswagen, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 21-Mar-08 08:31:05 GMT)
and another: £4600
VW PASSAT TDI 130BHP DIESEL ESTATE 53REG 6 MONTHS TAX on eBay, also, Volkswagen, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 23-Mar-08 20:41:09 GMT)

And the same applies - go for the 130ps engine if possible - and ideally Sport model (improved suspension, lower slightly and firmer) - but if it's mainly for motorway it shouldn't matter too much.

[Russ]

would prefer the VW tbh