markbravoone

Hi all

I have a budget of 2k and I am after a cheap to run, very reliable family car.

But I can't decide between a 2.0 Mondeo Zetec (old shape xreg), a 1998+ Audi a4 tdi, a primera sport or a vectra sri (least likely).

They all have their plus points.

Mondeo = cheap insurance, good handling, newer car for little money, heated from screen. But it looks a bit boring and i can't afford the newer shape.

Audi A4 tdi = brilliant mpg, it's an audi, looks good with a set of wheels. But part costs and fixing repairs worrys me a little but i understand they are quite reliable.

Primera Sport = I like jap cars, looks good (imo), very reliable. But i can't find one near me.

Vectra Sri = new ish car for little money, the sri ones look ok. But worried about reliability.

Any opinions?

Mark

Alec

Dont buy the Vectra, i havent driven an SRi but the cooking models where truely terrible to drive.

Norman Dog

iTrader: (1)

The SRi's aren't that much better, 2.2 a good motorway cruiser, Mine was very unreliable, went through 2 steering racks and 2 universal joints within the warranty period also the rubber door seals perished and had rust coming through on the rear hatch which required respraying.

Also owned Mondeo 2.0 GLX, more comfortable than the Vectra but the handling was a bit lardy IMO. Cambelt pulley seized at about 100k and cost me a new engine.

Never owned/driven the Audi or Nissan, but on looks it'd have to be the Audi

markbravoone

Cheers that confirms what my brain was telling me about the vectra. Had a cav sri 16v ecotec and the dashboard was like blackpool lights with ecu faults etc.

The handling on the mondeo zetec models are apparently much better than the glx from what i've heard.

Thanks

Mark

KiwiGTI

None of them look good, they are all £2000 cars. The Mondeo is the best choice for that money.

markbravoone

I was very tempted with another toldeo v5 as they are available for that sort of cash, it's one hell of alot of car for the money and the one i had was fantastic but the mpg lets it down a little.

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

I would say the Primera just edges the Mondeo, but there are a lot less of them about as you have found.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

You can pick up a newer shape mondeo for 2k around 2001 model if you look about a bit

Tony

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

This for just over your budget
Full Description: Glossary of Terms
Door Hatch, 51 reg. 119000 Miles, FFSH, MoT by Ford dealership Jan 08, 1 owner, CD, air con, PAS, electric windows, c/locking, excellent condition throughout, first to see will buy. £2,295. p/x poss

Trade Seller:
Byworth Motor Company

Contact number: 01535 611614 or 07880 62939

Or this

86,000 miles Manual BLUE Petrol Hatchback Y reg (2001) Full Description: Glossary of Terms
Manual, 86,000 miles, 2001/Y-reg, 5 doors, Metallic blue, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 8 months MOT, 9 months tax, ABS, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Electric windows, Electric mirrors, Remote locking, Radio CD, Full service history. £2,100. ono

Private Seller:


Contact number: 07079 003863
(all manchester/north west though)

Both are the new shape just dont buy the TDDi if your going for diesel as they suck

Tony

logiclee

I agree with Tony.

Newer shape Mondeo's are available for around £2k and are a major step up from the old model.

Cheers
Lee

MooseRacer

For a £2k car that you need to be reliable you'd be mad to look anywhere other than the Primera out of that list, imho of course.

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

If it helps, I hadn't been near my P plate winter runabout Mondeo for 4 months till yesterday. Went out to it with the key and it started straight away - no coughs, no splutters You cant put a good Monty down!

Dracoro

I'd add the Honda Accord to your shortlist. Nice cars.

The Chief

Just picked up a nice 98 Mondeo 2.0 Si with 53k on the clock for 985 quid

Ok does not go like my (ex) Scoob but handles nice and tidy and is pretty good on fuel.

For the money cant fault it

SimonD

Surely at this kind of level it is better to judge them (Vauxhall excepted!) on mileage/history/previous owner than on anything else. If any of those cars were one owner FSH cars then that would be the one I'd go for regardless of badge (except the Vauxhall of course).

The Chief

A very good point their - a guy at work has had a 99 Primera 2.0 SE for 5 years now and apart from tyres and servicing the only thing it has failed an MOT on is a faulty bulb and a windscreen wiper.

Interior is not as nice as a Mondeo (IMO) but arguably a bit sharper round the corners.

markbravoone

Thanks fellas

Just seen a v reg 2.0 nissan primera sport + with xenon lights, cd changer, half leather, climate control, fsh for £1995. Trouble is there is also a t reg seat toledo v5 with all extras you could wish for going for £1500 with 105k and fsh. Less mpg but a lovely engine and a plush interior! Argggghhh the dilema!! My head says primera for the reliabilty and mpg but my heart says the v5!!

With a baby on the way what would you go for.

Regards

Mark

The Chief

Ok the Toledo does less MPG however it is 500 quid or thereabouts less than the Primera.

Thats a lot of fuel and remember its not the total amount in fuel its the difference between the two which i bet is not even 10mpg

logiclee

Not the Toledo, with a baby on the way you need a hatchback not a saloon with a shallow although large boot.

Cheers
Lee

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

No, what he needs is a 4x4, particularly for the school run a few years down the line

MooseRacer

The VW V5 engine hasnt got the best reputation for reliability or longevity. Trust me a well looked after Primera of that age will not let you down and is a (relatively) entertaining drive.

Mike123

I'd agree, I'd go for one of the last P11 GT Primeras. Great engine (150bhp ) if maybe a little weak low down the rev band, fantastic handling and very reliable. Had an R-reg one for 20k miles - nothing went wrong with it even though it had nigh on 100k on the clock.

Longjing

The primera is a very decent car for the money. Had one for years, no real problems. I reckon you'll sell a Primera quite easily too when the time comes.