Which car do I buy

[thesaintly1]

Hi, can someone with a bit of knowledge point me in the right direction as to which car to buy.

I have narrowed it down to a choice of two, both of these are the only cars I am looking for.

Car 1 is a (new shape)Ford Mondeo Zetec. 02 reg diesel, 90,000 miles which is high for the year but in fairly good cond. �3300 (very cheap)

Car 2 is a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 GLS W reg (2000) petrol, only 37000 miles. fsh. immac cond, Hpi checked. A very well looked after car.�3400

Anybody out there with Knowledge on these cars would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[v64paul]

try this site, i find it quite informative www.honestjohn.co.uk

[Simon R]

Mmmmmm. A difficult one. I would go for the vectra mainly for the mileage. but 90,000 miles on mondeo could have been done mainly on motorway journeys(Lower wear & tear). My main advise would be to check cambelt replacement schedule & wether they have been changed before you buy. Also mondeo could have been a lease car which would normally mean an excellent service history.. Good luck...

[thesaintly1]

Thanks for the site paul, very useful. Although bad boints on both cars left me a bit downhearted.

I am swaying towards the vectra purely on the mileage and outstanding condition, I have a few more days to make up my mind though.

I am a bit concerned about the fact that it may be a lease car despite it's service history, mainly due to the fact it may have been hammered by users who didnt care a damn about the vehicle, will have to find out a bit more on that one simon, thanks also for your advice.

[Impret-Sir]

Just to introduce a different dimension to your decision making process, all other things being equal, the Mondeo is a far better car to drive than the Vectra, which is a pretty dire driving device.

[Oneeyedvic]

When you say a lease car - it generally means a compnay has leased the car for 2 - 3 years. It is normally with one rep (or two or three depending on staff turnover).

Having been the driver in this position, and knowing several people who also have company cars, I can assure you that every banal thing, no matter how small is done by the driver. Most private owners wouldn't bother if there was an annoying squeak etc as they know the garage would charge them for it - not so on a lease car.

i would also say tht the mondeo is a great, comfortable drive, and I believe the vectra would be the old shape - very dreary.

Personally speaking, i would go for the mondeo - so long as it has had a full service history. I think high mileage cars are far better value - my car is 7 years old and has 130,000 miles on it.

You can also try www.parkers.co.uk for further advice and owner reviews.

[AllYourBase]

The mondeo diesel, if it is a TDCI rather than a TDDI should last a lot longer than a Vauxhal petrol motor. That's a great price for the Mondeo and in the TDCI guise it's a great, comfortable, frugal yet nippy drive. If the condition is OK and it's had all its services etc I'd go for that. Don't be puit off by mileage if all the work has been done - esp cam belts, shocks and tyres as these cost the big bucks.

[Paul22118]

I agree with several bits of your replies and I would like to add mine.  The Mondeo is by far the better drive than the Vectra which I agree is seriously flawed or dire as put.  The Ford is a better engine anyway but if it is a TDCi then there is absolutely no contest the Ford wins hands down.  That mileage is nothing for that type of engine.

[thesaintly1]

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I've spoken to the guy with the Mondeo and although it has a full service history it has never had any belts changed, and they should be changed before 100,000 miles.

I seem to be stuck right in the middle with this one and still dont know what to do for the best.

I have had two cars since passing my test and had numerous problems with both because of high mileage, and i vowed to myself never to do it again. But here I am contemplating buying another one LOL.

[Jay70]

Avoid any vectra at all costs - I have known many people with all sorts of engine variants and the have all had big problems.  I'd go for a Mondeo without question.  Wether or not this one is good value I couldn't tell you without looking at a price guide.