Last Chance To Buy: Ford Mondeo

When's it going?

Not until September, although if you went to watch Casino Royale you will have noticed that Daniel Craig got his mitts on a new one much earlier than us. It's supposed to be better in every regard, and sharper looking too, but the current one is still a great car.

What's good about it?

Mondeo man - and presumably woman - is now an integral part of the social fabric of this country. This is a middle-income, middle-class and mid-priced motor. Everything about it and its drivers is supposed to be average, except that we think the Mondeo is actually rather better than that.

Family and company cars must have a wide range of abilities and the Mondeo manages to be spacious, comfortable, great to drive and, most importantly, good value. It is a big car in so many ways. There's lots of room inside, and even the sizeable boot can be extended into the cabin. This is a well-equipped car, with airbags, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, electric seat-height adjustment, four electric windows and a CD player on every model.

The Mondeo is big on value and comfort, but it is not an effort to drive. The steering is sharp and the sporty driver will really enjoy every journey. Everyone will appreciate the smooth ride and the way it irons out all the road imperfections with ease.

There are some good engine options, starting with the 1.8 and 2.0 petrols, and the diesel engines are also responsive and reasonably refined by now.

So if you want a spacious, easy-to-own and economical family car, the Mondeo is always going to be near the top of the used car buyer's list. Even better, there are plenty to choose from at dealers and used car supermarkets, and also at auction.

Overall, the Mondeo definitely remains the most cost-effective way to go motoring. But it isn't just a cheap, practical and economical car - it is also a great drive.

What's bad about it?

Not a lot, really. In car terms, it is certainly on the old side, and being a Ford it's a bit common. Being common means that it depreciates at an alarming rate, so best not to buy brand new or without a life-enhancing discount.

Its many rivals got a lot better during the Mondeo's lifetime, and often within a rather more compact package, while the Ford's refinement levels tended to suffer a bit on motorway runs. Otherwise, this is an unpretentious and efficient set of wheels.

How much?

Mondeos are everywhere. Always have been. Mostly you will find them at car supermarkets with just a few miles on the clock at a knockdown price.

Outlets such as Trade Sales (08701 222 970) have been advertising 2006 2.0 TDCi Ghia Xs at £11,999 (down from £21,495), but always check first for full details and specifications.

Motorhouse 2000 has a brand new - which means just registered - 2.2 TDCi Titanium X at £14,999 (formerly £21,495). And you can rest assured that there are plenty more at this kind of pricing out there.

Any snags?

Earlier models had starter motor problems (listen for a pronounced whine on start-up). If the engine cuts out when started from cold, it points to a lack of servicing on some items; it should be thoroughly checked out before you buy.

With higher mileage Mondeos, the catalytic converter - the expensive part of the exhaust - could be failing. An exhaust analyser at a garage will demonstrate its condition more conclusively, but a tinkling sound from beneath the car is not a good sign.

Specifications

Launched: 2000

Engine sizes: 1.8, 2.0, 2.0 TD, 2.0 TDCi 115/130, 2.2 TDCi, 2.5 V6, 3.0 V6

Performance: 1.8: top speed 121mph, 0-60mph 9.6 seconds

Economy: 40.2mpg

Safety: NCAP, 4 stars