06-02-2013, 10:16 AM
Mondeo certainly appeals more to me.
Tom, why do you need a saloon? Serious question, as I'd have thought a hatchback would suit you better? And be much more practical. Unless you were after an estate?
If you're wanting an Estate then that would make more sense.
The 2.2 Mondeo is rarer than the 130, which are significantly cheaper than an equivalent CDTi 120 Vectra. You can get a sub-100k TDCi130 Mondeo for less than a grand.
The ST Mondeo TDCi is above your budget, but you could get a 2.2 Zetec or Ghia (if you can find one)
My old man had a CDTi150 engine in the Astra H Sporthatch, which was a nice car. It had a very harsh ride though, and it felt very 'crashy' with vague steering, but it did go well. The powerband on the standard map was very narrow though, if you wanted to make progress you really had to stir the 6-speed box, which can present another weak point on these. The EGR failed on the car at 7 months old (from new) and that was replaced under warranty. I'd suggest that any car you get will have EGR issues at some point.
Handling-wise, nobody buys a barge like a Vectra or Mondeo for their handling characteristics, but the Mondeo is supposedly better.
Another consideration for you might be the rare-but-often-very-well-equipped Vauxhall Signum?
Tom, why do you need a saloon? Serious question, as I'd have thought a hatchback would suit you better? And be much more practical. Unless you were after an estate?
If you're wanting an Estate then that would make more sense.
The 2.2 Mondeo is rarer than the 130, which are significantly cheaper than an equivalent CDTi 120 Vectra. You can get a sub-100k TDCi130 Mondeo for less than a grand.
The ST Mondeo TDCi is above your budget, but you could get a 2.2 Zetec or Ghia (if you can find one)
My old man had a CDTi150 engine in the Astra H Sporthatch, which was a nice car. It had a very harsh ride though, and it felt very 'crashy' with vague steering, but it did go well. The powerband on the standard map was very narrow though, if you wanted to make progress you really had to stir the 6-speed box, which can present another weak point on these. The EGR failed on the car at 7 months old (from new) and that was replaced under warranty. I'd suggest that any car you get will have EGR issues at some point.
Handling-wise, nobody buys a barge like a Vectra or Mondeo for their handling characteristics, but the Mondeo is supposedly better.
Another consideration for you might be the rare-but-often-very-well-equipped Vauxhall Signum?
Disclaimer: The above is not to be taken to heart and is probably a joke, grow up you big girl.
![[Image: Sig500x130.png]](http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq25/chris_rx71/Sig500x130.png)