Mondeo vs 520d – paralysed by indecision!

[banjoted]

Hi all. Long time lurker and first time poster!

I currently have a 2015 Octavia diesel. I know they’re good cars but I’ve had endless problems with mine. Luck of the draw, isn't it. So I want rid.

I do about 100 miles a day on the commute (mainly motorway or A roads, depending on the traffic). Therefore my priority is something economical and comfortable. But more than that, I want a car that I’ll love. I’ve owned five cars in my life (Ka, Focus Estate, Citreon C4, Civic and the Octavia) and the only one I really loved was the Civic, partly cos it was a lovely place to be and partly because my wife bought it for me.

So looking at all the options, I think it comes down to either a Mondeo or a 520d (I don’t want another Skoda as I fancy a change, not sure I fancy the Insignia, not convinced by the Passat).

My heart tells me the Mondeo is the sensible choice. With my budget currently restrained to around £8k (part-ex + a little bit) I can get something from around 2015-16, with 40-60k on the clock. It’ll be pretty well specced, will do 50-60mpg and all in all is very sensible.

But my head draws me to a 520d. I know the 6 cylinder is the nicer car but, like I say, the better MPG (plus lower insurance and tax) means I really can’t justify it over the 4. I think it’s a car I’ll enjoy driving, and a nice place to be on those long commutes. But at my budget, I’m looking at a 2010-11 with anything between 70-100k on the clock.

So by all measures I know the Mondeo is the more logical choice. But is that the car that’s going to make getting up at 6:30am that bit less painful? Finances are important but are not the be all and end all. I want a care I’ll love with my heart as well as with my wallet.

I know both cars are well loved on these forums. And I know the fans of both can be quite tribal. But put yourself in my shoes – which should I go for? Is the 520d really just a stupid idea? Can the Mondeo really make me smile inside when I look at it? Argh, I’m so torn!

Edited by banjoted on Monday 13th January 14:07

[CX53]

A decent 5 series M Sport is a lovely car, but they can throw up bills that are very large when compared to a Mondeo.

The Mondeo will have tons of life left in it, they're nice to drive but chances are you won't love it. It's definitely the right and sensible choice, but having made a few of those choices in the past and regretted it instantly I'm not sure I could recommend it as you might end up changing the car again and that costs more money! Having said that, you could buy and love the 5 series but wish you bought the mondeo if the timing chain goes and writes the car off.

Have you considered a C Class as a compromise? RWD, better image and interior than the Mondeo and should be more reliable than the BMW.

[bungz]

Most modern diesels once they get 100k on them will often start needing a bit of love, not all some are better than others but you are basically buying right when most people let them go to avoid problems...

Id say buy as new as you can afford if you are specifically changing for reliable motoring.

[banjoted]

CX53 said:

A decent 5 series M Sport is a lovely car, but they can throw up bills that are very large when compared to a Mondeo.

The Mondeo will have tons of life left in it, they're nice to drive but chances are you won't love it. It's definitely the right and sensible choice, but having made a few of those choices in the past and regretted it instantly I'm not sure I could recommend it as you might end up changing the car again and that costs more money! Having said that, you could buy and love the 5 series but wish you bought the mondeo if the timing chain goes and writes the car off.

Have you considered a C Class as a compromise? RWD, better image and interior than the Mondeo and should be more reliable than the BMW.

Hmm, I'd not really considered a C Class. I was under the impression that Merc reliability wasn't a strong point?

bungz said:

Most modern diesels once they get 100k on them will often start needing a bit of love, not all some are better than others but you are basically buying right when most people let them go to avoid problems...

Id say buy as new as you can afford if you are specifically changing for reliable motoring.

I know as a general rule newer is better. But I guess that's not the be all and end all or else I'd get a nearly new small car for the money?

[bloomen]

banjoted said:

I know as a general rule newer is better. But I guess that's not the be all and end all or else I'd get a nearly new small car for the money?

I have the joy of owning an aged modern diesel. It has eaten injectors, had DPF weirdness and I'm waiting for the DMF to go but that seems to be OK for now.

I would choose younger over 'better' any day of the week. You'll get several years of use and dispose of it before all of the cracks appear.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

I'm surprised to hear about the problems with your Skoda. Having owned a MK1 vRS (from new) and latterly, a Mondeo ST220 (ex-Ford Management car just a few months old when I bought it), I'd choose a Skoda every time. My Mondeo was total garbage. Ford Customer Service was non-existent. Maybe, as you say, your Skoda was just the 'luck of the draw'. I guess that leaves you with the BMW or maybe something completely different

[banjoted]

bloomen said:

I have the joy of owning an aged modern diesel. It has eaten injectors, had DPF weirdness and I'm waiting for the DMF to go but that seems to be OK for now.

I would choose younger over 'better' any day of the week. You'll get several years of use and dispose of it before all of the cracks appear.

Sure, but if that's several years in a car I don't enjoy being in, then I'm not sure how great that is either?

But don't get me wrong - it's not like a needs a Rolls Royce or Lambo to make me happy. Like I said, I loved my 2012 1.8 petrol Honda Civic. Amazing on the inside, nice to drive, not (too) many problems. I only got rid of it because of the 30 MPG.

Truth is, though, that I do not like the Octavia. Even if the sodding thing worked properly, I don't really enjoy it. It handles fine, but it's a dull cabin. Nothing about it excites me. But maybe a Mondeo would be different if there were more bells and whistles (the Octavia isn't especially well specced).

CharlieAlphaMike said:

I'm surprised to hear about the problems with your Skoda. Having owned a MK1 vRS (from new) and latterly, a Mondeo ST220 (ex-Ford Management car just a few months old when I bought it), I'd choose a Skoda every time. My Mondeo was total garbage. Ford Customer Service was non-existent. Maybe, as you say, your Skoda was just the 'luck of the draw'. I guess that leaves you with the BMW or maybe something completely different

I'm sure I just got unlucky :-(

[bloomen]

banjoted said:

Sure, but if that's several years in a car I don't enjoy being in, then I'm not sure how great that is either?

I did a few thousand miles in a Mk5 Mondeo in Canada. I can't say it was massively memorable but it drove well, was comfortable and generally a nice place to be.

No doubt you yourself know that owning a creaking car cancels out whatever good points it has. Especially with common rail diesel stuff I couldn't overlook something with 4-5 less years of wear on it.

[monzaxjr]

Really all depends what you're looking for, I'm probably in the minority but I prefer the Se spec to M Sport. Much classier and more subtle. Lots of low mileage examples about. Will also be more comfortable in terms of ride quailty too. This is an example of what's within your budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by monzaxjr on Monday 13th January 14:48

[banjoted]

bloomen said:

No doubt you yourself know that owning a creaking car cancels out whatever good points it has. Especially with common rail diesel stuff I couldn't overlook something with 4-5 less years of wear on it.

This is a very good point, sir.

monzaxjr said:

Really all depends what you're looking for, I'm probably in the minority but I prefer the Se spec to M Sport. Much classier and more subtle. Lots of low mileage examples about. Will also be more comfortable in terms of ride quailty too. This is an example of what's within your budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by monzaxjr on Monday 13th January 14:48

Oh wow, that's got nowt on the clock. Nice spot, thanks.

[Toltec]

I went through a similar process just over three years ago, only I was looking at petrol as I don't do many miles. I bought a 530i and when it was stolen five months later I bought another.

The feel and sound as that lovely six spins up still makes me smile.

If I'd been looking for a four pot diesel I doubt I would have bothered buying a BMW.

[banjoted]

Toltec said:

I went through a similar process just over three years ago, only I was looking at petrol as I don't do many miles. I bought a 530i and when it was stolen five months later I bought another.

The feel and sound as that lovely six spins up still makes me smile.

If I'd been looking for a four pot diesel I doubt I would have bothered buying a BMW.

What would you get then?

[Al_85]

I had a similar dilemma - albeit for an estate/touring. Sense said a Mondeo, but I went for an F11 520d on a '13 plate. I really enjoy it, really smooth and comfortable - the iDrive system etc is fantastic. I like the way it looks. Done several long journeys which have passed in comfort and quiet! Eats all the associated stuff with 2 small kids. Used for plenty of tip runs etc.

A step up from my previous cars - a 57 Outlander and 08 plate 1 series. I suppose it depends what you're coming from if a new car is special to you. This is certainly the best car I've owned.

Mine's just clocked over 100k and is a 13 plate, which meant it was a LCI model so had some problems fixed, apparently including the timing chain issues. Flew through its latest MOT.

I'd say go for the 5 series. I'm glad i did despite it being higher mileage than the equive mondeo or similar. If it goes wrong so be it, at least I gave it a go!

[Fastchas]

Have you looked at a C6 A6 Avant? I loved mine but it got a bit costly around 100k miles.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[AlwynMike]

Sensible choice is the Mundane-o. Quiet, comfortable, cheap, reliable, has toys. But the name says it all. As said, the 5-er can throw up huge bills easily. Interior not as nice unless YOU like German bland. Manual boxes can have heavy clutches and long throw. The SE version is a good shout with one big caveat. The seats are rubbish over any distance. My wife had to use a cushion if in there for more than 20 minutes. Sport seats are good though. There will be a lot of vanilla spec 520's out there.
Take the time and look for a 530d, or even a 525 if you can find one. Manuals are less popular so fetch less money. They are a car you will love as soon as you start it up, and more so when you bury the loud pedal! Sorry I'm no help.

[banjoted]

Al_85 said:

I had a similar dilemma - albeit for an estate/touring. Sense said a Mondeo, but I went for an F11 520d on a '13 plate. I really enjoy it, really smooth and comfortable - the iDrive system etc is fantastic. I like the way it looks. Done several long journeys which have passed in comfort and quiet! Eats all the associated stuff with 2 small kids. Used for plenty of tip runs etc.

A step up from my previous cars - a 57 Outlander and 08 plate 1 series. I suppose it depends what you're coming from if a new car is special to you. This is certainly the best car I've owned.

Mine's just clocked over 100k and is a 13 plate, which meant it was a LCI model so had some problems fixed, apparently including the timing chain issues. Flew through its latest MOT.

I'd say go for the 5 series. I'm glad i did despite it being higher mileage than the equive mondeo or similar. If it goes wrong so be it, at least I gave it a go!

AlwynMike said:

Sensible choice is the Mundane-o. Quiet, comfortable, cheap, reliable, has toys. But the name says it all. As said, the 5-er can throw up huge bills easily. Interior not as nice unless YOU like German bland. Manual boxes can have heavy clutches and long throw. The SE version is a good shout with one big caveat. The seats are rubbish over any distance. My wife had to use a cushion if in there for more than 20 minutes. Sport seats are good though. There will be a lot of vanilla spec 520's out there.
Take the time and look for a 530d, or even a 525 if you can find one. Manuals are less popular so fetch less money. They are a car you will love as soon as you start it up, and more so when you bury the loud pedal! Sorry I'm no help.

Thanks chaps. Ultimately if I'm being honest with myself I think I'm trying to justify the BMW. It's really only the scare of big bills that holds me back - although I've had plenty of them with the Octavia (£2k+ in 18 months, bought with 27k on the clock, done 30k).

[Toltec]

banjoted said:

Toltec said:

I went through a similar process just over three years ago, only I was looking at petrol as I don't do many miles. I bought a 530i and when it was stolen five months later I bought another.

The feel and sound as that lovely six spins up still makes me smile.

If I'd been looking for a four pot diesel I doubt I would have bothered buying a BMW.

What would you get then?

I was after a larger estate so likely the Mondeo, Superb or an E class.

[Jag_NE]

I’d go for the Bmw if you really want it. If you can find one that is in great condition and has bullet proof history I see no reason why it doesn’t stand a good chance of running for another 100k, especially with you doing motorway miles. British people are unusually terrified of higher mileage cars. In Eastern Europe 100k would be in the “just run in” category and still be quite desirable. That being said, the Mondeo gets great reviews and I’m sure you would still enjoy it.

[banjoted]

Jag_NE said:

I’d go for the Bmw if you really want it. If you can find one that is in great condition and has bullet proof history I see no reason why it doesn’t stand a good chance of running for another 100k, especially with you doing motorway miles. British people are unusually terrified of higher mileage cars. In Eastern Europe 100k would be in the “just run in” category and still be quite desirable. That being said, the Mondeo gets great reviews and I’m sure you would still enjoy it.

Cheers. Looking into it if we stretch the budget a bit it looks like I might be able to get one more around the 50-50k mark, which I feel a lot more comfortable about.

[Deerfoot]

I was taken to Heathrow in a 2015 Mondeo 1.5 ecoboost (taxi) on Saturday. Over the 65 miles of A303 and M3 it averaged 42mpg and was quieter than my V60. It rode nicely too.

ZX10NIN often recommends Mondeos and I can see why.