This car replaces the BMW I had before. The poor BMW lost 2nd gear in a moment of madness under power, and I suspect no gearbox would have survived such a missing of the meshing in that way.

However, the Ford Mondeo has good reviews, and as long as it is serviced regularly (in particular, paying attention to oil and oil filter changes and air filter changes) and has a fuel system clean up every so often (using some advanced fuel treatment additive that states that it is for this purpose rather than primarily as a combustion optimiser) it should keep going.

I service it myself now (main dealers do charge too much) and have replaced the brakes.

This one is the 130PS common rail diesel turbo version, and has a good turn of speed when required.

What I like: the performance and handling is very good for its size. Also the fuel economy (I drive a lot of motorway) has been exemplary. It looks good, is easy to service if you want to (as long as you don't mind removing covers) and mine has been very reliable.

Slight niggles: ratios chosen for 1st and 2nd gear, coupled with the less flexible engine (compared to the BMW) make for busy gear-changing in the residential areas where there are hills and many turns. Also, the heating of the interior, even with climate control, takes some appreciable time. Watch for the subframe mounting bushes failing (they last 5 years and are not a home DIY mechanic's job to replace, unless you are very experienced), fuses blowing (the interior lighting circuit is one I've suffered), flashing warning light in the dash (which I think is mainly caused by contamination in the fuel injection system).

Remember that "engine" faults can be fixed by a diesel specialist far more cheaply and effectively than by most Ford dealers. The Ford dealers have a tendency to throw expensive parts at a small problem to swat it away (at great expense to you), whereas the specialist independents will find the fault and remedy that alone.

You won't be disappointed if you get one of these.