New car recommendation wanted

Samson · 03-02-2002 7:18pm #1

I am going to change my car ASAP, and I am in two minds as to what to buy.

I currently have a 1999 Opel Vectra and under normal circumstances I would go for the same again (This is my third Vectra).
However, a new model Vectra is coming out around May, but, I cannot/will not wait that long.
Obviously I could buy a new current model Vectra but that would mean I would be driving an outdated model in just a few months.
That's not on either.

So, I am looking at other manufacturers models.
I have whittled my choice down to two:
Ford Mondeo
Renault Laguna

Does anyone here drive either of these two vehicles ?
If so, can I have your honest opinion ?

seamus · 03-02-2002 7:21pm

I have a much better idea:-

Fiat Punto, '97, 1.1, good condition.

Oh look, I have one right here.....................;)

Samson · 03-02-2002 9:05pm

LOL, yes I should go for an older car.
But seriously, anyone got any serious suggestions ?

Blitzkrieger · 04-02-2002 2:28am

new Primera? Bit boring but you get loads for your dosh - and you do drive a Vectra

Mazda 626? I haven't driven the new model but the old one is fun to drive. The brother's Galant is also a bit of alright.

NeRb666 · 04-02-2002 4:32am

I'd consider the new Corolla if I were you. The way used car prices are going, it's a much safer bet than a Vectra at the moment.

But if you have your mind set of either a Mondeo or a Laguna, I'd go for the Mondeo.

WhiteWashMan · 04-02-2002 9:51am

ohh look a ford......YAWN.

go for a jap car.
ive got a spare 10 year old micra if you want one

Samson · 04-02-2002 10:43am

Just to reiterate, I am only considering either a Laguna or a Mondeo.
No old cars, no small cars, and no Asian cars (not that I have anything against Asian people, I just don't like their cars).

So it seems as if, so far, I have one recommendation for a Mondeo.
NeRb666, any particular reasons why you suggest the Mondeo ?

Anyone else ?

nanook · 04-02-2002 3:43pm

VW Passat

Seems you do a bit of driving or have need for a large car. The VW are alot more reliable than Ford/Renault (Personal Opinion before anyone starts quoting stats and reviews). Nice car good running in both Petro and deisel.

My Vote

VW passat

Saruman · 04-02-2002 4:03pm

Personally i would say the Laguna.. the Mondeo is a ford at the end of the day.. new Laguna is nice and i like Renault!

NeRb666 · 04-02-2002 7:21pm

Originally posted by Samson

So it seems as if, so far, I have one recommendation for a Mondeo.
NeRb666, any particular reasons why you suggest the Mondeo ?

I think it's a better looking car. I haven't driven either of them though, but the general consesus from various magazines is that the Mondeo is the better car.

Neil3030 · 04-02-2002 8:04pm

Just a couple of questions,

How many passangers would you usually take in the car?
Where would you be mostly driving the car?
Do you have a dog?
Looking for hatch/saloon/estate?
What is your price range?

The Seat Toldeo is a beaut if you are lookin for a european.

Blitzkrieger · 05-02-2002 2:45am

The Mondeo will be more fun to drive and be more roomey. It'll also probably be cheaper to run. The Laguna would be more stylish and would probably have the edge on toys too.

Originally posted by Samson
and no Asian cars

I used to hate asian cars too, but they've come a long way baby. Like I said, I've driven an old model Mazda 626 and it was comfortable, fast and fun. It was a tad plasticy and 'orrible looking, but the new one isn't. In general the latest generation of asian cars will be just as good as the europeans on looks and handeling, have more equipment and be cheaper to run.

viking · 05-02-2002 2:31pm

How about the new Fiat Stilo....

Looks good, Lots of extras as standard and a very reasonable price. Not one to rule out methinks.

viking

ButcherOfNog · 05-02-2002 2:56pm

does it matter which of these u go for? all much of a muchness and your car will b 1 of 10,000's of identical cars. put on a blindfold and stick a pin in the list

Samson · 05-02-2002 3:11pm

Originally posted by ButcherOfNog
does it matter which of these u go for? all much of a muchness and your car will b 1 of 10,000's of identical cars. put on a blindfold and stick a pin in the list

That's a great help.

Thanks for your input. :rolleyes:

Clinical Waste · 05-02-2002 3:14pm

Originally posted by seamus
I have a much better idea:-

Fiat Punto, '97, 1.1, good condition.

Oh look, I have one right here.....................;)

You could give it away and you'd still be €4500 in front. (savings on Insurance that is)
Hmmm....Scary thought.

mike65 · 06-02-2002 12:49am

I dunno if this will help or hinder but the Laguna is Jeremy Clarksons choice for best mid-size car, and it was the first to get 5
stars in the Euro NCAP crash test ratings. The diesel has a six speed box too. Oh and you activate the car with a credit card thingy, well its a talking point...

Mike.

Clinical Waste · 06-02-2002 2:01pm

Originally posted by NeRb666
I'd consider the new Corolla if I were you. ........

But if you have your mind set of either a Mondeo or a Laguna, I'd go for the Mondeo.

Hmmmmm, Mr Excitement.
Must be beating the girls off with a big stick.

Really, Corollas & Fords?

JohnBoy · 06-02-2002 7:07pm

I have driven the laguna, and I'd have to say it's nice, its the auld lads car, but he hates it, says at times the back end can be very vague, the mother says the same, he test drove the mondeo too and says it was a better drive but got sick of the local dealer taking ages to even quote a trade in.

the laguna is a very stylish car, esp in super-sport trim. It has a nice interior with lots of toys, it's biggest interior problem is that it's not that big really, sod all rear headroom though, and only a little bit more in the front, and both front seats have stowage trays underneath them that rob a lot of 'toe space' from the rear passengers.

the mondeo looks like a cheap passat imitation (both styled by the same dude) but is supposedly the better drive.

also the laguna 1.6 is quite gutless low down, it needs to be revved a lot.

thats my ramblings. I'd buy the laguna 1.9td 120bhp super sport ifI had the £23k it was costing when I last checked

John

ButcherOfNog · 06-02-2002 10:29pm

Originally posted by JohnBoy

I'd buy the laguna 1.9td 120bhp super sport ifI had the £23k
John

23k on a laguna ....... i give up, i just give up

azezil · 06-02-2002 11:28pm

After Ford took over Volvo (b*stards) they incorporated Volvo's safty features that's the only reason i'd choose the mondeo.

Of course my choice would be the Volvo C70 Coupé

[edit]its the car the Saint drove in the movie

[/edit]

Neil3030 · 07-02-2002 12:13am

Nice, very nice. Fuc k the Toledo, Get that one.

SheroN · 07-02-2002 11:29am

Go for a skoda octavia...VW running gear a good sight cheaper.

/me waits for jibes about skoda. :rolleyes:

Neil3030 · 07-02-2002 3:36pm

Noothing wrong with skodas. Fine cars. The only problem is the badge. The octavia is identical to the A4 isn't it?

JohnBoy · 07-02-2002 7:34pm

Originally posted by azezil
After Ford took over Volvo (b*stards) they incorporated Volvo's safty features that's the only reason i'd choose the mondeo.

Amm in the last round of NCAP tests the mondeo fared quite badly actually

Mondeo Test Results

The Mondeo tested here was criticised for its unstable body structure and for allowing the driver’s head and chest to hit the steering wheel.

Renault Laguna

The car body proved extremely stable and provided good protection for occupants. No points were lost in the side impact and only one was deducted for its frontal impact performance

Originally posted by ButcherOfNog 23k on a laguna ....... i give up, i just give up

What else would you get for the money?
BMW? Audi? Mercedes?

Just curious, not picking a fight

NeRb666 · 09-02-2002 3:37am

Originally posted by Clinical Waste

Hmmmmm, Mr Excitement.
Must be beating the girls off with a big stick.

Really, Corollas & Fords?

Duhhhhh I was talking about the everyday runabout of course. Obviously I have a Ferrari 360 Spider for impressing the ladies.

toloola · 11-02-2002 1:46pm

The Rover MG is the best. It sporty big and has a bit of power to add to it. I would go for the Rover. Get it in the blue. SWEET COLOUR.

Samson · 11-02-2002 1:55pm

I will have my new car tomorrow, it's a Mondeo Saloon.

Samson · 11-02-2002 2:02pm

This is it.

JohnBoy · 12-02-2002 6:18pm

Enjoy the car,
Hope you do many happy miles together.

What spec, engine size, goodies did you get?

New car recommendation wanted

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