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I am looking at buying a new car (on a budget). Have found a 2002 Ford Mondeo 173,000km $3000 and a 2006 Mazda 6 230,000km $6900. I thought the Ford sounds a good deal, and the Mazda cheap for a newish car, tho high mileage - but my Apprentice Mechanic son keeps saying buy a Toyota??? any thoughts?? thanks.

As a model, the Mondeo has been one of the industry’s big improvers over the years.

It has become a very good car in a competitive market segment and is a popular choice as a company vehicle which in itself is testament to its quality and reliability.

The same can’t be said about the earlier versions however. General mechanical and electrical issues are not uncommon.

While it is a cheap car the price reflects the risk you would be taking. A couple of mechanical or electrical repairs could very quickly increase your investment in the car which are all costs that you will never recoup.

If however you were to get another 20,000 kilometres out of it with minimal costs, then it would have been a reasonable buy. Problem is, who knows just how reliable is it going to be.

The Mazda is more than double the price and at over 200K it certainly does not eliminate you from risk either. Like the Ford at this high mileage anything is possible.

If the Mondeo had a proven service history I may be swayed more toward it over the Mazda simply based on price.

And don’t forget, with an apprentice mechanic in the family repairs should be kept to a minimum cost wise.

Its hard to disagree with your son's comments on Toyota especially in this age and price range.