Ask an expert

Hello There,

Recently our old Ford Mondeo station wagon broke down, and it looks like it is going to cost more money than it is worth to get it fixed. We are looking for a new station wagon to replace the Ford.

We are a family with two preschool children. Our main criteria are:
1) safety - very important
2) reliability
3) good boot space
4) low running costs

Other optional things we would like include bluetooth radio and/or an auxiliary radio input, backing camera, assisted parking +- collision warning, etc... However, these are more bells & whistles rather than essentials.

We do not want a car older than 2010. My wife did not like the Mondeo, so we don't want another one. Budget is ideally $30000 or less, but we could go higher for the right vehicle.

We have been driving each of our vehicles about 10,000 km per year, and get our cars regularly serviced every 6 months with the new WOF. The plan would be that the new car would hopefully last us for ~10 years.

We have had varying advice about late model cars with high mileage (eg, ex-rental/lease). Are the newer motors built so well that high mileage is not a concern when purchasing second hand?

Cheers...

The Mazda 6 would rate highly in this price range although with the budget you have you will have to sacrifice some of the items on your wish list. The Mazda 6 has an reputation for reliability and dynamically it is one of the best in its class.

I am sure you will also find the newer Ford Mondeo has improved a lot too.

Please see Mazda 6 review relevant to the year models you will be looking at.

You could consider the BMW 3 Series but it is a premium car so expect it to cost more to maintain and repair.