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Hi, I am considering purchasing a 2007 /08 Mondeo Diesel ( 2.00 TDCI) with 170,000 K on the clock for about $13,500. Do you have any advice about the reliability of these engines and level of risk I'll be in for major repairs? My alternatives are a Mazda 6 ( 07) with 180,000K on the clock or an older model vehicle 03 / 04 with more like 110,000 k on the clock ( Accord, Legacy or Mazda 6). All NZ new. Thanks

The Mazda and Honda look better options for me. The big advantage with Diesel power in this vehicle class is straight out fuel consumption but you need to be travelling in excess of the national average of 14K to make the switch viable in my view.

With a Diesel you will pay more for servicing and annual registration while in addition, you have the hassle of paying Road User Charges.

Any repairs outside normal servicing on a Diesel engine is a lot more expensive than a petrol also.

This doesn’t make petrol vehicles bullet proof but if you can find one with a proven and long service history it does reduce your risk.