What Car? Used Car of the Year 2006 - Best Family Car 2006

Ford Mondeo
Model: 1.8 Zetec 5dr
Year:'03/03
Cost: £6395

The family-car sector bears the brunt of depreciation these days. As buyers clamour to downsize to Focus-class cars or buy MPVs and 4x4s, the Mondeo sector has quietly missed out - bringing a collapse in used values. Bad news for new-car buyers; great for second-hand bargain hunters.

That's why a three-year-old Mondeo is such great value. To buy a new one today would cost the thick end of £17k, but you can snap up an '03/03-reg car for just £6395. That's an absolute steal.

For starters, the Mondeo has the same pin-sharp dynamics as the smaller Fiesta and Focus. Ford knows how to tune a chassis for British roads and the Mondeo is no different - it carves through corners with poise, yet plays the comfy family car with aplomb, soaking up the worst bumps.

It's also vast inside, with plenty of space for five and their luggage. Diesel versions are more expensive, so we'd go for a smooth and decently powerful 1.8-litre petrol in Zetec trim.

Runner-up
Audi A4
Model: 1.8 T 4dr
Year: '01/51
Cost: £8550

Others to consider...
BMW 320d ES, '03/03, £11,750
Honda Accord 2.0 SE 4dr, '04/54, £10,500
Jaguar X-type 2.0 SE manual, '02/52, £11,650
Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi (120) SRI, '04/54, £8550

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