Ford Mondeo

“An all-new replacement is on its way, helping to make this Ford Mondeo tremendous value for money. And it still drives better than anything else in the family car class.” Trade Insider

James Bond’s smart when it comes to card games, but he clearly doesn’t know the first thing about depreciation! The nation’s favourite spy gave the all-new Ford Mondeo its world debut in the recent Casino Royale blockbuster. Yet if you want to avoid the dreaded D-word, the smart money is on a used example of the current model.

Cars in the ultra-competitive family market are all best enjoyed after they’ve suffered the bulk of their depreciation – and that’s a couple of years after rolling out of the showroom. Along with the next Mondeo, a new Renault Laguna arrives later this year and a Vauxhall Vectra replacement is due in 2008. However, only one new car threatened to upset last year’s top three. The Volkswagen Passat crept in for the first time this year, but our experts decided its rarity and consequently high prices make it one for the future.

No matter how hard they tried, our panel of judges couldn’t look beyond last year’s trio: the Mondeo, Mazda 6 and Vectra, and the phenomenal value offered by the outgoing blue oval vehicle ensured it held all the aces.

Mike Brewer was the big Ford’s keenest fan. “You can buy a 65,000-mile 54-plate 2.0 TDCi for only £5,000. What a lot of motor for the money!” he said. With 45mpg, its strong diesel engine outperforms more expensive cars, while its driving dynamics are among the best. As with the original Ford Focus, the current Mondeo is leaving on a high, which makes three and four-year-old models great buys.

If you don’t cover big mileages, try the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol variants. They’re even cheaper than the excellent diesels and still cut it on the road, but avoid the thirsty 2.5 V6. Aim for Ghia and Ghia X trim – the latter has full leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control. Bond would approve!

Commended: Vauxhall Vectra

2002 to present

It’s easy to overlook the Vectra, but it ticks plenty of boxes in a market sector where space, comfort and affordability were our judges’ main criteria. With a 500-litre boot (in five-door form) and a spacious cabin adding to its family appeal, the well equipped Vectra is worth a place on any second-hand buyer’s shortlist. Diesel fans are better served by the storming TDCi units offered by the Ford, yet the Vauxhall has a huge array of trim levels and engine options. Facelifted models arrived in 2005 and are available from just over £9,000.

Commended: Mazda 6

2002 to present

The Mazda 6 has scooped a whole host of Auto Express accolades in the past half-decade, and it continues to impress long after its showroom shine has faded. The Japanese-manufactured saloon was named our Used Car Honours class winner back in 2005, and managed to top the charts as overall victor in our 2003 Driver Power reliability and satisfaction survey.While it’s the priciest option here, it is still a good-value alternative to the mainstream Ford and Vauxhall. High points include a classy cabin, stylish exterior, desirable image and excellent reliability.