[blueoval]

Hey guys,

I'm seriously considering a Mondeo for my next car. Models Im tossing up between the Ecoboost Titanium powershift, TD titanium PS, and XR5T. MB models on.

Price difference is pretty broad I've noticed. Seeing the MB XR5T being a bit cheaper etc.

A little about my needs and lifestyle:

Im not sure whether to go petrol turbo or diesel turbo. Not interested in N/A. My AU is supercharged at the moment and I still want that boost push in the seat.

I mainly do 90% city driving but dont want it to be a big fuel sucker either. I do about 25,000-30,000km a year.

I've heard the TD's may need software updates from time to time. Is this true?

I need the car to be classy, fun to drive but still be sedate enough to take the family to church on Sundays.

Its also got to have a sunroof, always wanted this. I dont mind the thought of auto or manual and the indicators being euro. Doesnt bother me as I adapt to things like that. The mrs wont drive it so no need to cater there as she has her own car.

Really not gonna bother with big mods. Probably happy to look at Bluefin chipping maybe. Probably interested in making sure it handles twisties. Will look into wheel upgrades too. Needs to carry my bike in the back in a push, will the hatches be big enough to do this? otherwise will look at a tow bar (not interested in roof racks, heard too many bad stories carrying bikes on roof)

What I'd like to know is -
* What is the paint like on these cars?
* How do they handle in windy roads? (i.e. are they floaty)
* Will my bike fit in the back (with front wheel on)
* Can you notice a big difference in performance between the XR5T and TD models?
* Are people getting the advertised fuel economy figures?
* Are these cars reliable?
* Is the manual a pig to drive in traffic?
* are there any auto gearbox issues to contend with in either model?
* have you had to get a lot of factory stuff done from warranty?
* Are all the electrics in these cars fairly reliable? (not after perfect, just reliable)
* What are the typical servicing costs like?

Other cars I have considered is a VW Golf GTi, Audi A4 turbo, Subaru Liberty GT, & Mazda MPS. I have already considered a Focus XR5T but just didnt like the interior color choices that came with, and the rear tail lights I didn't like. Pretty petty stuff, but things like that eventually bother me.