Bye Bye Mondeo - What now?

[X-AHH]

After singing the praises of our MD Titanium Ecoboost over the past few years, my wife accidentally uncovered a good reason not to own one last weekend.

She did the old "hit the wrong pedal" whilst manoeuvring into a car park space and modified a few panels in the process. Got a call from the assessor today, "sorry sir but your car is uneconomical to repair"? I was sure it could all be polished out

He then explained that to repair the damage is going to cost around $15K due to the extremely high price of body parts for this vehicle. Its a real shame because it was our second car and only had around 24000KM on the clock.

Now we have the unenviable task of finding a replacement. I might try to convince her to make the decision and then I can't be blamed for anything that goes wrong later down the track (Relates to recent marriage thread).

Sorry for the quality of the images, she was fairly shaken up at the time they were taken.

[FairmontGS]

Simples - go get another low km replacement.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=....)&sort=~Price

[X-AHH]

Nope, she's washed her hands of this type of car due to the high cost of parts to repair it. The second hand Titanium version with low km are too expensive compared to a new something else anyway. (so I was told)

[asteele-xr6]

I think you will find that all cars are that expensive to repair, doesn't matter what you have.

Maybe you would do best to keep running it as it is?

I just sold my 2016 Titanium with 81,000km to the Ford dealer here, and they have it for sale at $25K! They gave me $17K in return.

[manchu]

I looked at the first pic and thought surely that's not a write off, thinking it was only one side. Then I saw the other two pics and thought geez she really did a number on it!

I assume you're sticking with the medium/large sedan segment?

How about a Skoda Superb? (or an octavia if you want something a little smaller)

[Yellow_Festiva]

For a largish sedan Kia Optima or Hyundai Sonata?

Budget, brand, size, age requirements?

[asteele-xr6]

I think you will find the Titanium hard to replace... maybe you can find one of those "back street" repair chaps who can fix it up. I know a chap in Canberra who works on his own and I am sure he would find a way to do it - individuals who do this sort of work on their own would be much cheaper than the more official outlets.

I mashed my rear bumper by reversing into a small post, and in 3 days he made it like brand new and full perfect re-spray; and I think I paid just $350.

Good luck!

[aussiblue]

Perhaps it's time to go SUV so at least the other SUV's and 4WDs aren't blocking your visions at intersections. That's sadly my though on my next car.

Spend $10 and read the critically objective review of all the cars you are considering at the Dog & Lemon Guide here: https://dogandlemon.com/ At worse you will find out what most often fails with them so you know what look for in buying used. Read the free Freelander review. As part of the 3 for $10 perhaps get the review of one of your deceased Mondeo to satisfy yourself of their accuracy. The reviews will also tell you what other vehicles in the same class should be considered (and are more reliable). The best $10 any car buyer can spend.

Asking owners opinion on any car especially on a enthusiasts; site like this is also unwise. Research shows that we all (me included) generally have cognitive dissonance with respect to our car purchases and usually won't recognise or admit to any shortcomings; nobody likes to think they made a bad purchase decision or their new car is not as good as they thought. This is actually a natural and good thing as it helps people avoid regret and associated depression. I don't know how the Dog & Lemon Guide rate the current Mondeo but you'll get an objective rating from their reviews.

[X-AHH]

Thanks everyone for the input and advice.

I'm waiting for further instructions from The Department of War and Finance as to what her preferences are regarding replacement vehicle size. I'm giving her some time to get over what happened as she really took it to heart. Over thirty years of exemplary driving without even a single fine of any kind, then one big mistake. It came as quite a shock to her. It's a vehicle that she drives 90%of the time so it's only fair for her to make that decision. If it was just up to me, I'd replace the Mondeo with an FGX XR8 or Mustang.

Once I receive a direction as to whether it's going to be a small, medium or SUV version etc, I'll update the thread.

I have already taken the car to a friend who is a sole trader crash repairer and he basically agreed with the insurance assessor. He said that he could repair it on the cheap but it's going to be a long and drawn out process to panel beat the two front guards, front panel, both RHS doors and rear quarter panel. He still estimated around the $10k mark which I would have to pay for out of my own pocket because the insurance company wouldn't support such an approach. Either way, with the amount of work involved in repairing them or replacing panels with new ones the cost soon start to add up. We are going to need a replacement vehicle within a week or two.

[NZ XR6]

Sorry to see a very nice Mondeo damaged like that. I expect it will be traumatic for your wife - mine recently ran into the back of another vehicle at a very low speed, in fact so slow that there was no damage to her Mazda 2.

It was her first accident of any description for about 30 years, and she was upset for some time afterwards.

Most rental cars seem to be SUV's these days. The only one I even vaguely enjoyed driving was a Kia Sportage, but the 2l petrol is gutless at low revs.

[rondeo]

My wife was recently hit by a kangaroo (did not hit Kangaroo) in our MC wagon.

Both RHS doors were replaced at $5000, insured.

Later (too late) I found the rear wheel was buckled about 5mm. I now use one bought from a wrecker and keep the buckled wheel spare. At least it's full size.

I don't think SUV's handle well compared to the Mondeo wagon. Nor is there as much room.

Ours have done over 240000km each, mechanical failures have cost less than $500. Great car, nothing I see can replace it.


My wife has driven a variety of work cars, Mondeo wins easily.

[X-AHH]

Got a call from the assessor this arvo and he said that the insurance company would pay me $18k less my excess and they keep the car. I politely asked him to take another look at the situation and do more research. He agreed to do that.

Since it's insured for market value, I also asked him to come back to me next week with evidence that I can get another similar vehicle for the money he's offered. He's really not sure what it's worth I think.

He indicated that he found evidence that the vehicle is worth over $20k, they would probably repair it.

[rondeo]

evidence that I can get another similar vehicle for the money he's offered.


Not likely.


As a tangent, equally silly:


Coronavirus begins shutting down schools - ABC news ( big viruses I guess)

[asteele-xr6]

There is an add on carsales for a MD Titanium petrol in Canberra with 81,000km on it, and it was manufactured in 2016.... selling for $25,000! (It used to be mine) .. hope this helps you to get a good valuation on yours!

[DFB FGXR6]

Have you taken a look at a Kia Stinger? Available in four and six cylinder engines and is a hatch like the Mondeo. Or perhaps a Skoda Octavia / Superb.

[asteele-xr6]

Erm, I picked mine up just yesterday! - a GT in Dark Blue!

[X-AHH]

She mentioned that she likes the Stingers a few months ago. She also likes Ford Focus, Hyundai I30, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf, and many more in the small categories. As I'm not a small person. I'm hoping we can compromise on something that I can comfortably fit into.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by xahh

I'm hoping we can compromise on something that I can comfortably fit into.

... or your insurance agrees to repair the Mondeo?

[X-AHH]

Yes, definitely the preferred option.

[fiestaz]

What about a ZB commodore? Deals to be had, 5 year warranty, still a decent car.

[X-AHH]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

What about a ZB commodore? Deals to be had, 5 year warranty, still a decent car.

A very good point but unfortunately she hates Commodores more than any other car. That's why I married her

[NZ XR6]

Originally Posted by xahh

A very good point but unfortunately she hates Commodores more than any other car. That's why I married her

It's an Opel Insignia made in Germany with Holden badges. That's why no one bought them.

Opel isn't even owned by GM now; they were bought by PSA a few years ago.

I'm planning a visit to a Holden dealer to see what deals there are. In the unlikely event that I buy one, I'll debadge it.

[kevino]

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

It's an Opel Insignia made in Germany with Holden badges. That's why no one bought them.

Opel isn't even owned by GM now; they were bought by PSA a few years ago.

I'm planning a visit to a Holden dealer to see what deals there are. In the unlikely event that I buy one, I'll debadge it.

No new ZB s have been available in Aus for retail sales for 3 odd months.
Only demo/second hand available.
Same in Aotearoa?

[NZ XR6]

Originally Posted by kevino

No new ZB s have been available in Aus for retail sales for 3 odd months.

Only demo/second hand available.

Same in Aotearoa?

You could buy new a couple of months ago but not sure if that's changed. I'll check.

I'd be looking at demo or used as there's no depreciation advantage to buy new in NZ.

[Yellow_Festiva]

What happened? Are they going to fix the car or write it off?

[X-AHH]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

What happened? Are they going to fix the car or write it off?

Sorry for the late update.

The insurance assessor called me late last Friday with an increased $22K offer (+4K) to walk away or they will repair the Mondeo. This is proof that if you think that an insurance assessor is not being completely fair, they probably aren't.

We're (she's) taking the weekend to make the decision as to which way we move forward.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by xahh

Sorry for the late update.



The insurance assessor called me late last Friday with an increased $22K offer (+4K) to walk away or they will repair the Mondeo. This is proof that if you think that an insurance assessor is not being completely fair, they probably aren't.



We're (she's) taking the weekend to make the decision as to which way we move forward.

They are there to try and save their boss as much money as possible.

For every 1 customer that argues about the low ball figure there are probably 10 that happily accept it and just move forward.

If it were me I would take the money.

Sent from my LG-M700 using Tapatalk

[X-AHH]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

They are there to try and save their boss as much money as possible.

For every 1 customer that argues about the low ball figure there are probably 10 that happily accept it and just move forward.

If it were me I would take the money.

Sent from my LG-M700 using Tapatalk

We collectively decided today that the $22K offer was too good to refuse. Now we're on the market for a replacement that suits her more than me. Thank God that I own the Jaguar or it could have been a sardeen tin episode

[X-AHH]

The decision has been made to purchase a Focus ST Line. Good deals to be had at the moment on ex-demos and 2019 plated vehicles.

Now I'm just waiting for the Department of War and Finance to decide on a colour

[thebigd]

Good choice, although you'll notice the difference in size.
The dealer gave me a Titanium loaner for a week whilst waiting for the Mondeo to be delivered.
Couldn't believe the performance (and economy) of this 1.5 3 cylinder turbo engine.
Good luck...