Hi guys,

My parents are currently in the process of getting a new car. I wont go in to the details, but they're basically offering me their old Mondeo (Mk3 LX TDCI 130, 54 plate, 55k miles). What they've said is they'll give me the car for whatever I can sell my own car for (if I were to do it).

I currently drive a Honda Prelude, which I've had for nearly 3 years. It's over 15 years old now, and I think I'd be lucky to get ?750 for it.

Whilst I do enjoy my Prelude, it's starting to show its age, and I can foresee the rust in the car becoming a big issue by the next MOT (12 months time). It's in need of a cambelt change also.

I don't really drive more than 6,000 miles per year, the prelude is pretty thirsty, 24-25mpg is the norm, 16 miles per day on a mix of 30 and 70 mph roads.

The Mondeo itself has done about 55,000 miles, and has been used mostly for shortish commutes, but also towing a caravan a few hundred miles a few times per year. They have not had any major problems with the car, it has been serviced properly, but should I be worring about things like DMF and injectors around now?

What would you do? Is this an offer I shouldn't refuse? Or should I stay with the Prelude? I'm looking for something that will keep me going for at least another year or two until I can buy something a bit nicer.

Hope this doesn't sound too silly for a Sunday motors evening!

Thanks,

Dave

This is whats known as a - no brainer

For that price its a no brainer. Yes, DMF and injector issues are a risk given it's life, but even if you replace all 4 injectors and the DMF/clutch, you've still got a bargain!

Yea take the car, how can you lose

Do it, right now.

Not a load else to say that hasn't been said really. Yes, you run the risk of normal age issues, but at least you know its history, and at that price even a lump of work will lead to low overall costs.

Yes, yes, dear God, yes! <bangs fists on table>

On a more sensible note, yes! I think you'll find even the LX surprisingly well specced.

Yup, they got a nice uplift along with all the other models as part of the 2003 facelift. I am painfully aware of this as a 2002 owner!

Thanks for the responses guys, looks like I'll be selling the prelude soon then!

Just needed to make sure I'm thinking straight!

You are, your parents arent!

Mondeo will be good.

Sounds like the Prelude drinks fuel and is going to cost more than it is worth to keep on the road very soon.

Your parents are very kind indeed! if you decide to keep your 15 year old prelude, you can tell them that Pete off the ocuk forums will have their 6 year old Mondeo for ?750

You really have to ask?

Your parents are obviously desirable units.

Thats a nice gesture on your parents part! I'd give them an extra ?250 if I could afford it as a thank you and tell them to treat themeselves as it sounds like you have good parents!

Definitely take it - if its only done short trips for most of its life it may well need a little italian tuning.. give it a good (high rev) blast on a reasonable gradient when you get the opportunity. It'll probably help out the DPF as well (if it has one).

I think what your parents are trying to say is get rid of that rust ridden death trap and take this as we'll sleep better at night.

They are obviously doing you a rather large favour here and i think they are seriously hinting that they want you to get shot of the prelude hence the genorous offer. But please make your parents aware the prelude is only worth ?500-?1000 if your lucky as they might not have no idea how much it is worth.

It doesn't have one

I really wouldn't put the Prelude down as a death trap. It's a great car and I will miss it, they're well aware of the value of the car. They aren't doing it for my safety.

This

There aren't many reasons in life to drive a Diesel - but this is one.