The FORD MONDEO (2000-07) 5DR ESTATE 2.0 LX is a roomy family estate from Ford’s mainstream range. It offers an alternative to an SUV, with a load area and five-door access for passengers and luggage. In today’s UK market, it is an affordable older workhorse, not a near-new family choice. The mycarcheck.com sample is modest, with 36 look-ups covering 26 different VINs, so figures are a guide rather than a market-wide guarantee. It shows an average private-sale valuation of £400, average recorded mileage of 115,000 miles, annual use of 7,000 miles and 3.25 previous keepers on average among vehicles checked. Its generous boot and comfortable, composed drive suit family trips, commuting and carrying bulky shopping. The 2.0-litre petrol LX is straightforward and spacious, though running costs and age deserve consideration. Against estate rivals such as the Vauxhall Vectra, the Mondeo is known for reassuring road manners and useful, no-nonsense value.