We were looking for a young Mazda6, sighted a 2010 bronze red GLX sedan for $20,000 hoping to get the price down a bit for cash - bank cheque, but he wouldn't budge.  It tickled Leanne's fancy and the idea of getting something newer and nice (just had her 50th birthday a week ago...) and she liked the look of the car (so did I!) but it got us both in the mood.  We pursued the bank for the $30,000 loan - extension on the mortgage, now at $50,000, shared details of insurance and superann, and went away assured all ok.

Anyway, we checked back at the three car yards in Tokoroa and one had just received a Ford Mondeo the day before.  We had already bought a Mazda Capella from him about 7 years ago (now in panel repairs after Ford Transit work van shunted in rear, family in car - promised to pay it all with his business cheque, no need for insurance - all confirmed too) and I knew him well from our running days together with Leanne.  We drove Capella and Mondeo to Putaruru (25kms) and came back together in Mondeo.  Everything ok except lumbar support in driver's seat and stone chips on bonnet and bumper, slight damage to two wheel arches and dings in back top rear edge of hatch door by opening and quite visible and where you hold the door.  Price was $15,000 - more in line with our plans - some debt to clear as well.

Anyway, was prepared to paint bonnet, bumper, rear hatch after all stone chip and dent repairs, fixed the seat - found new damage to seat at rear drivers due to broken spring pierced fabric.  To cut it short, we did like the Zetec 2.3L model - all electric modcons and smart touches, dual climate air etc and more peppy (6speed vs 3spd+Overdrive) in the red GLX Mazda6 - GLX is lowest model with only 2L engine.

She has done 156,000kms though - most of this was in last two years by AON Insurance Agent travelling long work miles so mainly highway miles and not so much cold starts and town driving.

She looks just like the bigger Ford and is way more economical... hehe!

One new happy Ford Family member!!

They really are nice cars..….sorry I just came across this thread..