One of YouTube’s most popular used car dealers has shown viewers his latest purchase, which cost him just £300.
Matt Goodwin runs the YouTube channel High Peak Autos and regularly posts videos giving advice to help motorists find the perfect used car for them and showcasing models that he has bought to put on his forecourt.
In a recent video, Matt goes to collect a 2005 Ford Mondeo 1.8 Zetec Estate, stating that they are a bland but incredibly practical choice for a cheap family car.
He explained: “I’ve paid £300 for this car, so it is very cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with Mondeos, really. Yes, they’re a bit bland, but they are a good workhorse, especially the estates. The thing with the Mondeo is it’s a dull car, there’s no two ways about it.
“I could be wrong here but I seem to remember that someone in the Labour Party during the Tony Blair era described the average man on the street as ‘Mondeo Man’. It was a little bit insulting and condescending in my opinion, but it’s kind of true. It was a typical car that a typical man or woman would have.”
Launched to replace the Ford Sierra in 1993, the original Mondeo brought curves to the world of family cars and was soon awarded European Car of the Year.
Being a popular choice with middle class families during the 1990s, former Prime Minister Tony Blair used the term ‘Mondeo Man’ to describe the typical New Labour voter.
Whilst Ford no longer sells the Mondeo in Europe, an executive saloon that bares the same name is currently on sale in China and parts of the Middle East.
Arriving at where the car was parked, Matt noted some issues with the Mondeo’s bodywork but spotted a good sign that the vehicle had been looked after by previous owners.
He added: “Right, it’s quite tidy this, at least for £300. We’ve got a little bit of terrible touch-up [paint] going on there on the rear wheelarch, and it looks like someone has painted one of the wheels with Hammerite, but I’m not compaining.
“We’ve got some seat covers. I always think it’s really nerdy to put seat covers on, but, as a car dealer, it’s a good sign that someone has cared for it. It’s not bad, is it?”
Getting behind the wheel, Matt planned to give the Mondeo a fresh MOT, stating that some care and attention could increase its value significantly.
He continued: “So, this drives pretty good. It doesn’t pull, feels responsive, and even sounds quite good. You know what? I was mocking ‘Mondeo Man’ but it’s actually alright.
“I’m going to take this for a wash, give it a good clean, take it to the mechanics and get them to do a pre-MOT check to see if it will pass. If it does, which I suspect it might because it drives alright and the tyres are good, I don’t see why I couldn’t sell this. It might be worth £1,500 with a service and long MOT.”
