We were in a similar situation and ended up with a mondeo. Got the 2.2 diesel. I'm really pleased with it so far. Only had it for 15k miles so can't comment on reliability though.
For me the 3 series was the best to drive by a distance of those we tried, as so many others have said. But it is a much smaller car and a lot more money.
We also didn't like the passat to drive. Interior nice but a bit dated. I liked the Honda but my other half didn't like the interior and they were harder to come by as well. I also liked the Saab 9-3. A softer ride than many, leather is in nearly all of them and they're amazing value. The Volvo V50 I disliked - very plasticky inside and just didn't feel well built - and the V60 is expensive.
The mondeo drives really well. Handles nicely considering its size. Pulls like a train and is solidly built and quiet. But what sealed it for me was the spec for the money - DAB radio especially, which at the age we were looking at was common in fords but not elsewhere.
Have to agree with Inbred456, I get a lot of hire cars through work and VAG stuff is "generally" well screwed together but if its FWD not much comes close to a Ford for actually feeling like its connected to the road.
If you want to know why fords are so good to drive read Jackie Stewart's autobiography. He was contracted to develop the handling of cars from the mondeo mk1 onwards I think. He would test them on the track and around the roads in his native Scotland. If he wasn't happy with the handling and road holding and the brakes he wouldn't sign the car off meaning they couldn't launch it. If it's good enough for Sir Jackie it's good enough for me.
4 years old, £10K and BMW, Audi, or Merc E class or C class - I don't think so unless the mileage was stratospheric.
Nah. I got my 4 year old 3 series coupe from a BMW dealer, with a years warranty for only 10.5k with 50k on the clock. It's "BMW approved" and hasn't so much as rattled a vague squeak in 2 yrs and 20000 miles.
Flippin lovely
