I’ve got a metallic black Mondeo ST estate (2.2 tdci) 3 years on it’s been faultless. The ST’s have stiffer and lowered suspension (with auto ride hight) look nice and are entertaining to drive. Not many around either (compare with a 3 series : common as muck…)
Like this one : heres one
Plus remapped and bits it goes well in a straight line too. And returns 45 mpg on a 95mph long distance cruise controlled run!
The newer mondeo is even better though a bit bigger and heavier.
People who say ‘its a Ford’ are twerps.
GT40, Cosworth, Escort rally cars, BDA, the list goes on.

Passat estate is indeed excellent but this is what happens to the rear tyres at 40,000 miles:

It’s caused by the slight camber of the rear wheels and inaccurate tracking alignment of the “axles” at the factory. This was on my B6 Passat, I have only done 12,000 miles in the new B7 so don’t know if it will happen again of if VW have sorted it. I had a massive battle with VW UK over it and they ended up paying for an alignment.