Last week we showed you three top sedans with an eight-cylinder engine for a maximum of €8,000. There was a lot of reaction to that. Some thought they were so-called ‘money pits’, but let’s face it: in fact, all cars cost money. Although one more than the other, but still. In order to take a tighter budget into account, we are doing the same this week, but just a little differently: three five-cylinders for a maximum of €5,000!
Unfortunately, the five-cylinder is also a dying breed. When we think of the five-cylinder, the Volvo machines in particular come to mind, which we also found in Fords and Renaults. But also, among others, the Volkswagen Group, Fiat (including Alfa Romeo and Lancia) and Mercedes-Benz (including SsangYong) used them in their four-wheelers.
Fiat Stilo 2.4 20V Abarth 5M – 2007 – 292,762 kilometers – €2,480
For not even half of our budget we find this Fiat Stilo that, as Abarth, competed against the Volkswagen Golf V5 at the beginning of this century, with the 2.4-liter five-cylinder that you could also find in Lancia’s Kappa. That makes the Fiat more of a fast GT than a real hot hatch, because the atmospheric machine only comes into its own at higher revs. This also ensures that the engine likes a sip – both fuel and, over time, oil. Apart from that, the power source is known to be reliable. Fortunately, the 66-RZ-PN (four ex-owners) is equipped with a manual five-speed gearbox and not such a damned Selespeed, because that sequential gearbox detracted a lot from driving pleasure and reliability. We have already mentioned some peculiarities that characterize this Italian sporty model. Another issue with this occasion: it is a three-door. If you want five doors, you have to look for an older model. Getting in the back therefore requires some flexibility, but once seated on the leather-covered furniture, it is not too bad.
The Stilo Abarth feels nice and firm and sits solidly on the road, even at speeds of 200+. The chassis naturally has a sporty tuning, but still provides a comfortable note. The steering gives the confidence-inspiring feeling that you have the car well in hand, even during fast cornering. It is of course wonderful to downshift in a tunnel – the five-cylinder rattles it out nicely! Nice, because in general the machine remains reasonably in the background. Even at the above speed, occupants can converse without raising their voices.
As befits a top model, the Italian was well equipped with accessories – even navigation was standard. We also mention cruise and climate control, rain sensor and traction control, but no guarantee: it remains with an MOT valid until May 2026.
Ford Mondeo 2.5 20V Titanium – 2007 – 234,857 kilometers – €4,849
Where last week we showed three comparable sedans from Daimler, Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz, this week we show three different body styles in similar sizes for different prices, with the only similarity being the beloved five-cylinder under the hood. After the cheap, sporty three-door Stilo Abarth, we are looking for something different and end up with this four-door Ford Mondeo, which houses a 2.5-turbo engine from Volvo; a powerful, smooth machine that stands its ground even at low revs, but never feels nervous. This makes the Mondeo a great travel companion. You have a lot of feel for the road, without the car steering too heavily. In combination with an excellently tuned chassis and a directly shifting six-speed gearbox, this provides a driving characteristic that belongs to the top of the D-segment.
Interior and luggage space are well sized for a family with adult children. The seating position is also above average. The sports seats are generous and offer sufficient support, with both front seats being electrically adjustable. This brings us to the execution level of the 16-XS-XD (three ex-owners): Titanium. That should radiate a high-tech atmosphere, but the aluminum panels shine just a little too much for that. However, everything is well constructed, because despite the age and mileage, this occasion still looks neat inside and out. With features such as navigation system, keyless entry, xenon lighting, beautiful 18-inch light-alloy wheels, an extra set of winter tires, tow bar (1,800 kilos braked towing capacity), climate and cruise control and a leather-covered steering wheel and gear lever, the five-cylinder Mondeo not only pampers its occupants aurally. Despite the much higher price than that of the Fiat, additional guarantee does not seem to be an option here either. The fact that the timing belt only needs to be replaced at 364,000 kilometers or in four years should offer some certainty. Anyway: Ford stopped with the Mondeo in 2022 – this copy shows the sadness of that.
Volkswagen T4 Westfalia – 1992 – 367,615 kilometers – €4,950
The most expensive of this trio is also by far the oldest, burdened with the highest mileage, cannot be driven forward with its 78 diesel horses and, due to emission class Euro 0, is not allowed to enter many cities at home and abroad. What’s going on here? Simple: it’s a camper. These mobile homes are not to be supplied, which means they remain quite expensive when used. The above data apply to this Volkswagen Transporter that ended up in our country sixteen years after it rolled off the production line and has since worn out six ‘residents’. The gray license plate suggests that it has been converted from a commercial vehicle to a camper, but if we see the photos, it seems to be a real Westfalia in terms of layout.
And speaking of photos and furnishings; the provider states that the 71-VVR-1 could use a makeover both inside and out. Basic things like a kitchenette (including two gas burners, sink, refrigerator), cupboard space, a garage, sleeping space, connections for gas and electricity and the lifting roof are present, but to make it suitable as a holiday accommodation, we think at least the purchase amount should be invested again. But then you do have a mobile home furnished according to your own wishes. Then it is the turn of the outside, because the gray part has become dull here and there. Plus point: it has apparently recently been MOT approved, because the inspection report is still valid until May 2027. And: the atmospheric five-cylinder diesel may have a low power, may have difficulty with current hectic traffic and may show that in terms of engine noise, with good maintenance it lasts a long time. The empty weight of 1,800 kilos and the permitted total weight of 2.5 tons leaves enough space for items for furnishing, people and luggage. Which globetrotter with two right hands and a good dose of inventiveness dares to take on this project?
