mondeos have terminal worthless ness too, when its parked i bet it costs more in depreciation than in carpark fees

all depends how much you have to spend and what you want from it

if he doesnt need the size maybe a focus if he is knocking on maybe a fusion (little tdi's are made effiecient and i have seen a 1.4 petrol with low miles for 2500!!!!) also consider leons, toledos are good value as are boras
if you dont mind a spend maybe a good post 05 octavia can be had
seems the rule is if you done spend on the car you will spend on the repairs but not always the case

sadly im really impressed with out 2001 scenic, great on fuel (always over 40mpg 1.6 petrol) and i have shifted so much in it (new cooker/4 bits of cut worktop today) but no fashion, there are good specs available