Only had our Megane II cc for two days, and I think its the best car we have ever had!
Ok its the slowest, and the worst handling, but despite that, its the best car we have had, if that makes any sense?
Prior to this the slowest car we had was a Fiesta ST500, first car was an MR2 Turbo, and every car we had was a Jap import performance car, untill we got the fiesta ST. But the problem with those cars is you have to really push them to get any enjoyment out of them.
I have found myself happily cruising along the motorway at a set speed of 56mph, so I dont need to bother lane changing to take over lorries, and I can have the roof down, windows and windsheild up, stay warm and really enjoy the car - with out risk of smashing it up, or losing my license, whilst using next to no fuel at all!
I think its swings and roundabouts myself, I would never have another Ford, ours never went wrong, but it just wasnt an enjoyable car unless you had the accelerator on the floor, it was just bland :s
But thats my opinion and everyone will have their own opinion. I think the mondeo would be a BIG mistake, a 1.8d in a car that big isnt going to best thing since sliced bread, plus they are prone to bigger more expensive issues, cambelt need doing more often than on other cars, fuel pumps are notorious for going wrong. safety rating cant touch that of any car in the Renault range and the list goes on.
If you want to leave the renault, and get a ford, think about a focus at least, it has a timing chain instead of a belt, which means no cambelt replacements EVER, its better on fuel than the Mondeo, its faster than the Mondeo safer than the Mondeo but its not quite as good as the Megane

Good luck in your quest for a "good" car, where it needs no maintenance, let me know when you find one with self inflating tyres, everlasting wipers, no needs for oil changes, everlasting light bulbs, no slight rattles, brakes than last forever no matter how poorly they have been fitted..... because I really dont think your going to find what your looking for
