What are the best Ford cars to buy at auction?

Whether you are after a nippy car for the morning commute or want something capable of driving off-road, when it comes to Ford cars, you'll be buying into a well-respected brand. The company has been one of the world's leading motor manufacturers for decades, producing an array of vehicles synonymous with style, reliability and performance.

If you've got your heart set on getting a Ford, it is worth giving some thought to how you will buy one. Yes, visiting a dealership or browsing your local newspaper's classified sections are viable options, but it is also a good idea to consider seeing what is available at Ford auctions. Doing so could enable you to secure a fantastic bargain and, while the particular models available change on a regular basis, bidding on any of the following is sure to be an enticing prospect.

Focus 1.6 TDCi Style

Although having a car that is safe and reliable is something that all motorists want, many of us are giving greater consideration to the impact our driving has on the environment.

If this is something you feel strongly about, it's worth bidding on any Focus 1.6 TDCi Styles that appear on auction lists. In 2010, the diesel model was named Best Green Car by motoring publication What Car?, with its fuel efficiency receiving particular praise. Group editor Steve Fowler also noted it was a great choice for families, so if you want something for the school run that is relatively kind to the planet, this is one model you'll definitely want to think about bidding for if it comes under the hammer.

S-MAX

Alternatively, Ford's range of S-MAX MPVs may be perfect if you're looking for a family car at an auction. The seven-seat model was named Best MPV at the Auto Express New Car Awards for three successive years, with Top Gear claiming that "it suddenly makes having lots of children seem cool". On top of this, the publication highlighted its responsive handling, practicality and "sharp" looks.

While Ford has produced a range of S-MAXs over the years, the 2.2 TDCi variant is a particularly good choice for a powerful ride. With a 197 brake horsepower engine, the MPV can reach 60 mph from stationary in 8.6 seconds.

Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140PS Zetec

For a refined ride, the Ford Mondeo is likely to be a name you're already familiar with. In fact, it's one of the company's bestselling lines and has been in production since the early 1990s.

Although it's a fairly new model, the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140PS Zetec is something worth keeping an eye out for at car auctions, not least because it has a range of top-quality features such as cruise control and power steering. Powered by a 1,997 cc engine, the vehicle was named Best Estate and Best Family Car at the 2011 What Car? Awards and has the highest possible rating on the Euro Ncap Occupant Protection barometer. On top of this, it is capable of going from zero to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds and has been praised by Auto Express for its low running costs and "rewarding" handling, all of which are aspects that may catch your eye if the model appears at the next car auction you attend.