IT stands as a testament to the Mitsubishi Galant's excellent reliability that good ones are still sought after second-hand and command strong prices.

Many are down to banger level of course, but the good ones will still fetch £3,000 even though the model went out of production in 2003.

Both saloon and estate are good to drive and well equipped but there are not many around so you might have to travel to get one.

Engines start with a 2.0-litre which has 134bhp and then comes a more economical 2.4 with 147bhp. Range toppers have a smooth 2.5 V6 with 160bhp but it is pretty thirsty.

There was another model called the VR4 imported in small numbers, which has about 260bhp and four wheel drive, and is also comfortable and refined - unlike most cars with such excellent performance.

All have a light clutch and slick-changing five-speed gearbox but a four-speed automatic was also available.

Comfort is good and handling and road-holding are up to the average.

Equipment levels are excellent and most have aircon, alloys, cruise and six speaker audio. Estates are worth about £300 more than saloons.

: Ford Mondeo