yeah mondeos go cheap, can easily get a good one for £1500.

Years ago I got a 6 year old TD for £1200, ran absolutely fine, no problems.

not convinced you'd get the new tdci's in this price range so the td may be a little slow.

as babyboom said the 2l mondeos are quick enough and probably get about the same mpg as the ST, maybe a little better if you're lucky