THE ULTIMATE CAR THREAD

[Ekona]

Depends on the car really. My Omega estate gets about 36mpg but our mk3 MX5 34mpg. Definitely cheaper to take the '5 in most situations, only reason I don't is to try and keep the mileage down a bit.

When it comes to motorway commutes in dull vehicles these days I just sit at 60mph and let the world drift by. A brand-new small engined diesel may be fractionally better than a petrol on a run, but I've found petrol engines to be more consistent when it comes to fuel economy. Plus you don't know just how hard future governments are going to hit diesel cars given how evil they are now apparently.

[Captain Sisko]

You have an Omega estate?

Fast diesels? Id get either a Mazda 3 or Focus

But I'm still hankering after this Mondeo V6. Spotted an ST which would be awesome as a usable modern classic as it's been kept original but just out of my budget.

[Ekona]

You have an Omega estate?

A mate gave it to me as he didn’t need it any more. Not as amazing as it sounds, given it’s done 150k and has been fed on its own oil and has no brakes and the crank pulley disintegrated the other week

[Gi Me Beer]

Absolutely DO NOT buy a diesel, the new MOT regulations,
these new rules will make it very, erm no, exceedingly difficult for anything other than cars in exceedingly good condition, and exceedingly well maintained to pass the test.

[Joe]

Too late. Picked up a cheap BMW 118D (the 143bhp '07 model).

Checked for visible smoke, absolutely nothing even when the guy revved the nuts off it. Hopefully it stays that way until the next MOT rolls around in March.

Only thing I'm concerned about is premature timing chain failure, which I've heard can be a problem with these models. For now all I can do is listen for excessive noise and/or get the tensioner checked.

[Joe]

On the plus side, I'm now in the Bloody Massive Wankers Club with Dan

[Ekona]

Except I sold mine about a month ago

[Captain Sisko]

You kiled an Omega!
Mondeo V6 guy hasnt got back to me.
So looks like I'll be changing to a Honda just so I can say VTEC Kicked in!!

But is there a difference in the suspension design between the Type R and Type S of the EP3 (1998ish to 2005 Shape)

[Ekona]

Not that I’m aware of, I’d be amazed if they were different in terms of design.

[Captain Sisko]

I test drove 2 Type S' and they didnt really feel that special
They handled well (they have independant rear suspension)

1 in black had just cosmestic faults as in cloudy headlights and one loose handle which I regret not buying as the rest of it was spot on.

A silver car cosmetically was lovely but made a noise when the air con was on, wasn't that cold plus made a noise under braking.

But when driving my Focus home I'm like this drives so good and everything works. Do I really want to change!!!
If I did the next car has to be something special to warrant the change

[Gi Me Beer]

Has anyone fallen foul of the new MOT regs yet, and not been allowed to drive their car home.

[Ekona]

Not I, for I don't let my car get in such a state.



Yet. The battle bus (2003 Omega 2.2 estate with 145k on the clock) has yet to be MOT'd under my stewardship, so we'll see.

[Gi Me Beer]

My car passed it's MOT today.

[Gi Me Beer]

At this point in time I would avoid buying any Ford with the 1ltr Eco engine, either petrol or diesel, they do seem to suffer very badly with overheating, and if that happens, the ONLY option is a new engine. This repair could cost £5000, Ford may, or may not contribute to this.

[Captain Sisko]

Ford dont do a 1L diesel engine?

But there was a story

Ford Focus Ecoboost fire