Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: theolodian on 03 March 2007, 19:07:23
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As you may recall, I am looking for a small automatic car for the g/f. Something recent enough to be safe. Got tempted by a Smart Roadster for a bit, but too small to be safe. :( Found that you can get a 98-99 SLK for about £5K. Those are pretty good, right? 2.3K Auto, 80-120K miles, leeeaaaaathhhheeerrrrr. :)
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I used to sell mercs at a main agent and I would NEVER EVER buy a merc. Poor build quality compared to how they used to be, poor reliability, stupid service costs...AVOID!!!!!!
If you want a medium sized auto and like a cabrio then mazda MX5 all the way
If you do not want a cabrio then ford focus auto
(I still have contacts for used fords, used mazdas and new/used vauxhalls)
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Sorry, meant CLK. Don't want ragtop. (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)
Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics. She would like a Focus. Target is £4K.
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Sorry, meant CLK. Don't want ragtop. (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)
Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics. She would like a Focus. Target is £4K.
Her choice :)
Personally, I would never have another Focus. Biggest heap of shit I've ever had the displeasure of owning...
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I liked the st170 I had as my company car
They're a good cheap car...the mark two is better in my opinion than the new mark three...certainly handles nicer
I dont like autos, I dont like not being in control of when I want acceleration or engine braking
You might be able to get a bmw or one of the first new shape astras
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I liked the st170 I had as my company car
They're a good cheap car...the mark two is better in my opinion than the new mark three...certainly handles nicer
I dont like autos, I dont like not being in control of when I want acceleration or engine braking
You might be able to get a bmw or one of the first new shape astras
The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.
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Anyone else feel the same way about the CLK?
Btw, the miggy is all over the place. So I guess a lot of work left to do there. ::)
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The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.
Your old focus...did it have the front indicators in the bumper or headlamp?
What model was your escort and was it standard?
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The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.
Your old focus...did it have the front indicators in the bumper or headlamp?
What model was your escort and was it standard?
Indicator in bumper iirc. It was a (very flat) 1.6LX model. Same with her brother's 1.8LX, the 2.0l Zetec that we had as a hire car from Dover to home when the Omega broke down in France. Other Focus's I've driven I've been ultra careful with because they were properly owned by people.
As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling. (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
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I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
I have... ;)
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As you may recall, I am looking for a small automatic car for the g/f. Something recent enough to be safe. Got tempted by a Smart Roadster for a bit, but too small to be safe. :( Found that you can get a 98-99 SLK for about £5K. Those are pretty good, right? 2.3K Auto, 80-120K miles, leeeaaaaathhhheeerrrrr. :)
My opinion about mercs and slk's.
Slk's prone to go rusty on A pillar metal covers......i had the covers replaced twice on mine.
Did get told once on the slk if it has the side indicator repeators built into the door mirrors.....if the bulbs blow (its does have 3 bulbs tho) they carnt be changed.....its a new door mirror :-/
Merc make nice autoboxes....avoid the manuals.
If i was in the market for a merc......it would have to be silver , auto , full leather , climate (also in the case of the slk heated seats, peeps like to put the roof down on a sunny winters day....and still stay warm)
Reason for the above line....they are easier to sell on....people looking for 2nd hand mercs want these items
hth
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Sorry, meant CLK. Don't want ragtop. (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)
Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics. She would like a Focus. Target is £4K.
Sorry i replied to your slk post......which is a folding hardtop......so im a tad confused now.....coz a clk is either a ragtop or hardtop......so do you want a convertable or no :-/
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She would like a Focus.
Give her a good slapping, and tell her she'll have what this forum advises... ;D
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As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling. (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
Hmmmm...obviously bad design and nothing at all to do with your driving :P
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Sorry, meant CLK. Don't want ragtop. (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)
Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics. She would like a Focus. Target is £4K.
Sorry i replied to your slk post......which is a folding hardtop......so im a tad confused now.....coz a clk is either a ragtop or hardtop......so do you want a convertable or no :-/
Hardtop, like this one;
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?nU=0&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=CLK&min_pr=&max_pr=&postcode=CV31%201HE&miles=40&max_records=200&modelexact=1&photo=1&hassearched=Y&start=1&distance=35&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200708272559349
Cheers!
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Sorry, meant CLK. Don't want ragtop. (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)
Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics. She would like a Focus. Target is £4K.
Sorry i replied to your slk post......which is a folding hardtop......so im a tad confused now.....coz a clk is either a ragtop or hardtop......so do you want a convertable or no :-/
Hardtop, like this one;
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?nU=0&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=CLK&min_pr=&max_pr=&postcode=CV31%201HE&miles=40&max_records=200&modelexact=1&photo=1&hassearched=Y&start=1&distance=35&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200708272559349
Cheers!
Looks nice...
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Indicator in bumper iirc. It was a (very flat) 1.6LX model. Same with her brother's 1.8LX, the 2.0l Zetec that we had as a hire car from Dover to home when the Omega broke down in France. Other Focus's I've driven I've been ultra careful with because they were properly owned by people.
As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling. (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
You had a mark one focus..the mark two (indicator in headlamp) was a much better drive
From my experience (plod advanced, anti hijack, high speed escort etc etc) the focus I drove (in the manner I was trained) was a very confidence inspiring motor...though the RS turbo was a bitch when on full chat terrible torque steer
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The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.
Your old focus...did it have the front indicators in the bumper or headlamp?
What model was your escort and was it standard?
Indicator in bumper iirc. It was a (very flat) 1.6LX model. Same with her brother's 1.8LX, the 2.0l Zetec that we had as a hire car from Dover to home when the Omega broke down in France. Other Focus's I've driven I've been ultra careful with because they were properly owned by people.
As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling. (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
The FWD Escorts were all crap - the gearchange was terrible
organised
.1.3.5
2.4
Yes 4 was between 1 and 3 - took me three drives to kill it. Prefered the previous 216 and after Astravan. Pool cars for a previous job, I killed a 216 C reg - hit a gas bottle in the road - smashed the sump, same trip it lost the fan belt and lost an engine mount - thats the sort of pool cars they had.
I hated the indicator switches (Escraps) as well - dreadful cars
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Indicator in bumper iirc. It was a (very flat) 1.6LX model. Same with her brother's 1.8LX, the 2.0l Zetec that we had as a hire car from Dover to home when the Omega broke down in France. Other Focus's I've driven I've been ultra careful with because they were properly owned by people.
As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling. (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
You had a mark one focus..the mark two (indicator in headlamp) was a much better drive
From my experience (plod advanced, anti hijack, high speed escort etc etc) the focus I drove (in the manner I was trained) was a very confidence inspiring motor...though the RS turbo was a bitch when on full chat terrible torque steer
The one I had coming back from Dover was a 05 plate, same unpredicatable handling. My neighbour has just handed back his company one, he doesn't have a good word to say about one either. In fact, I don't know anyone who has owned a 'normal' one (ie exc ST170) who feels safe in it. Not just cornering, but incredibly easy to lock up the brakes (or activate ABS on posher models) due to hairtrigger brakes and poor front end bite. Also, on our 1.6, it was all to easy to cook the brakes around Milton Keynes (oddly enough, I've only ever cooked brakes on Fords ::)).
I've had a few 1.6l cars, and the Focus was buy far the slowest, awful notchy box (not as bad as the ones on the old Mk2 Astras though), too much body roll in corners (probably has fairly high centre of gravity?), yet rock hard suspension (although not even that would allow anough traction at the front wheels for quick getaway). A 2hr drive in the Focus was a real killer, utterly knackering, both as a driver and a front seat passenger. Boot space was non existent (AA - you won't get your clubs in one) - even significantly smaller than our current Rover 25. The Focus was the 2nd most rattly car we've owned, and we've owned some heaps (most rattly has to go to the Rover 25 though - and currently, the MV6 comes 3rd :-?). The economy wasn't anywhere near the Rover 25 (we had the 25 before the Focus), which was disappointing for the supposedly 'superior' Zetec motor. I hit the rev limiter quite hard one day on it (limiter is on the redline), and it cough and spluttered for days until dealer reset something on ECU.
So, in my personal experienece, its difficult to believe, but the Rover 25 is a larger, faster, more economical, better handling, more comfortable car than the newer Focus we had. I know ours wasn't just a rogue one, as others are the same.
I will conceed, that on the limit, the car was fairly controllable using the throttle to balance under/oversteer. However, sometimes I wanted to go at a reasonable pace without being on the ragged edge.
I have had the Rover for nearly 7 years now, and can honestly say that I haven't had any unprovoked under/oversteer, nor ABS come on except on very slippery conditions. Alas, in the 2yrs we had that Focus, I cannot say the same (ABS never came on, coz it wasn't fitted - bloody cheapskates, but did have a few lockups under braking). Both cars would have been driven in a similar manner.
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Indicator in bumper iirc. It was a (very flat) 1.6LX model. Same with her brother's 1.8LX, the 2.0l Zetec that we had as a hire car from Dover to home when the Omega broke down in France. Other Focus's I've driven I've been ultra careful with because they were properly owned by people.
As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling. (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)
You had a mark one focus..the mark two (indicator in headlamp) was a much better drive
From my experience (plod advanced, anti hijack, high speed escort etc etc) the focus I drove (in the manner I was trained) was a very confidence inspiring motor...though the RS turbo was a bitch when on full chat terrible torque steer
The one I had coming back from Dover was a 05 plate, same unpredicatable handling. My neighbour has just handed back his company one, he doesn't have a good word to say about one either. In fact, I don't know anyone who has owned a 'normal' one (ie exc ST170) who feels safe in it. Not just cornering, but incredibly easy to lock up the brakes (or activate ABS on posher models) due to hairtrigger brakes and poor front end bite. Also, on our 1.6, it was all to easy to cook the brakes around Milton Keynes (oddly enough, I've only ever cooked brakes on Fords ::)).
I've had a few 1.6l cars, and the Focus was buy far the slowest, awful notchy box (not as bad as the ones on the old Mk2 Astras though), too much body roll in corners (probably has fairly high centre of gravity?), yet rock hard suspension (although not even that would allow anough traction at the front wheels for quick getaway). A 2hr drive in the Focus was a real killer, utterly knackering, both as a driver and a front seat passenger. Boot space was non existent (AA - you won't get your clubs in one) - even significantly smaller than our current Rover 25. The Focus was the 2nd most rattly car we've owned, and we've owned some heaps (most rattly has to go to the Rover 25 though - and currently, the MV6 comes 3rd :-?). The economy wasn't anywhere near the Rover 25 (we had the 25 before the Focus), which was disappointing for the supposedly 'superior' Zetec motor. I hit the rev limiter quite hard one day on it (limiter is on the redline), and it cough and spluttered for days until dealer reset something on ECU.
So, in my personal experienece, its difficult to believe, but the Rover 25 is a larger, faster, more economical, better handling, more comfortable car than the newer Focus we had. I know ours wasn't just a rogue one, as others are the same.
I will conceed, that on the limit, the car was fairly controllable using the throttle to balance under/oversteer. However, sometimes I wanted to go at a reasonable pace without being on the ragged edge.
I have had the Rover for nearly 7 years now, and can honestly say that I haven't had any unprovoked under/oversteer, nor ABS come on except on very slippery conditions. Alas, in the 2yrs we had that Focus, I cannot say the same (ABS never came on, coz it wasn't fitted - bloody cheapskates, but did have a few lockups under braking). Both cars would have been driven in a similar manner.
I did say the mark 2 focus drove better than the mark3 (which an 05 plate should be)
All I can say is re abs...if a person is driving and activating abs unless in an emergency then the driver isnt driving as well as they think
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I did say the mark 2 focus drove better than the mark3 (which an 05 plate should be)
All I can say is re abs...if a person is driving and activating abs unless in an emergency then the driver isnt driving as well as they think
True in theory, however you'd be surprised how many cars mask bad brake balance with ABS.
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All I can say is re abs...if a person is driving and activating abs unless in an emergency then the driver isnt driving as well as they think
I couldn't agree more. And I know I should drive a little slower around the lanes, seeing as farmers cannot keep their sheep in fields >:(
In virtually all vehicles I've had, the only ABS/lockups I've had have been in ice/snow, and a gravel carpark once. I did have a lockup in an Escort which resulted in a head on. Both Mrs TheBoy and I, however, have had lockups in the Focus :(
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Just handed in my 52 plate Focus TDCi estate. Agree with the handling, crap brakes and stalling at junctions even after trips to 'Dealer' for software updates. Had loads of torque steer when accelerating from stop.
Just taken delivery of another Focus estate TDCi, its free so what can i say, hit the brakes like i was used to with the old car. Peeled myself off window screen. :-[
Still it is early days and once the local 'dealers' have had their hands on it will be back up to my low expectations. ::)
On the case of F**d Autos, run a very high mileage Mondeo estate and it has no problems with the mechanical parts. Have serviced the car myself since the car was out of warranty all of 10 yrs ago. :P
To be honest all cars have some problems, some you can live with, others you can't. ;D
8-)
DaveL
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The latest Focus is a co-build between ford and volvo..basically a volvo floorpan with slightly different body panels.
The ST uses volvo running gear and engine
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I did say the mark 2 focus drove better than the mark3 (which an 05 plate should be)
All I can say is re abs...if a person is driving and activating abs unless in an emergency then the driver isnt driving as well as they think
True in theory, however you'd be surprised how many cars mask bad brake balance with ABS.
I agree - also covers up weight balance as well - ie empty car or full boot
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4k?
I'd go Astra G.
Not the most comfy car in the world, only good for 20 min runs max. But well built and the 1.6 is nippy.
Bet the Mrs would love an MX5 but like you, I can't fit in them.
That Merc posted looks nice but 5k 110k miles?
Spend 3k on a facelift megga, and 2k on driving lessons :y
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4k?
I'd go Astra G.
Not the most comfy car in the world, only good for 20 min runs max. But well built and the 1.6 is nippy.
Bet the Mrs would love an MX5 but like you, I can't fit in them.
That Merc posted looks nice but 5k 110k miles?
Spend 3k on a facelift megga, and 2k on driving lessons :y
She doesn't want something too big, Focus size. TBH, not really interested in any other VX's. Need to look at Honda/Toyota I guess.
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Watch out for early Civics, the early old shapes had horrendous noise from the rear door. So much so when i mum was looking at them i though the back door was not shut correctly, but it was .... :o
Maybe a Pug 206? Millions of them about, my old boss had one. Hell of a lot better than the Megan he replaced it with.
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I'd like something 3-5 years old or thereabouts. Needs to have decent safety. A little worried about French automatics, clit is tempting if she is willing to go with a manual.
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Daughter just got a 307CC 2 litre.
Was a bit sceptical at first but, to be fair, seems quite a good car for the cash.
Dearer than the cash you have to spend but also had the 206CC for a demo first. Both are OK and, with summer on the horizon, winter is the time to buy the convertables....
B