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Yet another car thread
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mattyb
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Oct 5, 2013, 11:23 AM
 
I'm looking for a new car. Well I've actually been looking for about 2 years but we really want to get a new one before the end of the year. We have an estate/station wagon and we've decided (the wife decided) that we want a monospace/people carrier. Mrs. Mattyb likes the idea of being higher and to be honest, I like sitting rather than reclining in a car (I'd get a pick-up with a large cabin if I had my own way). Looked at all the models on the French market and have tested quite a few.

This afternoon I got into a C-Max with a three cylinder, 1.0L, 125HP petrol engine. What an amazing little motor!! When I saw that Ford were putting it into the Fiesta and Focus I thought OK fair enough. Then to put it into a people carrier - who's idea was that? Well I really was pleasently surprised by the performance. No, it doesn't have 140 or 150 HP like most of the other models that I tested, but it does have low down grunt. I accelerated smoothly away at the lights and fast enough to not worry about getting hit in the arse. In 6th at 120kmph I could hardly hear it.

That triple is great. Anyone else tried them? VERY tempted to splash the cash.
     
is not
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Oct 5, 2013, 02:02 PM
 
Not tested, but I have heard very nice things about that engine.
     
Laminar
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Oct 8, 2013, 09:49 AM
 
Car and Driver really liked it in the Fiesta. Its 123hp/148ft-lb really seems diesel-like and should be much better to drive than the Fiesta's standard 1.6.
     
mindwaves
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Oct 8, 2013, 10:52 AM
 
I sat in a US Fiesta last year and was not impressed. I know it is a cheap car, but the materials were very ugly and very cheap looking. I didn't drive it because I was put off with the multi-colored fabric used on the seats.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 8, 2013, 03:12 PM
 
Originally Posted by Laminar View Post
Car and Driver really liked it in the Fiesta. Its 123hp/148ft-lb really seems diesel-like and should be much better to drive than the Fiesta's standard 1.6.
Yes, it is diesel-like. You didn't have to rev it much to get it moving at a decent speed. However, after reflecting, I'm going the true diesel route. Its cheaper than petrol here in France and the performance is acceptable for an old fart like me. Doubt that I'll get a C-Max, although still not sure what people carrier/MPV to get.
     
boy8cookie
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Oct 8, 2013, 09:38 PM
 
Tesla.
     
angelmb
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Oct 8, 2013, 10:11 PM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post
… although still not sure what people carrier/MPV to get.
I am putting the blame on van den Acker for your state of doubt.
     
is not
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Oct 9, 2013, 12:29 PM
 
What cars are you taking into consideration?
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 12, 2013, 06:32 AM
 
Ford C-Max, Kia Carens (bit too plasticy), Citroen C4 Picasso.

Already tested Peugeot 5008 and 3008.

Maybe the VW Touran.
     
is not
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Oct 12, 2013, 10:51 AM
 
Consider a Scenic before van den Acker ruins it
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 13, 2013, 06:26 AM
 
You can't fold the seats flat in a Scenic. That also counts out the Ford, which I tested yesterday. The Kia is impressive, but not as nice to drive as the Ford. Some of the comments about Kia on French forums have me worried. They don't have a good network of garages so it seems that when there is an issue, there are problems actually getting the car sorted out.

Didn't get to test the Picasso. Going to try and organise something for the Touran and Opel's (GM) Zafira as well.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 27, 2013, 11:55 AM
 
So, tested the Opel (GM) Zafira Tourer, Honda CRV, Ford Grand C-Max, VW Tiguan. And re-tested some of those that I'd tested before.

VW : cheapo plastic and noisy. Same dashboard in the Touran so didn't even bother testing it.
Zafira Tourer : no leg room - same problem as in the 5008 and 3008.
Honda CRV : noisy, sounds like a truck.
Citroen C4 : since its a new product, they can't cut prices as much. Very nice though, bit worried about getting something so new on the market.

And the winner is : Ford Grand C-Max (seats fold flat in the bigger one), 2.0L TDCi making 140HP. Titanium + sun roof, tinted windows and some other stuff that I can't remember. Should get in mid-November.
     
ajprice
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Oct 27, 2013, 02:07 PM
 
Nice. What made you go for the 2.0 diesel over the 1.0 Ecoboost you originally drove?

It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 27, 2013, 04:05 PM
 
30 centimes per litre difference. Diesel is cheap in France, although I'm not sure for how much longer. I have a petrol car and nobody wants to buy a petrol car in France, thinking of resale value.

I also wanted more power and the 140HP diesel is gorgeouos to drive - tested in the normal C-Max.

Finally, that Ford 2L diesel is doing 130km/hr at 2000rpm - you hardly hear it. Our present 2L is at 3500rpm and the noise drives me crazy.
     
ajprice
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Oct 27, 2013, 04:33 PM
 
Diesel is 30 centimes CHEAPER???!?!

Here it's about £1.29 per litre for petrol, £1.36 for diesel (best prices, you can pay a lot more at independent places or for Shell V Power / BP Optimax etc. that have higher ron, additives and magically give you more power and better mpg.

Edit: waits for the Americans to say their stuff is 50 cent per gallon and OMGWTF...Yes it takes £40 to fill my Smart with about 30 litres of petrol. Isn't tax great!

It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 28, 2013, 07:41 AM
 
Originally Posted by ajprice View Post
Diesel is 30 centimes CHEAPER???!?!

Here it's about £1.29 per litre for petrol, £1.36 for diesel (best prices, you can pay a lot more at independent places or for Shell V Power / BP Optimax etc. that have higher ron, additives and magically give you more power and better mpg.

Edit: waits for the Americans to say their stuff is 50 cent per gallon and OMGWTF...Yes it takes £40 to fill my Smart with about 30 litres of petrol. Isn't tax great!
Yes, France is in love with diesel vehicles due to the price difference. Diesels are more expensive to buy, and apparently slightly more costly to service. 95E10 was 1.45€ this morning for my little runabout.

Since it pollutes more the Gov are making threats to tax it more. If they did change it now, there would be rioting everywhere - and not just in Brittany for the Eco-tax on trucks and agricultural vehicles.
     
Laminar
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Oct 28, 2013, 09:31 AM
 
Originally Posted by ajprice View Post
Edit: waits for the Americans to say their stuff is 50 cent per gallon and OMGWTF...Yes it takes £40 to fill my Smart with about 30 litres of petrol. Isn't tax great!
Gas just dropped below $3.00/US gallon here this weekend which is...what... €0.56/L?
     
The Final Dakar
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Oct 28, 2013, 09:36 AM
 
No pics of the badboy? It looks like a mini-minivan
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 28, 2013, 05:57 PM
 


The deal involved one that just came out of the factory, so it'll be white. Doesn't look too much like an ambulance (IMHO) though.

EDIT : specs are : Titanium, Panoramic Pack (sunroof, tinted rear windows), spare tyre instead of the kit, it'll have that roof rack (didn't know that you normally have to pay to have it), 7 seats (but the last row is only really for kids or dwarves). 5 year guarantee. Yes those are sliding rear doors. Makes the car heavier but the 140HP motor has enough ooomph.
( Last edited by mattyb; Oct 29, 2013 at 08:14 AM. )
     
angelmb
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Oct 29, 2013, 03:20 AM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post

The deal involved one that just came out of the factory, so it'll be white.
Put a white Apple sticker on it.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Oct 29, 2013, 08:15 AM
 
Originally Posted by The Final Dakar View Post
No pics of the badboy? It looks like a mini-minivan
Then there's the B-Max :

     
is not
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Oct 29, 2013, 03:09 PM
 
Did you get a discount? As I see Ford has forgotten the B-Pillar
     
ajprice
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Oct 30, 2013, 05:18 AM
 
The car with no B pillar is the B Max, it's based on the Fiesta. mattyb is getting the C Max that he posted a picture of earlier.

It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
Spheric Harlot
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Oct 30, 2013, 06:55 AM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post
30 centimes per litre difference. Diesel is cheap in France, although I'm not sure for how much longer. I have a petrol car and nobody wants to buy a petrol car in France, thinking of resale value.
Interesting.

In Germany, Diesel is cheaper (though nobody knows how much longer), but Diesel engines are taxed more highly. Combined with the fact that Diesels typically use less fuel, it's been the case for many years now that a Diesel is worth it financially if you run it more than 15,000 km a year.
     
Shaddim
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Oct 30, 2013, 08:21 AM
 
I miss these days:



The great Lancia D.I. EVO2, what a Hot Hatch.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
     
is not
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Oct 30, 2013, 09:00 AM
 
ajprice, my fault for wearing no glasses LOL
     
angelmb
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Oct 31, 2013, 03:54 AM
 
The car with no B pillar is the B Max
Such a conundrum.
     
angelmb
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Oct 31, 2013, 04:02 AM
 
Originally Posted by Shaddim View Post
The great Lancia D.I. EVO2, what a Hot Hatch.
There is one here where I live. Fully restored, owner asks 38000 €.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Nov 15, 2013, 01:36 PM
 
Got her today (cars are female in France). Pissing down with rain so doubtful photos will be forthcoming. Salesman didn't tell me before, but its got that semi-auto parking (for parallel parking).
     
The Final Dakar
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Nov 15, 2013, 01:49 PM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post
Got her today (cars are female in France).
I think its that way everywhere. Continuation of naval tradition.
     
reader50
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Nov 15, 2013, 01:57 PM
 
I thought big pickups were male.
     
The Final Dakar
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Nov 15, 2013, 01:58 PM
 
Originally Posted by reader50 View Post
I thought big pickups were male.
She-males.
     
osiris
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Nov 15, 2013, 03:57 PM
 
I suppose hybrids are hermaphrodites.
"Faster, faster! 'Till the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." - HST
     
The Final Dakar
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Nov 15, 2013, 04:01 PM
 
Originally Posted by osiris View Post
I suppose hybrids are hermaphrodites.
Eunuchs.

Edit: Nope you're right. I was thinking electric cars.
     
osiris
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Nov 15, 2013, 04:03 PM
 
Originally Posted by The Final Dakar View Post
Eunuchs.

Edit: Nope you're right. I was thinking electric cars.
Yep.


So what about the pickup trucks? Are they the lesbians of the vehicle world? I lost track of all this already.
"Faster, faster! 'Till the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." - HST
     
The Final Dakar
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Nov 15, 2013, 04:09 PM
 
Originally Posted by osiris View Post
Yep.


So what about the pickup trucks? Are they the lesbians of the vehicle world? I lost track of all this already.
Butch ones. SUVs like the RAV4 are lipstick lesbians.

Have we been banned for being offensive yet?
     
osiris
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Nov 15, 2013, 04:18 PM
 
Originally Posted by The Final Dakar View Post
Butch ones. SUVs like the RAV4 are lipstick lesbians.

Not yet. Hopefully irreverent humor is still allowed.
"Faster, faster! 'Till the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." - HST
     
mattyb  (op)
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Nov 16, 2013, 05:02 PM
 
Originally Posted by The Final Dakar View Post
I think its that way everywhere. Continuation of naval tradition.
Boats are male in France.
     
Laminar
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Nov 17, 2013, 09:51 AM
 
     
ajprice
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Nov 17, 2013, 02:17 PM
 
The best car name ever was a boy car he even had a moustache.

Hammerhead i Eagle Thrust / Geoff




It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
Spheric Harlot
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Nov 17, 2013, 02:54 PM
 
My car is Betty. A little red 2001 Daihatsu YRV 1.8 Top.

Surprisingly fast (180 kph), and great mileage. And actually fits my complete (small) setup: two keyboards, a stand, music stand, small amp, and a seat. Plus three people including me.

Or my setup and a complete drumset plus me and the drummer.

Amazing car, really.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Nov 17, 2013, 03:07 PM
 
The semi-auto parking is pretty good. Must load up a small USB key with some tunes for the stereo (only ever listened to radio before). English GPS voice is far nicer than the French voice (too robotic). No run-in for the engine but strange enought there is for the tyres and brakes.
     
The Final Dakar
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Nov 17, 2013, 03:40 PM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post
Boats are male in France.
For serious?
     
mattyb  (op)
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Nov 17, 2013, 04:29 PM
 
Originally Posted by The Final Dakar View Post
For serious?
Yes. Its a masculine word. Le bateau. Anyone that I've ever asked has no idea why some words are masculine or feminine, something to do with latin roots maybe.
     
Laminar
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Nov 18, 2013, 11:45 AM
 




     
BLAZE_MkIV
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Nov 18, 2013, 02:53 PM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post
Yes. Its a masculine word. Le bateau. Anyone that I've ever asked has no idea why some words are masculine or feminine, something to do with latin roots maybe.
What about ship? There's a difference between a boat and a ship.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Nov 18, 2013, 04:29 PM
 
Originally Posted by BLAZE_MkIV View Post
What about ship? There's a difference between a boat and a ship.
Navire. Masculine.

Tell T-Rex that in German there are neutral words as well as masculine and feminine.
     
mattyb  (op)
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Nov 18, 2013, 04:36 PM
 
Getting back to my car ...

Not driven a diesel for years, I'd forgotten how low in the rev range you change gear. The C-Max has a little screen between speedo and rev counter that you can have your mpg, or ave mpg or distance to next fill-up. It also has a little indicator when you should shift up (not yet seen a shift down proposed). Anyhoo, its at 2000rpm. Damn thats low. If you're on a level road, you'll probably drop down to 1500rpm after going from 5th to 6th (all things being equal).

Before buying it, we saw complaints in some forums about the number of buttons on the steering wheel. While there are alot (18 IIRC), once you RTFM and use them a bit, its pretty simple.

Oh yeah, one thing that I don't like is that my Nexus 4 isn't supported for Ford SYNC for Android. WTF? I've got Jelly Bean and the phone isn't THAT old?!?!?
     
Spheric Harlot
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Nov 18, 2013, 04:37 PM
 
German:

Das Auto. (the car.* Neutral)
Die Karre. (the car.** Feminine)
Der Wagen. (the car.*** Masculine)


*) root: the automobile.
**) root: the cart - colloquialism for "the car", sometimes "jalopy".
***) root: the waggon. Used for "the car", not necessarily colloquial.
     
Laminar
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Nov 18, 2013, 04:44 PM
 
Originally Posted by mattyb View Post
Getting back to my car ...

Not driven a diesel for years, I'd forgotten how low in the rev range you change gear. The C-Max has a little screen between speedo and rev counter that you can have your mpg, or ave mpg or distance to next fill-up. It also has a little indicator when you should shift up (not yet seen a shift down proposed). Anyhoo, its at 2000rpm. Damn thats low. If you're on a level road, you'll probably drop down to 1500rpm after going from 5th to 6th (all things being equal).
My Focus will tell me to shift down if I give it too much throttle below about 1200rpm.

Oh yeah, one thing that I don't like is that my Nexus 4 isn't supported for Ford SYNC for Android. WTF? I've got Jelly Bean and the phone isn't THAT old?!?!?
SYNC is a POS, and no part of its functionality or support is rational. Their current system supports Bluetooth AVRCP 1.0. Version 1.3 allows the device to send artist/title over Bluetooth. The MyFordTouch systems support AVRCP 1.3, but the non-touch screen vehicles don't. Ford has been saying for the past 2 years that they're "currently investigating on including a higher version of AVRCP for a future release (via a SYNC update)". I haven't tried using my Galaxy with my Focus, though it works in the wife's car with MyFordTouch.
     
 
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