My August build slot now confirmed, mid September delivery and I'm slogging up hills in t'Alps 1>18 September so a parting of the ways is imminent with Brian. So called because of his lethargy, at least compared to my old 330.
I made disparaging comments about Brian, all TIC, but he grew on me. Bought unseen by myself by my auto engineer pal who is chief MOT tester at a large concern. I didn't know the model, mileage or anything, apart from the fact "it was a good un" so I trusted his judgement.
Bought April '16, the 1.6 Diseasel Focus Sport, on an 11 plate, had a full service, belt & ancillary change, new headlight units with decent bulbs to help me 'hustle' along unlit Dales roads and a full set of Michelin X Climates, although the Chinese ditchfinders were almost new.
Credit where it's due, it grew on me. I only expected to keep it 6 months at most, but with me being overseas most of last year it became a constant. Unused for weeks on end, it would then be called into service to transport myself and friends to the northern Lakes or Scotland for outdoor fun. Once up to 85/90 on lightly trafficked motorways it would sit there quite happily, although going over Shap 4 up the speed dropped off.
I even liked the colour, a metallic dark grey, and my new car is a similar shade. The 5 doors made it eminently practical, and the £30 RFL, cheap insurance and 60mpg had their attractions.
I hope it goes to a good home when I put it on AT mid August...strange how I developed a grudging fondness for Brian, despite his sluggardly ways.
|
Sounds like a goodun indeed.
Sometimes, slow and slightly dull cars do get under your skin. I had a mk2 Mondeo 1.8TD for a few years. So gutless it wouldn't get out of its own way, but never, ever missed a beat, sipped fuel, and despite its sluggish performance, was just a really pleasant car to drive. I always had premium tyres on it, and I had a full Hunter alignment done on it shortly after purchase, and it steered and handled beautifully.
It transported both my kids safely home from hospital when they were born, one in deep snow, and took us all over the place economically and reliably. Never had to top anything up or fix anything major. Just serviced it annually and kept on top of the odd minor thing as it cropped up. 150k on it when sold and still as dependable as the tides.
I really missed that thing when it went, and your comment about hoping it goes to a good home really resonated with me. She was exported to Poland by her new owner, and I would like to think she was treated well and still trundling round to this day.
|
Ford Focus III - Adios y adios amigo mio - DP
