Dagenham dustbin

[Boxermed69]

Yeah, sorry - not a bike.

After seven and a half years the MINI has been moved on and replaced with:
[img][img]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m553/Boxermed69/Noplatesmudged.jpg[/img][/img]

Still wanted something fun to drive but with a bit more space (it's THE family car: 3 of us and 2 JR terriers), better fuel economy and road tax less than 280 quid (yeah - for a bloody MINI). Took a flyer on it back in July as demonstrators were like hen's teeth. Only managed to have a look around one in the Yeovil dealership the day before it was picked up by the owner. Put my faith in the universally good reviews and ordered mine. Had to wait until mid October for delivery - built in Cologne ya know, though I believe the engines are manufactured in Blighty.

Happy? I should cocoa . Handling is brilliant. Not quite as sharp and direct as the MINI initially but grips better and the ride is not as crashy. A bit more go than the MINI too: 180bhp with 200 on time-limited overboost - plenty through the front wheels of a small car methinks. Sounds brilliant from inside as the revs build. The Recaro seats are a revelation too. So far averaging 7mpg better than the MINI, and it's 125 quid for a tax disc. Same insurance group.

Best bit? Bought this with every option on offer for 2500 quid less than I paid for the MINI in 2006. Signs are that it will retain value at least as well, though time will tell of course.

Incidentally, the colour is pearlescent 'molten orange'. Looks flat and quite red in overcast conditions but glows under lights or sunlight.

Mike

[The Teutonic Tangerine]

I believe the engines are manufactured in Blighty.


Mike

I stand to be corrected but I believe that the Dangenham Plant (otherwise known as Dagnum or The Nam) produces 75% of all Ford engines that are produced world wide. (including Ford USA).

see extract from wikipedia:
Vehicle assembly ceased at the plant in 2002 but it continues as a major production site with the capacity to assemble 1.4 million engines a year.[2] In 2008 the plant produced around 1,050,000 engines and was the largest producer of Ford diesel engines globally

[Boxermed69]

That's a lorra lorra engines! Cheers.

Mike

[Herb]

Ford produces around 6 million vehicles per year worldwide, so Dagenham could account for around 25% of engines produced worldwide.

I was working there when they built the new Diesel plant a few years back. It's a giant clean room. Kept under positive pressure to blow the dirt out when you open the doors etc. it really is amazing.

[cornishflat]

Nice. Good value in the road tax as well with plenty of pep. As with most Fords the road manners are right up with the best, should be a hoot.

[nab 301]

Best bit? Bought this with every option on offer .

Mike

Looks good, with some very useful features. I'll have to shoehorn something bigger under the bonnet of my Seat arosa!

[Al]

I had an Arosa on hire in Majorca years back, had to turn the aircon and fan off to give it enough oomph to get up hills!!


Al.

[SP250]

Nigel
Chuck a V8 in it - I've got a Daimler 2.5 hemi or a Chrysler 440 from a Jenson Interceptor going spare.