Newbie With Questions Re New Zetec S Arriving Early April

[Emme]

Hello all,

As you have gathered I'm new on here :D

I am getting a new Zetec s Fiesta early April on Motability and have some questions about the model.

I have read through 45 pages going back and have learned a lot already (thanks to all for that) but I would like to know the following:

People have mentioned a secret compartment??? Am I too new to know where this is :P and if my new car will have one?

Please tell me I will take any oaths of secrecy that are required.

Can anyone advise on ipod hidey places. At the moment i have a Streetka (my baby) . The lead ran from the back of the sterio into the ashtray (clean I promise). The sterio in the Streetka will be going with the Streetka so need a new solution for the ford ipod splitter lead which Ford are giving me for free (aren't they nice)

Also a random one I realize but what the hey!

I am getting an ipad 3 (when Apple can be bothered telling us when it's coming out) and I thought I would be a super Aunt and get a mount so my Neice and Nephews can watch Movies when we are on our way out for the day.

Are there any mounts anyone knows of for ipad which I can put between the front seats so they can all watch at once? Or one that attaches to the headrest of one seat so it is positioned in the middle? I cannot afford 3 ipads so they can have one each to watch ;)

So thanks in advance for putting up with me :) I'll try to keep the cats off the lawn and my feet of the couch.

Em xxxxxx

[Stewie316]

I am so glad your super excited and i have no doubt you'll enjoy it when it arrives.

The secret compartment is below the CD Player but above the Heating control. If you pull it out it will break the clip from what i've heard and it's a really small space. I just left mine alone at the current time.

[Emme]

I am so glad your super excited and i have no doubt you'll enjoy it when it arrives.

The secret compartment is below the CD Player but above the Heating control. If you pull it out it will break the clip from what i've heard and it's a really small space. I just left mine alone at the current time.

Thanks for your reply

I thought that was where it was. I asked the nice Ford man and he just said it was a vanity plate. I'm glad there is something there and I will investigate when car arrives.

I am super excited. I went for Vision blue with blue seats dash and pannels. Will be sad to see my Streetka go but I'm tired of dismanteling my wheel chair to get it in the boot. It will be nice to take all 3 children (Niece and 2 nephews) out at the same time.

One more thing Does any one have a good picture of the boot. I have been checking pictures of the model to decide where things are going to live (ipod, sat nav, emergency hammer etc) but I can't find a picture of the boot interior which isn't on the dark side (dark as in light not boot of evil).

Thanks again,

Em x

[Stoney871]

Hi Em and welcome.

With regards to an iPad car mount, have a look on eBay, there is shed loads available and don't cost the earth.

:)

[Emme]

Hi Em and welcome.

With regards to an iPad car mount, have a look on eBay, there is shed loads available and don't cost the earth.

:)

Thank you for the nice welcome :)

I have had a look and can only find the ones for viewing from the seat behind. I'll take a chance on a cheap one and see if I can mod it.

Em x

[calummac21]

The secret compartment was a pre-hinged panel on earlier models but mine, an 11 plate is a slot in panel so it can come off by unclipping it and lifting it out but it won't work as a wee push to open door.

But I wonder if anyone knows the original hinged part number and if it would fit in place of my current slot in one.

[Emme]

The secret compartment was a pre-hinged panel on earlier models but mine, an 11 plate is a slot in panel so it can come off by unclipping it and lifting it out but it won't work as a wee push to open door.

But I wonder if anyone knows the original hinged part number and if it would fit in place of my current slot in one.

Very good point.

With my car being a mobility car I get a new car every 3 years and need to take it back in the same nick as when I got it. So I was thinking about getting a 'spare' so I can put it to rights when required.

Any thoughts anyone?

Em x

[Stewie316]

This is the fastest picture i pulled off google for trunk space. You might have to take the top head board out for a little extra room for your wheel chair.

[Emme]

Stewie316 you are my star.

I have been trying to find a picture this clear for over a week. I guess my googling skills need some work. :D

Before I ordered the car I took my wheel chair down to the dealer ship to make sure it fits. I can get it on on it's side with the parcel shelf still on, but only, only just. Fits better than the Streetka though!

Thanks again,

Em x

[MRC89]

This is a standard size, self propel wheelchair in my boot for reference. I used to carry lots about in my previous job and most would fit fine, without removing the parcel shelf. This is the only picture I have.

This particular type of chair wont fit standing up without folding push handles. Most smaller chairs will fit in lying down without the need for removing the parcel shelf as you have mentioned.

Regarding the secret compartment, I think the current models have a smaller compartment than the pre-11 plates, not 100% sure. I use mine all the time as a hideaway.

[b1g_dav3]

I removed the clip and use it as a hide-away area for bits and a damaged iPhone (can't ring for some reason but I use it through bluetooth for music, cost me a tenner :P). The plate's aren't expensive anyway for a replacement. As far as Motability are concerned, as long as you don't write off your warranty they're pretty open to what you do, they may ask it to be reverted when it comes to the end of the 3 years if it's damaged any of the vehicle's panels such as drilling holes or such.

[Emme]

This is a standard size, self propel wheelchair in my boot for reference. I used to carry lots about in my previous job and most would fit fine, without removing the parcel shelf. This is the only picture I have.

This particular type of chair wont fit standing up without folding push handles. Most smaller chairs will fit in lying down without the need for removing the parcel shelf as you have mentioned.

Regarding the secret compartment, I think the current models have a smaller compartment than the pre-11 plates, not 100% sure. I use mine all the time as a hideaway.

Actually I have you to thank for my current car choice.

When I was deciding between the Fiesta and the Focus I read your earlier posts where you helped a wheelchair user with pictures and measurements. This made me realize that it was possible to have the Fiesta which was my prefered choice.

I would have killed a Focus. I currently drive a Streetka and switching to a focus would be like switching to a bus for most people.

So thank you for your help you have made me a very happy gal.

Em x

[Stoney871]

Thank you for the nice welcome :)

I have had a look and can only find the ones for viewing from the seat behind. I'll take a chance on a cheap one and see if I can mod it.

Em x

Maybe you could buy a couple of webbing utility straps from a camping shop and use them to strap the ipad holder between the seats that way?

[Stoney871]

Em, i can totally sympathhyse with your situation with wheelchairs as i spent a year in a chair and two years on sticks after breaking my back in a parachute accident (it finished my military career).

Wheelchairs, even ones designed for car stowage are a total swine to get to fit in boots.

I was very lucky to regain full mobility after serious rounds of surgery but can totally understand the difficulty in finding a car that is suitable for your needs.

Looks like you managed to find the car that is practical for you but also something with a bit of style too.

Good on yer girl :)

[Emme]

Em, i can totally sympathhyse with your situation with wheelchairs as i spent a year in a chair and two years on sticks after breaking my back in a parachute accident (it finished my military career).

Wheelchairs, even ones designed for car stowage are a total swine to get to fit in boots.

I was very lucky to regain full mobility after serious rounds of surgery but can totally understand the difficulty in finding a car that is suitable for your needs.

Looks like you managed to find the car that is practical for you but also something with a bit of style too.

Good on yer girl :)

Thank you

When I was chatting with the dealer I said it has to be 'me' and when I saw the blue interior in the brochure I fell head over heals

. My dad and the dealer thought a Focus was the best way to go but my reaction was "but it's a grown ups car" I may be 32 but I want a funky car that speaks to me. Scary thing is that it probably will

I have spent everyday on here since reading through (some) past posts to get an insight to the latest incar tech. I have a streetka at the moment. Before that I was an avid ford escort cabriolet gal for many years. So I'm not up to speed with all the new toys.

Sorry about your accident. It must have been tough on you not only losing your mobility but as I understand the military is a way of life and to lose that at the same time must have been devastating. I'm glad you got back on your feet as you are correct wheel chairs and car boots are not friends.

Try getting a folding wheel chair into the boot of a Streetka! I have to disassemble it and arrange it just so that I can get all the other pieces around it. Usually takes about 5 mins and it is usually raining. Thank goodness I only need it if a lot of walking is on the cards.

Waiting for the car is driving me nuts! It's not even being built until the 16th March. Hoping for an early Apr delivery. I already know where all my accessories are going.

[Emme]

Maybe you could buy a couple of webbing utility straps from a camping shop and use them to strap the ipad holder between the seats that way?

Great idea. I'll have a look see at whats available when the new ipad comes out (march hopefully)

The things I do for these children

Em x

[Stoney871]

It's not until you have a serious accident that you realise what you take for granted.

It was a total shock for me as going from peak fitness to being unable to get out of bed unaided was a real low point.

Good job i have a robust sense of humour and a strong stubborn streak.

It certainly makes you appreciate the small things you used to take for granted.

The thing that got me the most was that people think because you are in a chair that you are also stray in the head.

Finding a car that suits your requirements and gives you the mobility you need day to day can't be easy but independence is a very important thing.

Motability are very good at what they do, i have a few friends on the scheme and they have never been let down yet.

Best of luck with your new car, i think you have made an excellent choice. :)