I try to get there just as the Mum's all get there after dropping the kids at school.😍

 

UPDATE 

I bought a Mk4 1.5EB Titanium X, on a 68 plate so still has actual suspension on the rear.  But it's in a bit of a state considering how new it is...and the 4 figure mileage!  So now waiting to see whether the dealer will repair all of the faults or whether they'd rather just take it back and sell it to a blind person instead...   In fairness, there was an error their end so the car was delivered before being prepped, however it must have been left on the forecourt with a fault which is both dangerous and an MOT failure!  And I was sent a video of the car that specifically avoided a couple of the 'problem areas'.  Neither of those things fill me with confidence about the rest of the car...

So...first question - is the 1.5EB always a bit rough and rumbly?  I have only driven it a short distance while cold but could feel engine vibrations through the cabin as soon as I started it and it feels a bit jerky on the clutch too.  Might just be the norm for a small petrol hence asking.  I'm sure it's still the old 4pot engine in these isn't it?  As it almost feels like a 3cyl!  I haven't even lifted the bonnet yet.  The only part that felt better than my 110k diesel Golf was the gearbox which is lovely and tight.  Also surprised how the muscle memory remembers the collar-lift reverse on Fords without even thinking about it.  

Second question, in my position, I really need a brand new car rather than even ex demo (won't bore you with the reasons why) so does anyone on here know about all the different lease/finance etc and could help me find a suitable course of action to get a brand new car for the next 12 months minimum.  Ideally, I'm after something similar to Motability (Motability cars aren't free for anyone wondering lol) - with that you just pay a deposit of around £3k, then 'pay' ~£200 a month until you hand the car back.  There's no balloon payment at the end and you never own the car.  I don't know what this type of 'system' is called to search for it though...

Obviously I couldn't buy a brand new Mk4 TX as they no longer fit rear suspension to them, also not sure if they come with anything more than the 125ps 1.0.  So I'd have to go for the Vignale with the 1.0 155ps engine - approx £30k.  Would have to ask if they can downgrade the wheels to 17".  But if not, hopefully my local dealer has one that I could have an extended test drive in.  

(Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas!  )

8 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Motability cars aren't free for anyone wondering lol) -

Couple of things. £3k upfront? Is that for a jaguar or something? 
Either your eligible or your not. No other company will give you a similar deal. 
People think they are paid for by government.

They’re a charity that makes profit every year and doesn’t take a penny from the public purse. 
12 month lease, I don’t  think that’d be possible. Usually 3 years , 2 years minimum (I think). Best of luck in getting a suitable car Tom. Sounds like the TX isn’t it ..

2 minutes ago, Alex.S said:

Couple of things. £3k upfront? Is that for a jaguar or something? 
Either your eligible or your not. No other company will give you a similar deal. 
People think they are paid for by government.

They’re a charity that makes profit every year and doesn’t take a penny from the public purse. 
12 month lease, I don’t  think that’d be possible. Usually 3 years , 2 years minimum (I think).

One other thing that people forget about motability cars is that they are paid for out of a persons disability benefit (PIP or old style DLA) and you have to be on high rate mobility to even qualify for one of their vehicles and have a minimum award of 2 years. 

£3k deposit for a motability car doesn't seem right at all. Highest deposit/contribution I've seen has been about £600 and that was for SUV's. 

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

  As it almost feels like a 3cyl! 

Lol, that would be because it is, Tom!😀 

On your other point, you can get the 155ps 1.0 on Titanium and X. As for the suspension, last time I looked the brochure was clear as mud as to what got multi link. Much discussion on several other threads but I don't remember if anyone had a definitive answer!

 

Yeah the 1.5 is definitely the same 3 cylinder found in the Fiesta ST. My Fiesta is on a business lease which requires no deposit, I wonder if you could find a standard lease with similar terms. I pay about £230 a month but that is VAT reclaimable so really more like £200.

4 hours ago, Alex.S said:

Couple of things. £3k upfront? Is that for a jaguar or something? 
Either your eligible or your not. No other company will give you a similar deal. 
People think they are paid for by government.

They’re a charity that makes profit every year and doesn’t take a penny from the public purse. 
12 month lease, I don’t  think that’d be possible. Usually 3 years , 2 years minimum (I think). Best of luck in getting a suitable car Tom. Sounds like the TX isn’t it ..

Someone mentioned £3k on a disability forum for a large SUV, maybe they got it wrong though!

I get PIP but not the part that would make me eligible for Motability sadly. 

They are paid for by the government...it comes out of your Mobility allowance which comes from the DWP.  But what people don't realise is that they have a choice between the money (to pay for taxis etc) or the car...it's not like they're getting something extra.

I've only got around 12m left of my PIP award hence the short lease.  I fully expect to lose it and have to go through another year of hassle to get it back.  Selling the car and going back to something older in that time.  Wanted to make the most of the PIP now I've finally got it but it seems I can't get a suitable car and no landlord is willing to accept benefits despite my currently increased income so I can't move to a more suitable place either. 

I've had it for 6 months and aside from being able to buy branded bread and a bit more diesel nothing else has changed. 

3 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Lol, that would be because it is, Tom!😀 

On your other point, you can get the 155ps 1.0 on Titanium and X. As for the suspension, last time I looked the brochure was clear as mud as to what got multi link. Much discussion on several other threads but I don't remember if anyone had a definitive answer!

 

Well that's awkward!

I thought the 1.5 was basically the same as the old 4cyl 1.6 EB in the Focus.  Didn't think they fitted the 3 cyl 1.5 until later on in the MK4 run, I've learnt something there!

Titanium and TX don't get multilink from 19 plate, I checked loads of them on ETIS lol.  So the only manual petrol comfort model to get it is the Vignale. 

I must admit though, having taken the MK4 on a slightly longer drive today, I think it's definitely firmer than the MK3 was over bumpy roads and wouldn't want 18s on one. 

Maybe I should try an Active instead, but would obv need an extended test drive first. 

If I do return this one I won't buy another used car.  There's just no point as I need something that I can rely on 100%, is totally clean (just found a piece of dog ***** in this car!!) and that hasn't been ruined by previous owners.  I just don't feel like I can trust this car considering the state it was left in.  I might as well just keep the Golf unless I can meet all three of those criteria.  

 

4 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

 

So...first question - is the 1.5EB always a bit rough and rumbly?

I don't find the engine in my 1.5 Titanium rough, even when cold but you can tell it is a 3 cylinder and get used to it.

Out of interest what were the faults.

1 hour ago, Tizer said:

I don't find the engine in my 1.5 Titanium rough, even when cold but you can tell it is a 3 cylinder and get used to it.

Out of interest what were the faults.

Yeah it is a 3 cylinder feeling, thought it was 4cyl so that's explained that now!  Thought it seemed odd that it's got the same 'thrum' as the 1.0EB has when pushing. I feel pretty ashamed that I got that wrong tbh!

Also partly my fault for not giving it enough gas I think, it's not a diesel afterall... Though it does creep on the clutch alone for parking which I wasn't really expecting.

3 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Yeah it is a 3 cylinder feeling, thought it was 4cyl so that's explained that now!  Thought it seemed odd that it's got the same 'thrum' as the 1.0EB has when pushing. I feel pretty ashamed that I got that wrong tbh!

Also partly my fault for not giving it enough gas I think, it's not a diesel afterall... Though it does creep on the clutch alone for parking which I wasn't really expecting.

You do get used to it. It has the same Torque as my old MK2.5 TDCI but at higher revs and goes a lot better in Sport Mode once you are out of town.

2 minutes ago, Tizer said:

You do get used to it. It has the same Torque as my old MK2.5 TDCI but at higher revs and goes a lot better in Sport Mode once you are out of town.

Ah, I haven't tried any drive modes yet!  I've only just worked out the radio!

It has a lot less torque than my 2.0 TDI Golf but I knew I'd lose torque whichever petrol I went for.  The 2.0 TSI in the Leon was reasonably torquey but it's DSG only unfortunately.  So even if I went VAG again it would have to be 1.5.

 

Not as rough as the 1.9 TDI Fabia I drive at my part time job I expect! 

4 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

 

It has a lot less torque than my 2.0 TDI Golf but I knew I'd lose torque whichever petrol I went for.  The 2.0 TSI in the Leon was reasonably torquey but it's DSG only unfortunately.  So even if I went VAG again it would have to be 1.5.

 

Yes, I'm only driving a 1.0 of course, but though it has a lot less torque than the diesels I've had in the past, the useful rev range is much wider and it is very flexible, pulling low revs in high gears without stalling which did surprise me tbh. Sounds as if the 1.5 has similar characteristics.

As John mentions above though, I did find after a lifetime of 4 pots the 3 cylinder does feel different and you do need time to acclimatise to it.

11 hours ago, dtulip8 said:

Not as rough as the 1.9 TDI Fabia I drive at my part time job I expect! 

Blimey, that must be getting on a bit!  My last 1.9PD was 8 years ago, and it was already 10 years old...  Suffered chocolate camshaft which put me off any more.  Could be worse though, could be an SDI (non turbo), I've heard smoother tractors...   

9 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Yes, I'm only driving a 1.0 of course, but though it has a lot less torque than the diesels I've had in the past, the useful rev range is much wider and it is very flexible, pulling low revs in high gears without stalling which did surprise me tbh. Sounds as if the 1.5 has similar characteristics.

As John mentions above though, I did find after a lifetime of 4 pots the 3 cylinder does feel different and you do need time to acclimatise to it.

Yeah, I would probably get used to the engine feel, just wanted to make sure it wasn't broken really!  Not overly pleased with the engine noise/vibration in the cabin though, that was another Mk3 fault that they seem to have brought over to the Mk4!  The Golf is obviously louder externally, but much quieter inside.

On the subject of the Mk4...one thing I really quite like is the iPad on the dash, after being one of the things I was expecting to hate.  Due the dash sitting fairly low compared to the seat, it's not annoying or distracting at all.  Doesn't pick up any more DAB stations than the Golf though sadly.

Flog it. Get a Corolla hybrid in Excel trim.

 

47 minutes ago, Guy Heaton said:

Flog it. Get a Corolla hybrid in Excel trim.

 

Automatic only I think?

 

3 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Blimey, that must be getting on a bit!  My last 1.9PD was 8 years ago, and it was already 10 years old...  Suffered chocolate camshaft which put me off any more.  Could be worse though, could be an SDI (non turbo), I've heard smoother tractors...   

 

Haha yeah it’s a 52 plate PD100 with just the 180k miles! I do pizza delivery when back from uni so it’s a good car for that, pulls well but has a much smaller useful powerband than the 1.0 Fiesta like Roger says. Barely using the Fiesta now with all these Tier 4 rules and lockdowns etc. I hope you can get the Focus fixed 🙂 

38 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Automatic only I think?

 

Yeah, the hybrids are CVT, but with "simulated" shift points I believe, to mimic a normal automatic. Seen some very positive reviews of the latest Corolla I must say.

24 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Yeah, the hybrids are CVT, but with "simulated" shift points I believe, to mimic a normal automatic. Seen some very positive reviews of the latest Corolla I must say.

The Toyota Garage here is next to the Ford garage (along with Lexus, Vauxhall, Kia, Peugeot and Citroen...they must be confident in their own markets!!) so might be worth a try.  I had a bad experience there before...but that was 7 years ago so probably time to drop the grudge by now...  Would need to have a couple of days drive in anything new to make sure I'm making the right decision.

The main issue I had with the auto box was pulling away though, just didn't like the lack of control.  Felt more like I was trying to restrain the car while parking or pulling away rather than being completely in control myself.  I don't think it was so bad on the move as I use cruise control for the majority of the time and don't have an issue with the 'resume' acceleration. 

Actually if you think your engine isn't smooth as it should be it's worth going back to the dealer. I think they've updated the software in mine, it is definitely smoother and quieter and the stopstart is working.

 

Also having been back in a manual for 2 weeks I really know I prefer auto.  It was fun for about 5 minutes doing my own changes and then just felt pointless.

Once you have driven an auto for a while you learnt to control the changes with the accelerator pedal.

43 minutes ago, Guy Heaton said:

Actually if you think your engine isn't smooth as it should be it's worth going back to the dealer. I think they've updated the software in mine, it is definitely smoother and quieter and the stopstart is working.

 

Also having been back in a manual for 2 weeks I really know I prefer auto.  It was fun for about 5 minutes doing my own changes and then just felt pointless.

Once you have driven an auto for a while you learnt to control the changes with the accelerator pedal.

Ah that's interesting, I specifically asked for all modules to be updated before delivery which wasn't done.  So if it gets repaired rather than returned that is one of the items on the list.  I'm pushing for a return now though, tbh I'm shocked at how much can be wrong with such a new car and can't trust that the previous owner has looked after the mechanicals any better.  Will just stick with the Golf until I can get something brand new I think.  Looks like theft may be the only way to do that so I'll have to go for something keyless...

As for the auto gearbox, I'd love one, that was one of the plus points of the DSG Leon for me.  I'm getting a notable amount of pain in my left leg and ankle on even short town runs now.  But my brain can't cope with any movement that I'm not creating.  Probably mentioned earlier in the thread but I can't use lifts or escalators for the same reason.  And can't passenger in any form of transport any more.  That sudden unexpected movement causes vertigo which in turn causes panic.  I think I'd be ok with an auto that had a clutch pedal for slow manoeuvres but sorted all the gearchanges itself once on the move!

Although I jest above, does any auto creep on the brake from standstill these days?  I'm guessing not due to the autohold?  Having to jab the throttle to move but then immediately feathering the brake to control the speed wasn't helping at all.

All slush box autos will creep.  Dsg type electric manuals have a simulated creep.

Fwd drive autos can be snatchy.  I found going from a rwd auto to a fwd auto I had to change the way I applied the power initially, to be more progressive with the pedal.  You shouldn't need to keep moving between accelerator and brake though.

43 minutes ago, Guy Heaton said:

All slush box autos will creep.  Dsg type electric manuals have a simulated creep.

I've not been an auto fan as you know, but increasing problems with my arthritic toes are making me think in that direction.  I've always preferred a slusher as easier to control in low speed manoeuvring by just easing on and off the brake. It's been a while since I last drove a new DSG but I always found them a bit "abrupt". The ones I've driven had no tendency to creep and needed a bit of gas to get things moving. I regularly need to move our friends Audi A1 with DSG when she visits and that certainly won't move without a touch on the throttle.

Perhaps things have changed on more recent ones? I need to get a few test drives in when we get out of this Covid lark! 

The problem with the DSG reverse is that it won't creep until you touch the throttle, but then fully engages reverse gear to avoid wearing the clutches...  Fine on paper, but who reverses a manual into a parking space with full clutch bite!?   So you have to jump on the brake to avoid ramming your neighbours cars...once it's creeping it's more controllable, but it's too late by then, it's already triggered the lack of control vertigo feeling.  I don't know if a CVT creeps from standstill?  I'd be pretty sure it won't because you'd need to touch the throttle to wake up the stop start and autohold surely?

 

Anyway, I've just been out in the Golf and done exactly the same route as I did in the Focus yesterday and the ride is definitely smoother.  I can see what's happening but not why it's happening!  The Golf still bumps around, but those bumps aren't being directly transmitted through to my stomach.  So I can control the nausea by slowing down and cornering more carefully - whereas in both the Leon and Focus the bumps seem to be transmitted straight to my stomach regardless of speed.  The Focus isn't as bad as the Leon, and might be 'acceptable' but still not as good as the Golf.  So what's causing this?  Seats maybe?  But the Leon was firm full leathers whereas the Focus is softer half leathers.  I've even thought about belt heights but it doesn't seem to be that either.  Can't work it out!