Not many Mondeos

On my daily commute to work, I travel by train across the harbour bridge.

Staring out the window lets me see what kind of cars people are driving. It also lets me see that about 90% of the vehicles are driver only. On a typical day, there are many different models of car, representing many different manufacturers.

One thing that astounds me is that I hardly ever see any Ford Mondeos. In fact, I am reasonably sure that I have seen more Subaru Tribeca's driving across the bridge. The Subaru Tribeca is an easy vehicle to spot, not only because it is a larger 4wd style vehicle, but (IMHO) it is truly one of the ugliest cars I have ever had the privilege to look at. I am gobsmacked that Subaru could even produce this sort of thing after the bug-eyed 'Rex controversy in the past.

Anyway, the thing is from my observations, is that I can only deduce that Ford aren't selling many Mondeos in the Sydney area. I went to my local dealership 4 months after I bought my car, and they still appear to have the same Mondeos on display. I thought perhaps that the other people in my area just wanted to order them off the boat, but noooooo. I don't see many on the roads around here. I think they just aren't buying them!!!

What does that say? They prefer (ugly) Tribeca to the (beautiful) Mondeo? Perhaps the people in my neighbourhood have no taste :-)

I am sad

Well, it happened a little while ago. She told me after dinner, and she was quite worried, and almost crying. I said, don't worry about it, as long as you are okay, then its only cosmetic.

Anyway, she was talking about the scratch (the second scratch she has admitted to). So, I just happened to be on the passenger side of the car, to get my little boy out. And what did I see? It was horrible - I really don't know what she did, but she managed to GOUGE her way around nearly the whole rim ! AAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH !!

At least she is the one driving it, so let her deal with it I guess. She has to look at it and she knows who put that on the rims. Its the same thing everytime - why do wives go damaging the cars - is it because they simply don't care enough to pay attention when they're driving?

nb. I have not put a scratch on the car.

Curved Exhaust

Apparently the new cars coming off the production line have straight-through, pointy exhausts. Whereas mine has the old-style curved to point down at the ground exhaust.

Still haven't managed to wash my car yet.

3000km complimentary service

The car gets a complimentary 3000km service. I don't think they change anything on the car, I think they only check things (Examine, inspect, look at, peer at, glance at, etc).

I also written a list of a few things that I thought that they should address whilst the car was in. Eg. When I picked up the car, there were some plaint blemishes - minor, but you know they are there. There was also a dimple in the drivers door (not that I checked all the doors, but I know that one is there). Other things were loose/untidy passenger carpets in the footwell (not tucked in, apparently the TDci gets a cover to hide the wiring loom, but the top-spec XR5 does not! Way to go Ford!). Also, the fuel flap does not lock on my car. Anyways, just a bunch of things that don't stop me driving the car, or enjoying it. It's just things that should not have been like that in the first place.

But then this is the week before a long weekend. They're not sure that they can get this all sorted out, so it's rebooked for another time... Lets see how they go - Lets keep thinking half-full, not half-empty :)

Ford Mondeo XR5

So what is it, and why do I have one?

Let start with the basics - In the Australian market, Ford import the Mondeo in 2 body shapes, and 3 specification levels with 3 engine choices.

You can choose from a sedan or hatch.

You can choose LX trim, Zetec trim, or XR5 specification.

There are 3 engine choices - 2 Petrol and 1 Diesel.

Petrol comes in either

1. 2.0L Naturally aspirated 4 Cylinder (118kW, 208Nm)
   
2. 2.5L Turbocharged 5 Cylinder (162kW, 320Nm)

Diesel engine is 2.0L Turbocharged (96kW, 320Nm)

The LX is only available as a sedan, with the 4cylinder petrol engine.

The Zetec specification gives you the choice of sedan or hatch, and 4cylinder petrol or diesel.

The XR5 is only available in hatch, with the 5cylinder Turbo engine.

No points for guessing which one I bought :)

This is what they look like...