6th February 25. My Experience with the Ford Mondeo

Yesterday, I had a very short walk after dropping off the electric van at the Ford dealership. I was there to collect a trade Ford Mondeo. This was a well-planned trip. It allowed us to get home quickly, ensuring we could rest well for today's journey to Nuneaton.

First Impressions of the Ford Mondeo

The 2018 registered 2.0 diesel Mondeo is a car that was once a common sight on our roads. Although I’ve driven many Fords, I’ve never owned one. I think my reluctance to embrace Ford has more to do with my stubbornness than the vehicles themselves. This half-day driving experience gave me insights into why many people choose to drive Fords, and why I have stayed away.

The Mondeo performed well. Its 2.0 turbo diesel engine provided a surprise burst of speed. What do I mean by "idiot's turn of speed"? It has powerful torque and an initial turbo boost that can make an ordinary driver feel like a racing driver. Let's be honest: it's mostly men who fantasize about car dominance, displaying their ego while thinking they know everything about driving.

So, yes, the Mondeo is a good car. It's comfortable and efficient for long-distance journeys, and it comes well-equipped. However, I did notice that the sat-nav was outdated, which is a downside

Journey to Nuneaton

After arriving home around 7:00 PM yesterday, I prepared for today's work. It was an early start this morning, and the drive to Nuneaton went smoothly. I found the dealer who's forecourt was filled with cars of similar age and price. The dealership hadn't opened yet, but a quick phone call led to the owner/driver arriving to take delivery of the Mondeo.

Once the trade was complete, I used Uber to get to Nuneaton railway station. I relied on a fantastic app if you join up for rail journeys that saves me a lot of money when buying tickets. My destination today was Swansea.

Navigating the Train Journey

This journey consisted of several stops. The first was Birmingham New Street, one of my favorite stations. It's easy to navigate, and I can quickly find my train and platform. The station also has great places to grab a coffee or a snack. Plus, I never miss the opportunity to say hello to Ozzy the Bull, a local monument.

From Birmingham New Street, I traveled to Bristol Parkway. Finally, I caught the train to Swansea. Surprisingly, the journey didn't take as long as I expected—just a little over three hours.

Arriving in Swansea

After such an early start, I was tempted to take an Uber instead of the 27-minute walk from the station to MINI Swansea. Upon arrival, I picked up a trade FIAT 500x for the return journey to Aylesbury. This drop-off was for one of my long-standing customers, conveniently located just three miles from home.

The drive back from Swansea or Cardiff always seems to fly by for some reason. As long as the M4 isn't blocked by incidents, it's a straightforward drive back towards London.

What's Next?

With today's journeys complete, I'm reminded of the excitement of collection and delivery of vehicles and helping customers find the right logistics options for them. Every experience on the road, whether driving a Mondeo or a FIAT, provides new insights and stories to share.

As for my journey and reflections, it reinforces my belief that every day has its own set of adventures and lessons.

I look forward to more driving experiences and the stories that come from them.