[FeedTheHog]

Hi Guys!

My name is Matt, 31 years old and I have bought my first 'grown-up' car - an i30 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive '12. It's an approved used (first registered 13 months ago) and had just shy of 18K miles on the clock when I picked it up from the Sandon Road dealer is Stafford last week. Aside from this and the original tyres appearing about 1/2 way through their life, the car otherwise appears as though it were brand new, not a single blemish internally, and outside is almost free of imperfections so I'm really pleased.

After significant research of suitable cars for my job, which often sees me clocking up reasonable milage in Welsh country lanes and A roads, which are often completely devoid of any other traffic, I decided a diesel was more appropriate than another petrol. Notwithstanding the fact I need a bigger car to more easily accommodate the wrinklies in the back - the old 3dr Getz was getting difficult in this regard - and the extra space is helpful for things like holidays.  So, after much reading, discussing, comparing and thinking I settled on the this i30 Blue Drive. The Getz has been passed on to my OH, to replace her shockingly built and electrically unreliable but fun Peugeot 206.

This is my first diesel vehicle, and other than rented vans I have not driven an engine larger than 1.1l petrol. I thought it would take some getting used to and that I would make some poor judgements or use bad driving techniques while I get used to it and to acheive decent fuel economy. The reality is that it is the easiest, most intuitive car I have ever driven; it really is a pleasure to drive.

Four days since purchasing it I have had two major outings: 153 miles from Staffordshire to home on the Welsh coast, where the display told me I achieved an average of 72.7mpg (I was obviously chuffed), and; 100 miles driving around the Ceredigion/Powys/Carmarthenshire uplands (Tregaron, Llyn Brianne, Ffarmers, etc.,) during which it did a DPF regen (Damn, that kills fuel economy) but still managing 59.2mpg for the trip. This second journey was about 30-40% 2nd and 3rd gear and below 30mph because of the narrow, tight, steep roads. As I gather more detailed records I'd be interested to share and discuss this informaiton with other users.

I plan to keep more detailed records of fuel usage and economy as I have done on my other vehicles, but my first impressions are very good. I'll give periodic updates on this.

Having spent hours in the last 2 weeks on this forum reading other peoples' experiences I am grateful for the knowledge which has been shared, something which just doesn't otherwise occur. 

I can recommend Sandon Road Motors of Stafford for high wuality and friendly service, unlike another Hyundai franchise here in mid Wales which I vow never to use again.

That's all the diatribe from me for the moment. Thanks for reading

fth

[~ Angel ~]

Hey FeedTheHog

to the forum.

[Doggie 1]

Welcome to out friendly little forum, FeedTheHog. 
I'm pleased that you like your new drive.   

[Dazzler]

  First posting 

You will fit in well (please keep in touch) 

[asathorny]

That's a great first post Mat, welcome aboard.  You have chosen well high mileage=diesel it's a no brainer.  I am low mileage so for me it was Petrol.   I also moved up in size for similar reasons to you, I found that my little three door Yaris was hopeless for going out dogging in 

Glad your happy 

[Just Rick]

   Great first post,thanks for sharing

[Phil №❶]

Welcome, nice 1st post. 

[eye30]

Welcome FeedTheHog aka Matt,

Given where you live you did travel some distance to buy your car.

Having travelled around your neck of the woods I will say the scenery is beautiful once you get off the A roads.

[The Gonz]

Quite an entrance, Matt. Well done and 

[Shambles]

Welcome aboard

PS, next time, could you give us a bit more detail

[FeedTheHog]

Thanks for the nice words, folks.

Mod - yes, I did travel far didn't I? Mixture of things really: I don't like my local dealer, the car I bought seemed to be keenly priced wrt others I have seen whilst remaining seemingly spotless, I was up that way anyway. Well, up in Shrewsbury and Stoke, but Stafford is not that far away.

[FeedTheHog]

PS, next time, could you give us a bit more detail

How much detail would you like? I can stick photos up later.

[asathorny]

PS, next time, could you give us a bit more detail

How much detail would you like? I can stick photos up later.

Photos are mandatory Mat 

[Shambles]

.. and I posted with a hint of humourous sarcasm

[FeedTheHog]

Oi!!!!!

Cheeky

[eye30]

Oi!!!!!

Cheeky

Well he is a manc so we make allowances...... and supports that team who have just nicked our manager.

PS the Man U staff had better be checking that they still have 4 wheels on their cars when they go back to their cars and not 4 bricks   

[2i30s]

welcome aboard Matt.