Rightnider's past and present - Mercedes S210 test tour and Mk2 Granada progress

[Rightnider]

Today I drove the Mk1 Granada to my parent’s home on the east side of Sweden where it will be spending the winter. 
 

It’s finally running smooth again, so it was a joy to drive, apart from the suspension needing an overhaul, but that’s understandable after almost 50 years. 
 

What’s more amazing was the consumption.  I brimmed it at home, drove 286 kilometres and brimmed it again. It needed 24,89 litres, which makes 32.4 mpg. Not too bad for a 3 litre!

And has larger wheels than original.

[Rightnider]

As mentioned in the collection thread, I’ve bought a Mk 4.5 Mondeo 1.6 TDCI on a whim. I was going to have a look at a 2-litre with diesel heater and giffer dings in the front wings. This felt a lot more well looked after, had a tow bar fitted, clutch, DMF and timing belt replaced 20,000 miles ago. At 60 % of the price. 

 

It is one step in the upcoming remodeling of our fleet. Mrs. Rightnider has been driving a Kia E-Niro on private lease for two and a half years, and it ends in May. Looking at the value of used ones, it seems like it was a good idea not to buy it. We’ve paid less for the lease, including service, than it has fallen in value during this time. Still, it’s not cheap to have a new car, but at least the fuel cost has been negligible when charged at home.

The car has worked well but is mind-numbingly soulless. She has been very pleased with the ability to turn on the heating via the app; other than that, she’s been missing her old trusty 250,000-mile W204 C220 diesel estate.

Hopefully, she’ll be changing jobs soon, not having to do a 45-mile commute, and switching to public transportation. If so, we’ll definitely get rid of the Kia.

Anyway, she had taken the Mondeo to the shops yesterday, and she was highly unimpressed with the performance. I tried to explain to her why a small diesel engine in a fairly large car needs a lot of work with the gearbox, using terms like power band and torque. She seemed not to care and replied that the other Mondeo (Mk3 2-litre petrol) can be driven through a roundabout in third gear, yet is still not quick.

I’m still hoping for sympathy from our 20-year-old son. He’s taking it to work today, and he’s more interested in frugality than speed.

[Nibbler]

Looks nice! I’m on your team when it comes to the 1,6 TDCI. I’d take fuel economy over power and flexibility every day of the week.

[Rightnider]

It’s time for winter tyres. I splashed out on a set of part worn Continental’s rather than new budgets. 
 

[Rightnider]

The 2.8 Granada has been modelling. 
 

[EspenO]

Is Ronny & Ragge getting a sequel? 😄 Seems like a fun shoot!