Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall??

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Thu 27 Feb 2014 00:17
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Scottie Boy

So guys here is probably a post that has been debated many times in bars, canteens, livingrooms, barbecues or indeed anywhere people gather and socialise. The burning question is does allegiance lie in Luton or Dagenham? , Bedfordshire or Essex? Is it with the Griffin or the Blue Oval? Are you VIctorious in your Vauxhall or Fabulous in your Ford? Find vigour in your Viva or fun in your Fiesta? Cool in your Cavalier or ecstatic in your Escort, we could go on and on unlike most of the cars of the 60's & 70's. It would seem the loyalty shown to both brands was indeed very strong and where car making no longer occurs at Dagenham loyalty to the blue oval carries on and if course as a centre of excellence in diesel engine technology Dagenham lives on in the current diesel range of cars. Over in Luton we have the Vivaro van and in Ellesmere Port the evergreen Astra flying the flag for The Griffin. The glory days for both makes may have gone along with the Cresta, the Cortina , the Wyvern , the Zephyr, the Victor and the Granada but where does your loyalty lie? Consul or Chevette? Carlton or Capri? Who is the winner going to be? Me myself I am very true, to the iconic oval thats royal blue!!!! Its Ford for me I have to say Essex trounces Luton any day!!!!

Over to you guys......

Edited by Scottie Boy on 27/02/2014 at 00:27

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 04:33
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - idle_chatterer

Ford for me, my reasoning being simple - my 3 Fords were very reliable and good to drive (albeit all built after 2002 so not including their lacklustre models from the 80s and early 90s). My 5 Vauxhalls were all unreliable and not that nice to drive, albeit all in the 1990s/early 2000s, haven't bought, leased or rented any GM vehicle since and probably never will as a result of that experience.

Currently living in Australia where the Ford/Holden rivalry runs deep, I'd accept that the current Holden Commodore is handsome but taxi drivers tell me the Ford Falcon trumps it for reliability and is a better drive.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 08:55
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - oldroverboy.

Have not had a ford for 30 odd years, (escort mk3 estate), but as the username suggests lots of the "other " make.

Currently driving the korean version of the current astra, and it is fine, (my 4th) and it does the job, servicing etc acceptable. Does it set the pulse racing, no,

Don't want an insignia after chevrolet pull out, but mondeo (petrol) could be tempted.

Still not decided on next car though.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 11:14
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Ben 10

Having owned several models in the past from Vauxhall and many more from Ford, my experience of their ownership..............it has to be Ford.

I do like some models Vauxhall have brought out, but what puts me off is the reliability and plummeting depreciation.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 11:42
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Scottie Boy

Many years back I had a Mk1 Vauxhall Astras 1.6d on an A reg. Biggest gripe was it was only a 4sp gearbox and it seriously cried out for a 5th gear, like all small engined diesels from the era it was slow and underpowered. I then had a Mk3 Astra 1.4 Merit on an L reg which I bought brand new and for a basic spec car it was really well trimmed however it really literally started falling apart. In my view it was a nicer looking car than the Escort that was current at the time but the Escort was far better built. I am now on my second Mk4 Mondeo Titanium and I feel this is by far the best car in its group and the Insignia is very much a poor relation to this Fantasatic Ford. Then if you go back to the Vauxhall range right up to the Mk1 Cavalier, they all rusted like a bean tin in a salt mine!!, Nice to see Ford in the lead so far lol

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 13:09
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Ethan Edwards

Seems a daft question to me. You might similarly say Rome, Paris, Munich or Tokyo, Sunderland or Seoul? Loyalty to one brand is imo an expression of your willingness to be palmed off with any old rubbish.

My criteria would be...Whats the best vehicle for me, whats the keenest deal. What vehicle do I like..oh and the brand comes about 201'st on the list of stuff I'm looking for.

Maybe my priorities are out of wack and I should support companies making inferior products because they have a nice looking placcy symbol on the bonnet.

Besides your question should have been between where they really come from Your Quote British Unquote car is made either in Ghent or anywhere from Australia to Venezuela or wherever the US behemoth decides. Another US behemoth is General Motors they maybe made in Ellesmere Port or maybe Europe could even be Korea who knows. They are really as 'Blitish' as Sushi, Saurk**** and Chips. Mmmmmm

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 14:20
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Scottie Boy

It was more a humorous take on the golden days of car production and I for one certainly do not see the company who invented mass production of vehicles as inferior, I have owned a few so called prestigious cars in my time and my current Mondeo is as good if not better than they were but it would appear no matter what post we write it is always ridiculed makes me wonder why we bother!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 20:01
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Ben 10

" but it would appear no matter what post we write it is always ridiculed makes me wonder why we bother!"

+1

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 20:06
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - daveyK_UK

Vauxhall for supporting British workers, Ford for a more reliable vehicle.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 20:19
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Boroman
Back in the '60's my Dad had various Fords - Prefect, 107E Anglia & Mk 1 Cortina, They were all reasonably reliable with the exception of the Cortina which had various issues.
His one Vauxhall was a Victor 101, which had to be scrapped because the floor pan rusted out. Think it was ok mechanically though.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 20:10
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Nezza
Interesting debate. From people I know, there are lots who are anti Vauxhall and Pro Ford. Reasons they give, just "because Ford are better" with no real reasoning why.

Personally I have owned four Vauxhalls since 1997 and found every one 100% reliable. Yes there have been the odd quirky fault, for example my current Astra had the CIM issue but was fixed with no hassle or cost. I have only ever had servicing costs to pay.

My wife is on her second Ford Galaxy. The first was an absolute dog. It was a 2007 model and spent more time in the garage than on the road. Not engine faults, everything but the engine, and it seemed to go pear shaped as soon as the warranty expired. A very costly car to own. So we changed it.....to another Galaxy 2011. (Well everyone raves about Ford, we must have bought a Lemon, plus Vauxhall did not make a car the same size and others did not have the towing capacity)(or we are mad). This one is still in warranty, and yes it has issue after issue of generally the same fault which Ford do not appear to be able to resolve. Generally electrical gremlins. We are not that daft though, we got the full 5yr extended warranty also covering dpf and dmf.

So personally, Vauxhall for me on reliability. Ford for me on building a family orientated vehicle which in my opinion is the best on the market when it is working correctly.

I do not agree with these people who always say Ford is better because it is better to drive, (as a few who post on here regularly say). Most people buy a car that is a good all rounder, which overall is a Vauxhall in my view.

Which is the better dealer- well that is a whole new debate.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 20:14
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - daveyK_UK

The common CIM fault is not niggly or minor, its very dangerous and a timely reminder why I will find it hard to ever buy a used Vauxhall out of warranty.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 27 Feb 2014 20:29
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Nezza
It was only a minor fault on mine which was to do with the alarm going off. Vauxhall changed the CIM and was cured. Yes I understand the CIM was to blame for some more serious issues on slightly newer vehicles.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 01:00
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - jamie745

I drive a Jaguar because I am a magnificent human being.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 07:20
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Scottie Boy

I used to drive a Jaguar S Type 2.7 d SE , a cracking car with a lot of input from Ford , mind you the best bit you do get with any Ford product is............the heated quickclear windscreen, what a magnificent invention that is. Really liked my Jag but oh it was hellish in the snow plus it had a serious drink problem! !! My god tho it was quick!!!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 09:15
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Ben 10

What model of Jag Jamie?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 1 Mar 2014 02:37
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - jamie745

Its a 56 plate S-Type 3.0 SE

I like Ford. I'd always take a Ford over a Vauxhall. Ford make great cars.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 12:25
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Ed V

My Dad had an XJ, put together at 4pm on a Friday, and deeply regretted owning it, although he enjoyed looking at it!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 09:50
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - V4 Heaven

Used to love Vauxhall, then their engines went all fluffy and stuttery in the mid 90s. Went Japanese and haven't looked back. Clean, quick power delivery. Will look for the same in any new car I buy.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 12:24
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Scottie Boy

I remember the 3 main bearing 1256cc engine that powered many a 70's Vauxhall , it was found in the Cavalier ( seriously underpowered) Chevette, Viva and the Bedford HA van. It was pretty breathless and gutless compared to Fords very tunable 1298cc crossflow which powered the Capri, Cortina and the Escort. A bit underpowered in the first two but the Escort could be made very fast with this fantastic engine. Cannot say the same about the Chevette or Viva!!!

Edited by Scottie Boy on 28/02/2014 at 12:25

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 1 Mar 2014 10:54
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Wackyracer

I remember the 3 main bearing 1256cc engine that powered many a 70's Vauxhall , it was found in the Cavalier ( seriously underpowered) Chevette, Viva and the Bedford HA van. It was pretty breathless and gutless compared to Fords very tunable 1298cc crossflow which powered the Capri, Cortina and the Escort. A bit underpowered in the first two but the Escort could be made very fast with this fantastic engine. Cannot say the same about the Chevette or Viva!!!

I remember those, They kept pushing the pushrods thru the rockers.

I've never rated Vauxhalls, What idiot thought it would be a good idea to bolt the ECU on the end of the cylinder head ? Luckily for Vauxhall the UK seems to have more than it's share of idiots who have suffered these faults and will go back and buy another.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Feb 2014 12:37
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - primeradriver

Why would I have any loyalty to a couple of mass-market foreign manufacturers?

Neither has been substantially British for a very long time.

Vauxhalls in particular are very, very average, so I'd say Ford by default.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 1 Mar 2014 16:01
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - Scottie Boy

Ford have never been British, they were a UK subsidiary of an American company and Vauxhall have been on GM hands since I think the 1920s, although it is has been said when the once mighty Dagenham plant was at its peak it put more money into the British economy per square foot of land than any other industrial plant in Britain and even though the strike happy workers never realised it , they were a good employer as was Vauxhall for that matter, GM was well regarded as a good firm to work for, close to where I live they had a factory producing dump trucks & earthmoving equipment, Terex GM ( Terex being Latin for earth king) , it was dead mans shoes to get a job there and their employees were well looked after, unfortunately the US equivalent to the monopolies commission insisted GM off loaded Terex then it went pearshaped however the factory is still there!!!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 1 Mar 2014 11:40
Luton or Dagenham? Ford or Vauxhall?? - artill

I have never had a Ford, never had a European Vauxhall either, but my vote goes to Vauxhall for bringing the glorious Monaro and VXR8 over here.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link