The problem with the Escort has been solved (damaged fuel line), and now I have another question (or two) :-)
A friend and I plan on embarking on a long journey (370 miles, and then back again, so 740 in total) in a 51 plate Polo (1.4 16v). The problem is we are trying to work out how much it will cost in petrol. The tank holds 45 litres (£37.00 +/- £1.50 depending on price etc) and we have worked out that he gets 245 miles to the tank, commuting through minor roads (no motorway miles) and doing Indian deliveries at night sometimes with a passenger (and often with quite "sporty" driving).
Would it be safe to assume that doing 70mph on the motorway for the majority of the journey in 5th gear, with 3 people and luggage would return a better fuel consumption figure (i.e 260 miles to the tank?). We are not sure if the extra weight load will cause fuel consumption to rise.
Also, the car has done 34k and he has had it from new, but learned in the car so the clutch will be needing replaced in the not so distant future. Would motorway miles put much wear and tear on the clutch compared to driving through streets etc? The clutch doesn't slip at all when performing the standard checks (i.e caning through the gears and putting it into 5th @
20mph and putting the foot down). Is there any chance that the clutch will let go on the motorway leaving us needing a tow? There isn't any option of taking another car and we're just at the stage of working out the total costs involved of travelling (on a well needed break).Thanks for any replies,
Graham