Mumsnet Talk

LRD that was part of my laughing. DH drives a 15 year old BMW that passed it's MOT cleanly this month.

Lots of people could afford that.It was something childish in the tone that made me laugh.

Ooh. Mind you, you'd have to know it was a 15 year old BMW that would pass it's MOT. It's the peace of mind, isn't it? My old car, which was a heap of shit, passed it's 11 year MOT with only a wiper blade needing fixing, but it subsequently failed completely. That's why I wouldn't risk a really old car, even though I'd love to.

I'm totally with you on the tone. I'd like to say I'm posting just to show that some of us can be utterly jealous and still well aware we are, well, jealous! And not bitter.

But really I am kidding myself and I am just enjoying people talking about the nice, nice cars.

I am German and drive a VW Golf - double twat that I am. :-)

I love the nice car talk too. We are a car obsessed family so I have a six year old 35 quid handbag and a six year old 200bhp car. Then we have the geriatric beemer and a 30 year old classic. Which isn't German but is much loved.

Ohhhh. Nice. I am very jealous.

I've nothing nice. Though I used fairly regularly to park one of my neighbour's Mercs for her, because she could drive it but couldn't park it.

If you wish to laugh, I'll tell you I have a very dull and reliable three-year-old diesal Mazda. And I am still thrilled because, do you know, it doesn't vibrate when you go over 60. That's about my level of excitement.

I can totally imagine that if I had the money for something nice I would be dead chuffed with it.

Dull and reliable definitely has its place! Having spent my yoof in unreliable cars I like reliable. Ford Capri that had to be started with a screwdriver. My brother's mini that had to have the carb cleaned every time it drove. My Vauxhall that ate points and my friend's Fiat that only started if I manually held the choke open in the engine.

Started with a screwdriver?! Crikey.

I do think it's sad that increasingly, even really old cars aren't old and interesting. I mean, my last one, when it died it was just dead. It's all computerised so you couldn't do any messing around to get it up and running again. I suppose that's an argument for very old BMWs etc, though.

And indeed for the classic. I am looking forward to teaching the dc to tinker with engines. They should learn how the things work. And that has a simple carburated four cylinder engine with drum brakes at the back and no power steering.

Yes, that would be fun.

I am just about old enough my dad got to teach me how to do bits of stuff (not much, because he doesn't know much!). But he did sit me down and explain how the car worked, and then showed me what all the bits were, and I honestly think it makes you a better driver to know a little bit what is going on, doesn't it?

A good driver just drives defensively and doesn't take note of the kind of other cars on the road. The kind of car you drive does not define your driving skills or personality.

Peronsally I'd say since driving a BMW I get a lot more respect from other drivers on the road than I used to in my nissan micra. But that is a non issue.

If other cars are bothering you then I don't think you should be on the road in the first place.

Yes again My then boyfriend who owned the Capri was great at explaining. When I started learning to drive he showed me how the clutch worked and it made gear changing obvious. We also rode motorbikes which is a great way to learn anticipation and safety. Really brings it home how vulnerable you are when your legs are next to a car at 70.

I bet.

I don't have the balance to ride a normal bike so would be terrified of a moterbike.

I realized the other day, rather sadly, that I have never dated anyone who was a halfway decent driver. DH is learning and the others were just a bit useless. This is why whenever I have a problem I come on MN begging for help and someone always knows what to try.

I would, at this point, like to say that the engineering which goes into a Mercedes is second to none, that the design is beautiful, that they are fun to drive and that everyone should try their very best to buy a Mercedes at least once in their lifetime as they are simply wonderful. And very safe.

Mercedes. The best or nothing.

<winks and smiles as the light pings off beautifully white teeth>

No, no. No ulterior motive at all. <whistles>

Compos yep he didn't know where to look!
I'm amazed the Rover metro lasted that long! Most were rusty before they left the factory!

NASA have put a Rover on Mars
The AA are said to be rubbing their hands with glee at the call out fee!