How naff are private plates?

[StillMedusa]

I know... I'm a bit sad, but I have seen a set of car plates that are perfect for my name..and I want them. But I don't drive a porche or anything posh..just my dear little Panda 4x4....

I think it depends on the plate. A 2:2 (ie 34 SA);or a 1:2 (2 CB) is anything but common.

I really don't give a fuck if Mumsnet users think that personalised number plates are Naff, we have three cars and each one has a personalised plate.
@StillMedusa if you want one, go ahead and get one. Forget the pearl clutching fake/faux snobbery on here.

@snarkybag

I suggest you look at the prices some plates go for now. They can be an investment.

Just a bit of fun I think. I like them, I like working out what they say some even make you smile.

I also personally like the fact it removes the age from your car.

Only thing is you are never anonymous once you have them - that's not always a bad thing though.

They are awful, naff and tacky.
They are a grown up version of personalised tat from shops at the seaside that kids love so much.

To be fair the OP did ask what people think.

Yes, and I answered. I

But I think that’s the point they’re so common now that it almost defeats the object.

How does it defeat the object at all? Mine make me smile, no amount of other number plates will stop that.

@TheByngster

I think it depends on the plate. A 2:2 (ie 34 SA);or a 1:2 (2 CB) is anything but common.

Yeah but come on who look and goes “ooh a 1:2 number plate you don’t see those very often”

a total waste of money.

I feel much the same about wine, gin and smoking amongst a whole host of other things. 😂😂

TBH, this has been done to death many times on MN.

Some people love them, some people hate them, some people don't care either way.

@StillMedusa

I know... I'm a bit sad, but I have seen a set of car plates that are perfect for my name..and I want them. But I don't drive a porche or anything posh..just my dear little Panda 4x4....

I have a private number plate and a Porsche - I'm not posh.

[quote VeniVidiWeeWee]@snarkybag

I suggest you look at the prices some plates go for now. They can be an investment.[/quote]
Well yes I suppose buying one knowing that there are plenty of mugs out there willing to pay a premium for something completely pointless isn’t a dumb move. I’m guessing there’s not much of a market for the hugely unimaginative random numbers/all my initials plate though.

Horses for courses though. I’m off to polish my “eat, love, laugh” pictures

1. I can find my car in the car park.
2. I don't get too judged on the age.

My plate is MISS and my initials.

Incidentally it was under £300 and worth more than the car.

Zero interest in cars but number plates are fun.

We have two (though one car is SORN) as its easier keeping the number that way)

OH's is his surname and as it's unusual you wouldn't know it's a private plate. He says it makes him smile when he sees it so definitely worth it

If it makes you happy do it, it doesn't matter what others think

Not sure why you care what other random people think, just do you.

I like them 😀 shows you care about your car. Doesn't have to be an expensive car or plate but if it means something to you and you can afford it id go for it.

11 out of 10. But then that’s just how I feel so I wouldn’t buy them. If you like them go for it. I bet you’d find some things I like naff.

What’s naff to some people isn’t naff to others. I’m indifferent tbh. I suppose it’s like personalising everything else in life - why not your car?!

I worked with a lady who described private plates as “stone cladding for cars “
It’s stuck with me for many years.
I’m too tight to spend money on this type of thing but if you like them OP - go for it .

Makes me think of the old Shaz and Dave sticker joke in the front of cars. Or big fluffy dice hanging from the rear-view mirror.

Go for it!
My plate says my first name and my surname initial. I drive a Mercedes and don’t care if anyone thinks it’s wank 🤷🏻‍♀️

I see three potential drawbacks:

1. Future hassle when you change your car
2. Lack of anonymity when driving around
3. People thinking you're a show off/have got a massive ego.

All that aside, if you can afford them and they would give you a buzz, go for it. Life is short (and a bit joyless right now).

They're called "vanity plates" in North America, which says it all. Still, if it makes you happy, why not?

I have private plates. But they aren't obvious. Unless you know my name, you'd have no clue!

Truly subjective... mine was not expensive, but has great sentimental value. DH has a short name that was also cheap to buy and 'fun'... so why not?