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....

Actually mis-read the title as "private planes" at first-thought, oooh that's a bit flash

Naff

They're a bit too much 'Look at me!' for my taste. My DF loves them, he has private plates on both of his (very nice) cars, and my sibling has one too. I disapprove

Go for it, sometimes it's not even obvious what they say or what it means to anyone but my 70 year old dads favourite ever gift was a number plate, the numbers / letters mean so much to him.

Naff, but it's entirely your choice.

You could probably pull it off with having such a fabulous car, though. I have wanted a panda 4x4 since a trip to Umbria many
moons ago where they were standard issue in the hill towns and used by the equivalent of the forestry commission.

My Ds has one ( it’s to do with his job) and his customers seem to love it, my DP has his nickname, I bought them him for his birthday, and mine has my initials on my plate, I’ve had them 20 years now.
Naff, maybe, but none of us smoke, gamble or “waste money” in other ways, so why not? I guess they’re rather like tattoos or piercings... you either want them or you don’t, you pay for them yourself and it’s not hurting anyone! 🤷‍♀️
You certainly lose your anonymity once the plates are on, but that doesn’t bother me!

Ex had private plates on a mid range priced car. Each to their own but I did always say I suspected we might get a bit ripped off taking it in for repairs as they'd feel there was spare cash to splash?

Depends on what they say. R488 1T5 is the best I’ve seen.

Ive no idea why there are so many hurt feelings on this thread. The OP asked what people think, and has been given opinions. People seem to have taken it all WAY to personally.

Its a matter of personal taste, I think they're really tacky. It doesnt matter though, if you want them, go for it.

DM has a private plate on a Panda 4x4!
She’s wanted one for as long as I can remember, and we got her one for her 70th birthday.

I don’t see the point, but she enjoys it. She doesn’t drink alcohol, but I enjoy it!!Each to their own.

I’ve got private plates on my Land Rover, couldn’t give a monkeys what anybody else thinks.

DP has one on his car. Don't care what you do with your life in general including private plates.

I've got an 03 smart car and work as a carer but I love my private plate it was a bargain and it's in reference to something my lifetime idol used to say. 🤷‍♀️

I don't particularly like a 'personal' plate but one that suits the car can be quite good.

So 'P 4 NDA' would-be fine on your car but not 'R 06 ERS' ' (for a couple of reasons.)

I think' TO55 ER' would be apt for people!

my 4x4 has my Name on my Reg Plate.. I love it ...

personal choice OP 🌺

They are a total waste of money in my opinion. Every time I see someone driving a car with them I think "Attention-seeking twat".

I don't like them and don't see the point of paying money for nothing essentially. If I see someone with one in front I think what a dick.

But that's just my opinion. If you want them I think you should get them.

I have lucky numbers for my plate. My car is not fancy at all. Do what makes you happy!

Naff, naff, naff - but each to their own.

@Fuckingcrustybread

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.

It sure reads like you give a fuck!

Each to their own. I don’t associate them with porches, let’s just say.

They are actually a good investment in financial terms. Also, a lot of people have them for sentimental reasons - my cousin has his Dad's old plate for example, which is a treasured memento of his life.

I don't have a car but I think some plates are charming, they remind me of the days when cars (and plates) had some individuality. Now they all look the same. (I am not that old by the way, just watched too much 'Poirot' )

Go for it OP. People on MN sometimes like to stand in judgment, because I assume that it makes them feel superior in some strange and unfathomable way. But then I also love stretch limos, so who am I to talk......!

@Five67Eight - no, I wouldn't hang one in my porch either

spending money and going out of your way to put something on public display and then claim you don't care what others think is a bit odd.

I am not a fan but they are so common now I don't think anyone cares. I even find myself trying to make words out if normal number plates I am so used to seeing them. I often think people are passing off cars to look newer but who cares. I have only seen 2 that made me smile because they said a phrase /word rather than a name. I have colleagues with them, it is easy to spot they are at work when I pull up (in old normal times).

The only people who think they’re naff are people who can’t afford them. It’s the same as anything designer, for example. More expensive but not necessarily better quality than a cheaper alternative. You’re paying extra because you like the look of it, so you crack on.