I hate my new car

[Thinkingitallover]

Argghhhh. Expecting a baby in about 3 months, got a new car. DH chose it because I was struggling with toddler at the time.

I just can’t get on with it. Grumbles are

1. my feet don’t reach the pedals without being rammed up against the steering wheel
2. The pedals are so stiff
3. the car is too fucking clever - keeps locking itself
4. motion sensors ridiculously sensitive and I hate it, means I’m responding to beeping rather than using my own judgement
5. the thing to play music is really sporadic and doesn’t always work. (Or I’m not using it properly.)

Anyone else had this? I probably should arrange a return but seems such a hassle and I feel mean to DH but I just hate it!

Many seats have a leaver to raise or lower seat and a steering wheel adjustment post your model and someone will tell you.

You can definitely height adjust the seat and steering wheel. Have a play around!

I can’t get past your DH choosing a car because you were struggling with a toddler? Could he not take the toddler while you did a test drive, you would have known instantly? Is a Mini Cooper a mum, toddler and baby friendly car or did he choose it for himself?

Oh and if the Bluetooth doesn’t connect properly take it back and get it fixed, it was going to cost me quite a bit when mine wasn’t working, I bought a new phone as it was almost cheaper than the diagnostics and labour.

@BessieSurtees so we were at the car place and had narrowed the choice down to three. I had very briefly test driven them all but then DS kicked off I was happy to bow to DHs expertise and left the choice in his hands.

Obviously retrospectively I should have spent longer test driving but I’m not massively into cars, I’ve driven a few hire cars and they’ve all been much of a muchness so didn’t foresee any issues. I was wrong!

Just switch all that stuff off. I've turned off parking sensors, auto braking, lane assist, auto locking in mine. I want to drive the thing, not have it decided for me. Thousands of pounds of extras all switched off.

Don't get me going on auto parking, that's just the stuff of weirdness.

Why are you being so passive in decisions and actions that directly impact you? Surely it would be better for you to speak with the dealer and go back with it?

I have a new car and I'm struggling with it but I consider this the "blister stage" like when you're wearing in a new pair of shoes. I find the pedals really sharp so I brake more sharply because they are more sensitive and the gear change more stiff and getting used to the hand brake being a button. And it's bossy its always telling me to change gear, like all the time! 🤣But I'm hoping I'll get used to it

@DoughnutDreams its in DHs name so he’d need to be the one to sort it. I’m only passive about cars!

@Exhausteddog i hate bossy cars!

I had an Audi and it was such a good car! Then I swapped it due to needing a much bigger car and we all hate the new car! But I'm stuck with it for a good few years now 👎 if your in the window to return it and you don't like it, do it! There are plenty more cars to suit you better out there.

I am on my third mini, totally love the car.

I have always found the dealership to be super helpful, more so than other garages. If i were you I would call them and arrange to pop in for them to give you a run through of what can be adjusted eg seating, how to use the radio and media functions and any other issues you have. Leave the toddler at home and if you don't want to offend DH, tell him you are meeting a friend for pre baby coffee or something and can't take toddler with you.

You want be fibbing actually because they usually offer drinks at the dealership😄

I don’t drive a mini but have very short legs - I have had to move the seat back to get in and out on every car I have ever owned. Second nature now

Auto or manual? I have a JCW auto the manual clutch was very heavy but found the rest fine, if your struggling I find mini after sales great. The steering wheel adjusts and I'm 5'3 so have the seat fully pumped up. The sensors can be turned off in the menu :)

I don't think it's unusual to buy the car in one name for a spouse to drive. I'm sure they'd be happy to go through all of the settings with you and set it to your comfort.

If you are genuinely struggling with it I think you should take it back to the dealer and ask them to walk you through whatever it is you are struggling with - or spend a couple of hours with the instruction book. I think that has to be on your and not DH to get to grips with it.

I can't understand why you'd get someone else to select a car for you, it's not like a pie for dinner!

He chose it and it’s in his name, so it’s his car?

yes I would try lowering the seat. I had to do the same in my mini. I’m surprised your CarPlay isn’t working well, mine is excellent. Is it the connection to your phone that isn’t working? I do have to move manually from radio to CarPlay sometimes but that’s all.

To me, the pie for dinner is probably more important. One car has always been much the same as another - I’ve driven a few (hire cars and the like) and I’ve never found any particularly difficult to drive so had no reason to think this one would be.

Maybe it is my phone that’s the issue with car play. Last car was 2016 so probably a lot has moved on since then!

I returned by Mini Countryman after 6 weeks, I just couldn't get on with it. The clutch felt too firm and I was dreading being stuck in traffic. I am 5ft5 and I jus couldn't get the seat right as I felt I couldn't get my foot fully on the clutch but then I was banging my knees on the steering wheel.

It was a expensive mistake and I didn't test drive in properly (which I regret) but apparently cars being returned after a few weeks is more common than you think (according to the garage).

It was a expensive mistake and I didn't test drive in properly (which I regret) but apparently cars being returned after a few weeks is more common than you think (according to the garage).

And great for the garage of course as they effectively rent a car to you for a few weeks for a few grand.

I'd change it life is to short to drive a car you hate. I know its easier said than done.