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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to choose a car based on its practicality rather than what it looks like?

33 replies

Owllady · 11/02/2013 15:11

I have a small 7 seater atm and I am thinking of swapping to one of those van/taxi type things with 7 seats (a nissan nv200 to be exact) as it just looks more practical but it is not really a very pretty ladies car. Does it matter? what do you go for? looks over practicality or the other way around?

OP posts:
Original poster
Owllady · 11/02/2013 15:12

oops, i wasn't saying I was a very pretty lady! I meant the car isn't a pretty car for a lady Wink who am I kidding, i don't think I am a lady anyway Confused

OP posts:
aldiwhore · 11/02/2013 15:14

Always go for practical. Unless you are mean enough to make the children walk everywhere.

I'm sure you're a very pretty lady. Smile

andubelievedthat · 11/02/2013 15:16

practicality every time ,thou i am favoured ? by having a fella that got me into! larger vehicles (iyswim) more useful/practical/fun

Fakebook · 11/02/2013 15:17

You could always make it pretty lady like, by attaching some eyelashes to the lights. like these Grin

Original poster
Owllady · 11/02/2013 15:18

wahahahaha @ those eyelashes!

OP posts:
TraineeBabyCatcher · 11/02/2013 15:40

I also go for practicality with a bit of looks, but when that's not possible then I go for practicality alone.

magimedi · 11/02/2013 15:42

Practical every time.

All the cars I like the look of are way out of my price range anyhow!

Floralnomad · 11/02/2013 15:46

Practicality , but you've got to like it as well . When we got our last car we narrowed it down to 4 and finally bought the one that would have been my 2nd choice on looks as the nicest one just didn't drive very well .

BackforGood · 11/02/2013 15:48

Practical every time, but by driving it and reading reviews, not just thinking it 'looks' more practical.

PhilMcAverty · 11/02/2013 15:49

Practical every time. I think the whole 'women buy cars based on looks or colour' is a load of guff and also rather annoying.

3monkeys3 · 11/02/2013 15:50

Practicality definitely! I have a big 7 seater with 3

3monkeys3 · 11/02/2013 15:51

Pressed too soon! I hanker after a snazzier car sometimes but nothing beats it.

ComposHat · 11/02/2013 15:56

blimey howany kids do you have to need a seven seater? if you don't need seven seats or something the size of a transit, it might not be practical in terms of tax insurance, parking or fuel economy.

Narked · 11/02/2013 15:56

'The car isn't a pretty car for a lady' [Hmm]

What's the turning circle like?
Can it accelerate out of trouble?
Does it have good fuel efficiency?
Does the interior space match your needs?
Is it pleasant to drive?
What's the reliability like?

Those are important factors. 'Pretty for a lady' is not a factor.

AMumInScotland · 11/02/2013 15:59

Practicality every time, though not barfing at the sight of it is a nice extra! I picked my current car on fuel efficiency rather than number of seats, but it's the equivalent - you have to choose from what provides the functionality you need, then worry about looks later. It never even occurred to me to look for a "pretty" car just because I happen to be female.

ComposHat · 11/02/2013 16:02

actually how pretty can a lump of metal with four rubber circles in the corners be?mst cars look pretty. non descript to me.

VivaLeBeaver · 11/02/2013 16:02

Practical I've got a Fusion, looks like an old peoples' car. Massive boot with no lip so my big dog can get in and out easily.

Pandemoniaa · 11/02/2013 16:03

Practicality every time. Not that I'm the slightest bit interested in pretty ladies cars anyway. Or even cars that accessorise pretty ladies.

All sounds as patronising as those pubs where they put your beer in a "ladies glass". Whatever they are.

Original poster
Owllady · 11/02/2013 16:03

It needs to carry 3 adults, 3 children and 2 dogs fwiw
I am not in a polygamous relationship, we have a carer with us often

OP posts:
Original poster
Owllady · 11/02/2013 16:04

I have been patronising to myself Shock Confused

OP posts:
Pandemoniaa · 11/02/2013 16:05

How clever of you to notice!
Wink

(Sorry)

FellatioNels0n · 11/02/2013 16:06

No. as long as it's not a Fiat Multipla.

Original poster
Owllady · 11/02/2013 16:06

:o I quite like drinking beer from a wine glass. Who would have thought at 35 years old I would turn into my bleeding Mother

OP posts:
Vijac · 11/02/2013 16:07

We're about to buy a car (the first time we've actually chose one and not bought a hand me down) and I have to say that I am not going for practicality but for luxury and 'love it' factor. We do only have one baby though so likely to be a practical purchase next time round!

AMumInScotland · 11/02/2013 16:09

Do think about things like parking - if you often have to park in town then something more like an estate car with three rows of seats might be easier than a transit-sized beast. Plus, as someone mentioned above, look at the tax and insurance bands, the mpg, etc. But the reality is, if you need to get 6 people and 2 dogs into one vehicle, then you're not going to end up with a fuel-efficient nippy little car!