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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that car reviews are no bloody use to me?

120 replies

entropynow · 08/07/2021 10:49

It's all about the trim, the excitement of driving it, the look, the styling for at least the first five paras/minutes video. Even the alleged nitty gritty bit runs up inadequate.

I DON'T CARE about any of that crap. Is it quiet, comfortable, safe, reliable, affordable?

We are not all petrolheads. Where is the market for "I just want a good tin box on wheels for getting from A to B predictably and comfortably without spending a mint" reviews?

And if any of you know such a review site, please link in comments. PLEASE. I've taken on the task of pre-sorting for the new-to-us car purchase, and I'm bored already after an hour.

OP posts:
MaggieFS · 08/07/2021 10:58

They don't quite fit what you're after (because they do mention trim!) but I like the carwow review videos because they are very practical and tell you about space and room inside. They do cover noise and comfort too.

Have you tried Which? for costs? Not sure if that's the kind of thing they do.

Original poster
entropynow · 08/07/2021 11:03

Thanks @MaggieFS

will check them out. It's partly what comes up on google search first, I'm sure.

OP posts:
whatswithtodaytoday · 08/07/2021 11:05

I wanted a tin box that works - asked a few friends and found Ford Focus was most recommended. It's fine, does the job required!

EmmaStone · 08/07/2021 11:10

Agreed. It's v annoying. Maybe Mumsnet should have a car recommendations bit, with real life examples - "the buggy fits fine", or "I could get 3 car seats in". Who the fuck cares about torque?!?

FWIW, I've been beyond delighted with my Volvo, have lots of friends equally delighted, and DH was so taken with mine, when he sold his Audi, he also bought a Volvo.

Shamoo · 08/07/2021 11:12

Agree that our Volvo is amazing

Toomanyradishes · 08/07/2021 11:15

I want to know whether the seatbelt adjust enough it doesnt end up round my neck throttling me (and im not short) not whether it goes from 0 to 60 half a second quicker or whatever. I do think there is a gap in the market for actual practical car reviews instead of them all being top gear style

Original poster
entropynow · 08/07/2021 11:18

Will check out the Ford, thanks. DH won't consider a Volvo. Or a Toyota. Because Reasons. SIGH.
He would be quite happy to continue to drive our shabby Astra with one of the wing mirrors being a stick on film and the glove compartment gaffer taped up because the hinge is bust...he's even worse than me, lol.

OP posts:
Original poster
entropynow · 08/07/2021 11:19

And big yes to the seatbelt height. I'm 5 ft 1...

OP posts:
Fairyliz · 08/07/2021 11:20

Another vote for Ford Focus. Not very exciting but cheap and reliable.

BIoodyStupidJohnson · 08/07/2021 11:20

What Car stuff is a bit less Clarksonny I find. Although it’s quite boringly written, it focuses more on the practicalities.

M0rT · 08/07/2021 11:21

Ford Focus/Puma have been recommended to me as best seats for comfort as I have back problems if that helps.
I have a Fiesta at the minute and will drive it till it dies, it's comfortable with a cushion and very fuel economical.

DynamoKev · 08/07/2021 11:21

Totally agree - I am tall so there are quite a few cars I can’t fit in so that is top of my list. Driving enjoyment is very subjective - I wouldn’t enjoy driving one of the twatty cars with a backfiring exhaust like a fucking machine gun but obviously some people (quite a lot around here) do.

Also totally agree that practical aspects are largely ignored or even ridiculed in car reviews.

I subscribe to which but even their recommendations don’t help much - most of the best buys are like £70k

RincewindsHat · 08/07/2021 11:22

Honda. Reliable, easy to drive, average pricing. I know the Civics now look a bit like boy racer cars but Honda has a pretty dedicated fan base among older drivers who look after their cars very well and you can pick up a quality second hand low mileage Honda for a good price (I may be on my second!).

M0rT · 08/07/2021 11:22

I'm also 5ft 1 and the seatbelts are fine.

Pinkywoo · 08/07/2021 11:23

I've got a focus and the seatbelt doesn't strangle me (I'm 5'2), I learnt in an audi A1 and was constantly pulling the stupid thing off of my throat!

RickiTarr · 08/07/2021 11:23

When I had a model in mind, sticking its name in YouTube and picking through the vide reviews turned up some more helpful ones, especially as it was a recently launched model.

Probably less doable if the field is still wide open, though.

Original poster
entropynow · 08/07/2021 11:23

@RincewindsHat

Civic or Jazz? We are an older couple and don't need it as a family car but do need to watch our backs and will mostly be taking longish drives (anything under 3-4 miles, we walk)

OP posts:
WalkingOnTheCracks · 08/07/2021 11:29

I buy cars on the basis of whether it has a nice face.

WTFisNext · 08/07/2021 11:32

@Toomanyradishes

I want to know whether the seatbelt adjust enough it doesnt end up round my neck throttling me (and im not short) not whether it goes from 0 to 60 half a second quicker or whatever. I do think there is a gap in the market for actual practical car reviews instead of them all being top gear style
I agree, the last time I was trying to buy a car I needed to know...
  • could the boot fit a manual wheelchair
  • is the driving position legs forward or legs down
  • average cost to insure
  • will the seatbelt try to strangle me aka suitable for short big boobed folk

A car is just a tool for me, I need to know if the tool does the job I'm interested in - not how fancy the wheel trims are and if it can beat Bob's car to the best parking spot!

Whyareblokesonhere · 08/07/2021 11:33

Kia ceed or venga, if you are after a smaller car, brilliant company and 7 year warranty so even if you buy it 3 or 4 years old you have warranty left (providing Kia have always serviced it and usually people buying new get the first three or four years free) reasonably priced, not the most fashionable or sought after so you can get a bargain, on our fourth Kia now, 3 old 1 brand new and all have been great

goodnessidontknow · 08/07/2021 11:36

Try looking at the car wow reviews on YouTube.
They do have the petrol head stuff but also the useful info like if you can fit a pram in the back as well as the weekly shop.

Original poster
entropynow · 08/07/2021 11:37

@Whyareblokesonhere

Is it comfortable for long drives, do you find?

OP posts:
DicklessWonder · 08/07/2021 11:40

Who the fuck cares about torque?!?

Horse owners?

I’m not a horseowner but at options to replace my “practical” car when it eventually dies (have a sports car is for fun) and the options are woefull for someone who loves driving, wants a lot of power, options for how that power is out down (eg 2WD/4WD) and practical details like a split tailgate.

I don’t want a car that feels like driving a marshmallow. I don’t want reversing cameras, satnav, lane detection, park assist, auto braking or for the car to mute the radio because I’m in reverse. I have a brain and eyes for all of that.

If you’re happy with a car that takes 10 seconds to get to 60, crack on. But don’t hold up those of us that aren’t, please.

Original poster
entropynow · 08/07/2021 11:44

Who's holding anyone up? The idea that the road essentially belongs to sports car/ Discovery drivers is not for this thread.

OP posts:
araiwa · 08/07/2021 11:45

A lot of the information you want is readily available. Price, safety ratings and reliability, insurance group for all models of cars is easily available. As is things like size of boot.

You don't need a review to find this out