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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Driving a 4x4...

103 replies

WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 21:45

AIBU to think if you've only driven a small car for 20 years then it's a big leap to start driving a 4x4 (even a compact SUV)?

DH thinks it's no big deal but I'm nervous. I do need a 4x4 as we've moved rurally and my old, teeny tiny Fiesta is not coping...I know it's not a big deal but it's far out my comfort zone.

Parking and manoeuvring along narrow country lanes are my biggest worries...am I overthinking? I can practice of course but I don't want to be 'that' driver, with a car too big for them...will I get used to it?

I've test driven quite a few now and it feels like the car is a HGV!

OP posts:
MadameCamembert · 07/09/2023 21:47

I personally find it easier as generally they are higher and I feel give me a better view of the road so I am more comfortable manoeuvring. Also great being able to get into verges easier when rural. You’ll be fine!

Whyohwhyohwhy123 · 07/09/2023 21:47

What about a 4x4 car instead? I have a 4x4 estate car and it does everything that my previous proper 4x4 could.

mum11970 · 07/09/2023 21:48

You can get small 4x4s, even Mini do one.

Janieforever · 07/09/2023 21:49

I think uou may struggle as you don’t sound a confident driver. Is that correct?

i was fine the moment I got in mine, I also live rurally and moved from a low slung sports model that was terrifying to drive on the pot holed roads in winter.

mine to be honest, is very large, but I felt confident immediately. If you don’t, I’m not sure you can adjust.

JaneIntheBox · 07/09/2023 21:49

Not sure if helpful but I drive a tiny yaris and got this as my courtesy car:
https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/aygo-x

scared the bejeesus out of me but surprisingly easy to maneouvre.

Go for some test drives... see what you think!

Toyota Aygo X | New Compact Crossover | Toyota UK

The Aygo X combines an elevated driving position in a compact size. With unique bi-tone colouring and a statement design, Aygo X stands out from everyone else.

https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/aygo-x

PimpMyFridge · 07/09/2023 21:50

It wouldn't bother me but I'm a confident driver. So though I had a ford fiesta for years I swapped to bigger vehicle no bother. But I can also tow trailers, drive 7.5 tonne vans, drive boats...
So suppose it depends on your confidence and skill at the end of the day
You know yourself best, you should do what feels right for you.
But a if once you're through a period of adjustment you have a vehicle much more suited to your life then that's worth the learning curve I'd have thought.

Minfilia · 07/09/2023 21:50

I usually find they have better visibility too and bigger wing mirrors.

Plus my BMW 4 series was bigger than my current SUV so they aren’t all that massive!

Google the current dimensions of your car versus the car you want to buy and the difference won’t be as huge as you imagine I’m sure.

Aquamarine1029 · 07/09/2023 21:51

You know how to drive, op. Any new vehicle has a small period of adjustment. You will be perfectly fine in a big vehicle. I love them.

JamieJ93 · 07/09/2023 21:52

Yes you are overreacting - I can only say this because I was the same 😂😂 I've always driven small cars (6 years) and my car was stollen and when the investigations were over, I was given a Nissan qashqai 😂 i went from a small Hyundai i10 n line to a big fuck off car ( well to me) I was panicking, nervous, all sorts. Yes they look huge but once your in it, it just feels like a "normal" car. It too me a few days to adjust to not being able to whizz round through narrow gaps. As regards to parking I found it easier to reverse park into bays rather than forward park. The most annoying thing to adjust to is an electric handbreak 😡😡 now I have a nice new 73 plate picanto

Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 21:53

Janieforever · 07/09/2023 21:49

I think uou may struggle as you don’t sound a confident driver. Is that correct?

i was fine the moment I got in mine, I also live rurally and moved from a low slung sports model that was terrifying to drive on the pot holed roads in winter.

mine to be honest, is very large, but I felt confident immediately. If you don’t, I’m not sure you can adjust.

I'd say I'm a confident driver, 20+ years experience and I really enjoy driving. Test driving the 4x4s has been enjoyable, it's just the idea of parking and the narrow lanes/giving way etc that fill me with worry!

I think I've shot myself in the foot only driving small cars...

OP posts:
maddening · 07/09/2023 21:54

My dh got one (Ford kuga) as he goes hiking and needs it for the peak district, lake district and Welsh mountains that he goes to regularly - he didn't find it any different to driving the zafira

OneTC · 07/09/2023 21:57

What kind of driving are you doing that defeats a fiesta?

SisterMichaelsHabit · 07/09/2023 21:57

It feels hard to drive and park for like the first week then you get used to it as your brain recalibrates.

Aquamarine1029 · 07/09/2023 21:58

Test driving the 4x4s has been enjoyable, it's just the idea of parking and the narrow lanes/giving way etc that fill me with worry!

I think I've shot myself in the foot only driving small cars...

Good grief, op. You've been driving for 20 bloody years. You would be absolutely fine. I would hope you'd have a bit more confidence than this.

Janieforever · 07/09/2023 21:59

WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 21:53

I'd say I'm a confident driver, 20+ years experience and I really enjoy driving. Test driving the 4x4s has been enjoyable, it's just the idea of parking and the narrow lanes/giving way etc that fill me with worry!

I think I've shot myself in the foot only driving small cars...

Show quote history

Ok that’s slightly different from your op?

Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 22:02

Minfilia · 07/09/2023 21:50

I usually find they have better visibility too and bigger wing mirrors.

Plus my BMW 4 series was bigger than my current SUV so they aren’t all that massive!

Google the current dimensions of your car versus the car you want to buy and the difference won’t be as huge as you imagine I’m sure.

You're right! I've Googled and the new car I'm looking at will be 18cm wider and 24cm longer; that doesn't seem a huge difference at all.

OP posts:
BotterMon · 07/09/2023 22:02

Voted YANBU as don't think a big 4x4 is for you. Nothing worse driving locally (in a big 4x4 or a truck) than meeting people who are cacking themselves about the size of their car and don't have a clue where it starts and ends. Lots of really good smaller 4x4 - why do you actually need one? Are you towing or living in a country with severe winters or drive through muddy fields? If none of these, then a front wheel drive would be perfectly adequate.

Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 22:03

Janieforever · 07/09/2023 21:59

Ok that’s slightly different from your op?

Show quote history

Is it?

OP posts:
Ladybird69 · 07/09/2023 22:03

I was a very nervous driver and went from a golf to a huge shogun when we moved to the middle of nowhere. I just drove around on quiet country roads for the first few weeks until I got used to its dimensions and drive. Once I got used to it, it was a godsend, you can see above hedgerows, drive through the mountains of mud and snow and ice are easy enough when you’re driving the right vehicle. Lol the only time I got it wrong was when I manoeuvred into a really tight parking space and was really pleased with myself then I realised that I couldn’t open the door to get out 🤣

DatumTarum · 07/09/2023 22:03

Unless you're moving to a hill farm in Cumbria, you probably don't need one and will just end up getting stuck in a narrow lane, with an annoyed farmer behind you.

Flickersy · 07/09/2023 22:04

What is it the ford fiesta isn't coping with?

Unless you're driving it across fields with deep mud I don't think you need a 4x4 to do the job that up til now a fiesta has managed ok with.

Thisismeyeah · 07/09/2023 22:04

If you are nervous get one that parks itself, has front and rear sensors as well as a 360 camera. One that has warning when you reverse for oncoming traffic.

Look at the Actuadimentiinons, for example some 4x4 are built on the base of a smaller car. Kodiaq for example is the same as a tiguan and then tiguan allspace just longer. a kia sportage as roomy inside but smaller outer body. Personally I wouldnt want to drive a discovery down cornwalls country lanes but my narrower but still family suv is fine never an issue. Unless you are moving to a big transit with no windows etc then really you are worrying over nothing. Youll be fine and enjoy your new car.

Twiggywinkle13 · 07/09/2023 22:05

I went from a mini to an xc90. It was terrifying at first but I actually find it much easier to park than my husbands (much smaller car)

Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 22:06

BotterMon · 07/09/2023 22:02

Voted YANBU as don't think a big 4x4 is for you. Nothing worse driving locally (in a big 4x4 or a truck) than meeting people who are cacking themselves about the size of their car and don't have a clue where it starts and ends. Lots of really good smaller 4x4 - why do you actually need one? Are you towing or living in a country with severe winters or drive through muddy fields? If none of these, then a front wheel drive would be perfectly adequate.

I know exactly what you mean and this is the driver I don't want to be...

Yes unfortunately I do need a 4x4 though I'm looking at smaller ones, but even the compact SUVs seem so big - my fiesta seems so small compared!

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 07/09/2023 22:06

I've found the lanes the he better in a larger car because people respect them more! My sister has a C1 I borrow occasionally and driving that to work is scary, especially because you can't see as much (in mine I can see this very most of the hedges!)