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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Driving a different car

48 replies

Justnavigating · 08/05/2024 13:24

Not really an AIBU . More for the traffic .

I have only ever drove 2 cars since I passed my test 6 years ago . Both were fiestas - one a little newer than the other . My current is a 13 plate .

I am getting a new car and I feel really silly asking this - but is it really different driving a different make ? I can be a bit of a nervous driver at times, nothing major and I do drive everywhere , but I remember the first time I got in my newer fiesta I was so nervous but it was very similar to my old one so I was fine . I’m now looking at a couple Peugeot 208 - it seems similar in size to a fiesta but it will obviously be different , this will also be brand new - does it feel really different ? Will it take some getting used to? Or will I just get in it and be fine ?

I know this seems really silly , hence why I’m asking on here instead of IRL 🤣

OP posts:
DaveWatts · 08/05/2024 13:27

It does seem funny at first but you'll adapt very quickly! Whenever I have to drive eg a van or rental car it's strange for about ten minutes and then you just adjust.

flipent · 08/05/2024 13:27

It will feel different, and all makes have slight differences in the controls (windscreen wiper control could be on the other side for example.)

But you will get used to it very quickly. The mechanics of driving is the same and the rules of the road don't change.

If you're nervous, find somewhere nice a quiet (maybe an empty part of a car park) to get used to it. But you'll be surprised how quickly you will find your way around.

It's also well worth looking at the controls in detail while stationary - so you are confident. But lets me honest, if you go to indicate and turn your wipers on instead, you'll realise pretty quickly!

GasPanic · 08/05/2024 13:28

All cars drive slightly differently and feel a bit different, sometimes in a good way and sometimes not so good.

If you buy it or are thinking of buying it take one for a test drive.

NosyJosie · 08/05/2024 13:28

You’ll be fine. Take your time to read up on all the features and practice your hand movements for the indicators, how the wipers work, where the petrol tank is located etc.

the biggest adjustment tends to be when you switch between manual and automatic but most cars work the same really

frankentall · 08/05/2024 13:29

In my experience it will feel different at first but you'll soon get used to it. Things I notice when I drive an unfamiliar car are things like how effective the brakes are, the feel of the clutch (where it bites) and how much power it needs not to stall. I drove a Focus this weekend, stalled it a couple of times as it needs more revs and was a bit jerky as the brakes are much sharper than my car - but soon got used to it.

MiddleAgedDread · 08/05/2024 13:30

Make sure you test drive it before buying. It will feel different to your current car as you're so used to it but I've driven some cars that just don't feel "right" and like I'd ever get used to them. I had a hire car once and no matter how I adjusted the seat and the steering wheel I couldn't see the speedo between 40 and 70mph and when I read online reviews it seemed I wasn't alone!

Jc2001 · 08/05/2024 13:31

You'll be fine. You might just turn on the windscreen wipers instead of the indicators occasionally 😂

Elephantswillnever · 08/05/2024 13:32

Honestly you’ll be fine. I’m often in a variety of vehicles for work. A Ford ivecco ( light goods vehicle) Range Rover and my own car. I do sometimes need a minute to adjust as one is manual and wipers/ lights on wrong side compared to my own car but it’s fine

Chelentol · 08/05/2024 13:33

I drove a new car for the first time this week, a rental, I drove our family car for the test and to learn and have been driving only it since, it felt different, different bite, different steering but I got used to it fairly quickly

Sudokufreak · 08/05/2024 13:33

A warning, having just exchanged a Fiesta for a newer version. I looked at a Peugot 208 but was put off by the fact that it seemed to fall into a much higher insurance group. I have no idea why, but, given the cost of insurance, it's worth checking.

Moveoverdarlin · 08/05/2024 13:34

Within a week you’ll be used to it. If your old car is ten years old, you’ll feel a vast improvement in the new one. Take a couple of days to go on routes you know well, or ‘easy’ and quiet drives. Practice parking in a quiet car park.

Justnavigating · 08/05/2024 13:36

GasPanic · 08/05/2024 13:28

All cars drive slightly differently and feel a bit different, sometimes in a good way and sometimes not so good.

If you buy it or are thinking of buying it take one for a test drive.

I’m very nervous about the idea of a test drive ! I don’t know if someone from the showroom comes with you but I feel like there is no way I could drive with a stranger in the car 🙁 and even if they don’t , just them watching me pull off ! I know that sounds so silly . I’ve even asked my husband to be the one to do the test drive !

OP posts:
Justnavigating · 08/05/2024 13:36

NosyJosie · 08/05/2024 13:28

You’ll be fine. Take your time to read up on all the features and practice your hand movements for the indicators, how the wipers work, where the petrol tank is located etc.

the biggest adjustment tends to be when you switch between manual and automatic but most cars work the same really

I can only drive an automatic so that won’t be an issue thankfully!

OP posts:
TeresaCrowd · 08/05/2024 13:37

You will be fine in terms of operating the drive elements of the car, especially if going manual to manual or auto to auto. The controls take a little longer (I flashed my full beams the other day trying to out my wipers on as this is on a different lever placement to my last two, and I’ve had the car 3 months!) but getting used to driving it as in steering/braking/parking/accelerating was minutes.

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 08/05/2024 13:37

You’ll be fine, though the only thing I’d say is I’ve had many many fords, but my husband had a Peugeot when I met him and the steering wheel was absolutely miniature??? It was like driving a go kart!! 🤣🤣 make sure you test drive as others have said ( my husband got rid of that car thank god - i found it so strange!! !)

IOMQuestions · 08/05/2024 13:38

I've had 2 Peugeots and 3 golfs...but DH has had lots of different cars and I drive his a lot. You get used to it in about 2 days. Honest.

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 08/05/2024 13:41

Yes to the test drive.
I drive loads of different cars for work. There’s one very popular make I hate with a passion because of how it drives - others clearly love them.
another make I can’t reach the pedals.
others have annoying or endearing quirks so you need to make sure you can live with them.

youll quickly get used to a new car. Big biggest annoyance with new ones is touch screens, dials you quickly learn where they are and don’t need to look to turn the heaters on etc. touch screens are more tricky. Some manufacturers are phasing them out, so I’m not alone

happy shopping!

Balloonhearts · 08/05/2024 13:42

They do feel different but you adapt quickly. I drive automatic too. I've only ever driven Vauxhalls or Minis. My driving instructor had 2 Minis a manual and an auto. I could switch between them easily enough but they did handle differently.

I've had a courtesy car while mine was in for service and even both being Vauxhall they were different. Different turning circle, different braking time and response from the engine. Mine is nippy. You barely have to touch it and it goes. The hire one needed more pressure on the accelerator before it responded despite actually being a more powerful car.

taxguru · 08/05/2024 13:44

Yes, all cars feel different. Even identical cars can feel different. Sometimes steering/clutch/brakes/accelerator are set slightly different on the same model.

But you get accustomed very quickly.

I'm always the designated driver of hire cars when abroad. Basically any kind of car can be allocated, whether it's a hatchback, estate or even a SUV, just depends what they have at the airport car lot at the time. Often the airport car park exits straight onto a busy dual carriageway or motorway so you don't really have time to acclimatise yourself. I just stay focussed, drive calmly, and concentrate on the car controls and before you know it, you're fine.

It really doesn't take long. Just make sure you know where the basic controls are and "just drive". Try not to get bogged down with "extras" such as the heater, radio, etc., which are things you can look at later. What matters are the gear stick, indicators, light switches and windscreen wipers - if you know where all those are, you're good to go.

As for size/parking, etc., just go to a quiet car park and practice a bit.

I actually passed my driving test in a car I'd never driven before the day of the test. The instructor had just got a new car, different make/model, and the only experience I had of it was the one hour lesson immediately before the test. Instructor just took me on a "dummy" test route to get me used to it and then did the usual parking, three point turn, reversing around a corner, etc., and it was absolutely fine. Passed first time.

Cobol · 08/05/2024 13:47

I don't think you'll find a big difference between a Ford and a Peugeot, they're quite similar in layout compared to some other makes, and I've always found Peugeots particularly easy to jump in and drive compared to other cars so I think it could be a good choice for you.

GasPanic · 08/05/2024 13:48

Justnavigating · 08/05/2024 13:36

I’m very nervous about the idea of a test drive ! I don’t know if someone from the showroom comes with you but I feel like there is no way I could drive with a stranger in the car 🙁 and even if they don’t , just them watching me pull off ! I know that sounds so silly . I’ve even asked my husband to be the one to do the test drive !

Not always.

The last car I bought they let me test drive on my own.

It's important that you do the test drive, as it is a lot of money to spend if you find there is something about the car you don't like - seating adjustment can often be problematic for some people.

MiddleAgedDread · 08/05/2024 13:52

I've always had someone from the garage come out on a test drive with me. Don't let your husband test drive it if it's going to be your car, that totally defeats the point of test driving a car to see if it's right for you!! I've driven several cars where the layout, size, visibility etc just isn't right for me. If you're nervous ask if your husband or salesman can drive it to some quieter back roads before you drive it.

Meggie2008 · 08/05/2024 13:55

Salesmen are fine on a test drive btw. When I got my last car, me and him had a good laugh over the fact that I kept trying to change gear on an automatic car (I'd never driven one before)
You'll be fine

randomchap · 08/05/2024 13:57

When you take it for a test, remember that the salesperson is there to sell the car. If you're more comfortable on quieter roads then ask them to drive to one. You're the one who gets to decide. Take your husband if you want, but do the drive yourself as he may like things you don't.

I always find it hard when driving a new car for a few days. Lights, indicators, wipers all in different places, but you do get used to it.

MathiasBroucek · 08/05/2024 14:00

I've always found it easy. DW finds it quite tough although in many other ways she's the better driver...

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