To be nervous to drive a new car

[Hesxboon]

I’ve just bought a new car it’s an Audi q3
wouldn’t say it’s a big car but it’s higher and bit bigger than what I’m used to
I’m nervous to drive it 😄 I’ve test drove it and loved it but I feel so scared of damaging it or curbing it and to park it
ive gone from an old corsa so it was quite small in comparison. Aibu about this? Tell me to get a grip if need be

I went from a DS3 to an MG hybrid. As soon as I set off in the new car, my spatial awareness reset to accommodate the larger vehicle. I love it

Drive a regular route, you’ll get your bearings in no time. Good luck

I’ve literally just done the same as you - a smallish aging basic run around upgraded to a Q3. I’d been nervous for ages as I’ve only really driven one type of car before, but it was surprisingly easy to adapt and I love all the new features! Good luck!

I had quite a low car to then a t roc. I think I found it easier being higher up. Plus you must have all the parking sensors etc.

My first car after learning to drive in a Polo was a BMW 5 series, so I can definitely relate to being scared of a bigger car. I didn’t find the actual driving to be very different, so you should be fine there. But definitely give yourself some grace when it comes to parking it or turning it in small car parks. I practiced by sticking to quiet places at first and letting myself practice in empty areas of the car parks so there was less pressure.

I think it's important not to worry or be daunted by the size or value of any new car, whatever it is, because that only makes the worry worse. Kerb it in a minor way early on, because then you stop worrying about when its going to happen!! I always (mentally) breathe a sigh of relief when a car is no longer completely perfect, and having a wheel refurbished in a few years time is only £100 or so :)

It happens to me every time I change my car. I feel so nervous to drive it and like I cannot control it ? Just go slowly, go on a quiet non busy route. It took me a few days of driving to get used to it.

Welcome fellow owner! I have a Q3 and hands down it is the best car I have ever owned - had a BMW 3 series and Peugeot 206 GTi before.

Reasons not to be scared:

• Lovely elevated driving position so you can easily see what is around you
• Good tech like parking bleeps, to help you manoeuvre successfully
• Is it a Quattro? Four wheel drive is immense, so easy to steer and even if it’s not then Audi rear wheel drives are still miles above many others (pardon the pun)
• Reliable, dependable and safe - NCAP scores are brilliant for Q3s

Totally normal to be nervous about driving and/or scratching a new car. But you’ll mould to it in no time. Take it out on your favourite routes and enjoy the difference in performance and a higher driving position.

If you look after your car it will look after you - mine is a 2012 plate, has done 140,000 and it’s still going strong like a champ. Plus - and this is vanity - I love coming back to it in the car park - very attractive car in a way that many other SUVS are not. Happy motoring! And happy to answer any questions. Electronic handbrake is a marvel isn’t it?!

Get a grip 🥰

Q3s are either front wheel drive or part-time four wheel drive. Your Quattro is FWD most of the time and has nothing to do with the steering. Power is only sent rearwards when slip is detected in the front wheels.

The only RWD cars Audi have made that I can think of are some special versions of the R8.

Mine is AWD - all wheel drive, all of the time.

Made an assumption that none Quattros are rear wheel as that is the default for higher quality German cars. Admit I probably was wrong on that, happy to be corrected (because you seem so keen to do it on a thread on another topic).

But just checked my paperwork and AWD for my car. So, no, you’re wrong.

@HesxboonIt’s normal to be a bit apprehensive! With modern cars, I do think you need to familiarize yourself with the controls first. Fairly basic things might be in a different place. I realised the other day I didn't know where the fog light switch was. I find most things click quickly but gadgets and gizmos are increasing on new cars and it’s pretty important to know how they all work, especially if controls are via a screen.

Most nerve wracking first drive - DHs new Porsche 911.

It most certainly isn’t all of the time. It’s an on-demand Haldex system which runs in FWD the majority of the time and sends power rearward as required. It will be FWD 99% of the time.

I’ve never been nervous with a new car but we leased a RR Sport and for two weeks I drove like a learner driver. Was used to sitting fairly high so wasn’t that.. was just terrified.

I remember getting a new car for the first time with rear parking sensors. I accidentally bumped it into a wall to figure out how they worked then accidentally bumped it again just to make sure - d’oh

just take time to get used to it and accept they’ll be a bump or something sometime

The Audi A3 is not permanent 4 wheel drive. It distributes the driving according to demand and conditions via 2 or 4 wheels. It’s not the same as a RR Discovery for example.

A tip ... when you are parking, tip your wing mirror down before parking ... gives you a much better view abd you'll never "kerb it".
Just take it slowly until you get familiar with the car.

This is one of the reasons why I have never bought a new car...

You can call me a wimp if you like 🙂

It always takes me about two weeks to get used to a new car then I’m fine.