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Original poster

driving : how do you manage in a car where you can't see the bonnet

19 replies

Kelly1978 · 31/01/2006 14:33

I'm picking up a seat alhambra tomorrow but I'm not lookign forward to it, as the front is impossible to see. How on earth do you maneuvere something when you can't see it? The turning out is really narrow, I'll prob scrape it before I even get it off the forecourt!

OP posts:

NomDePlume · 31/01/2006 14:35

You just get used to the dimensions of the car, but be really careful and drive like a pensioner until you do !

I have to ask though, what posessed you to buy a car that you don't feel safe driving ?!

Original poster

Kelly1978 · 31/01/2006 14:37

no choice really. Mine is starting to pack up - everything is going wrong on it, and the seat was the best car we could afford. other mpvs are expensive or high mileage.

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NomDePlume · 31/01/2006 14:38

fair enough.

foxinsocks · 31/01/2006 14:42

Why can't you see the front?

I had one for ages and loved driving it. I took it out on a few narrow roads and practised reverse parking for about half an hour when I first got it so that I got the size right in my mind.

I found the power steering so fantastic that in the end, I found it easier to park than a normal car.

Original poster

Kelly1978 · 31/01/2006 14:45

the bonnet goes straight down at about a 45 degree angle. Even if I was to put my nose up against the windscreen I wouldn't see anything there! I'm most worried about the front corners, especially when it comes to school runs and turnign in tight spaces. Not too worried about reversing, as the view out the back is a lot better than my prev car.

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WigWamBam · 31/01/2006 14:47

You shouldn't have too much problem - I think I mentioned before that our Picasso is no worse than the Alhambra was for not being able to see the bonnet. The high driving position should mean you see as much as you need to - you can never really see the front of a car properly, you just get used to where it is.

crunchie · 31/01/2006 14:48

I find with all those MPV's you can't see the end of the bonnet. I certainly can't with my Picasso. You just need to be careful and not worry about teh bumpers much !! I mean they are there for a reason

foxinsocks · 31/01/2006 14:48

oh I see what you mean. I think you honestly get used to it very quickly. Take it out for a few practice parks and you will feel so much better.

NomDePlume · 31/01/2006 14:49

That's true WWB, my little Focus 'drops off' at the front so I can't see exactly where the nose finishes.

mumfor1standfinaltime · 31/01/2006 14:50

Just looked on net as I didnt know what it was, looks bigger than my Seat Ibiza lol!!

Im sure you will get used to it. I used to drive a Nissan 200sx - couldnt see end of the bonnet!

Original poster

Kelly1978 · 31/01/2006 14:56

I hope you are all right. I can def see the corners on my current car, I guess I've just got used to that. Dp will slaughter me if i scrape it!

OP posts:

GDG · 31/01/2006 14:57

Just please don't be one of those women that sits right up to the steering wheel peering out trying to see the bumper!! Arrhghghghghgh!

You just get used to the dimensions of your own car after a while!!

expatinscotland · 31/01/2006 14:58

Have a smaller car, a car w/a smaller bonnet, I guess. That's one solution.

mumfor1standfinaltime · 31/01/2006 14:59

I have only just bought my Seat, and when I drove it home I couldnt find 2nd gear at first!! I kept putting it in 4th!
Guess thats what happens when you go from a Nissan 200sx, to a fiesta 1.1 with 4 speed gear box, to a Seat Ibiza within 6 months!

Im sure you will be fine, go the long way home to test the car out.

Original poster

Kelly1978 · 31/01/2006 15:45

expat, I have four kids, a smaller car isn't an option. The size isn't a problem anyway, it is smaller than I am used to, it's just the bonnet.

lol gdc, not a chance! I'm nearly 6ft, so can't sit that close.

It's a long drive home anyway. I live in ascot, and I have to pick the car from willesden, N London. Going to be fun

OP posts:

MerlinsBeard · 31/01/2006 15:49

u can get beeper things (sensors?) if ur really worried. i can't see the front of our tacuma at all but then as i don';t drive yet its not really a problem. we have the sensors on the back tho for dps crap reverse parking

NannyL · 31/01/2006 18:04

Im VERY short and have never been able to see the front of the bonnet ever,....

you just "mnow" where the end is, and i can get right up close to within an inch and just "know"

Original poster

Kelly1978 · 01/02/2006 15:54

Picked it up today. Bonnet is annoying but still hoping will get used to it!
The battery had died on it, and so now there is something wrong with the airbag, needs reseting or something and a piece fell off the front of the car when dp drove it during his lunch hour! Serves him right for being manic, but I'm worried if we have made the right choice!

OP posts:

Davros · 01/02/2006 17:25

Haven't read all of this thread but had to read it. Oh dear, one of DH's pet hates! WOmen who sit squished forward in their car to see the front of the bonnet (sexist, him?!). You don't need to see the front of the car, you can't see the back or sides, you'll just get used to it. As a point of honour I sit as far back as my little legs will allow and its much more comfortable! Happy driving, enjoy the new car!

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