Adjusting to bigger cars, advise needed
Discussion
I'm a relatively inexperienced driver, now in my 5th year on the roads, almost all of that had been spent driving small motors, fiestas, aygos, a Mazda mx5... Recently moving up in size to a still small Audi a3 sportback.
There's been times when I have found parking and navigating car parks much harder in the a4 than smaller cars, yet I am considering moving up to a bigger saloon style car.
Notably a Lexus Gs300.
Reasoning been I want a bit more space and comfort, and want to keep away from German cars in the future.
Based on my experiences with the Audi I think it's going to take some adjustment to get used to driving a big car on the roads and car parks etc... Can anyone give me any tips?
Just to point out the Audi has no parking aids at all, while the Lexus I want has at the very least rear sensors, some models have front sensors and cameras.
And yes... I know I'm gonna get a lot of flack here for even asking, but bring it on.
There's been times when I have found parking and navigating car parks much harder in the a4 than smaller cars, yet I am considering moving up to a bigger saloon style car.
Notably a Lexus Gs300.
Reasoning been I want a bit more space and comfort, and want to keep away from German cars in the future.
Based on my experiences with the Audi I think it's going to take some adjustment to get used to driving a big car on the roads and car parks etc... Can anyone give me any tips?
Just to point out the Audi has no parking aids at all, while the Lexus I want has at the very least rear sensors, some models have front sensors and cameras.
And yes... I know I'm gonna get a lot of flack here for even asking, but bring it on.
You shouldn't have too much trouble, as the Lexus GS300 comes with front and rear parking sensors.
Also, nice light power steering and a smooth automatic gearbox will make manoeuvring a complete cinch.
Just remember there's a lot more bonnet in front of you than there is in an Audi A3, and you'll be fine.
Also, nice light power steering and a smooth automatic gearbox will make manoeuvring a complete cinch.
Just remember there's a lot more bonnet in front of you than there is in an Audi A3, and you'll be fine.
.Pleasantly surprised to find even an S-class Merc Barge to be an absolute doddle to reverse park (although rarely in one move) because of excellent parking sensors.
My old A6 had sensors which failed about a week after it was out of warranty (had it 12 years) and I'm useless at manoeuvring so this always seemed a nightmare (with several wheel arch scrapes)....
Mrs Beano still despairs - she's of the "spatially-lower-than-average-ability" - expecting me to park in a space which would be tight for a G-Wiz right next to the front door of wherever. I've learnt to take a deep breath and do all my manoeuvring slowly and sod (within reason) the following traffic, but I still plan to avoid multi-storeys and prepare to park a bit further away (and ignore Mrs B for about 15 minutes).
Larger cars' advantages CAN outweigh the challenges - it's just a mindset....
My old A6 had sensors which failed about a week after it was out of warranty (had it 12 years) and I'm useless at manoeuvring so this always seemed a nightmare (with several wheel arch scrapes)....
Mrs Beano still despairs - she's of the "spatially-lower-than-average-ability" - expecting me to park in a space which would be tight for a G-Wiz right next to the front door of wherever. I've learnt to take a deep breath and do all my manoeuvring slowly and sod (within reason) the following traffic, but I still plan to avoid multi-storeys and prepare to park a bit further away (and ignore Mrs B for about 15 minutes).
Larger cars' advantages CAN outweigh the challenges - it's just a mindset....
Chester draws said:
Yep, reverse into spaces where possible, use the mirrors more, and if you're maneuvering and you're not sure how much space before you hit that bollard or low wall, get out and check!
Why always reverse a big car into to a space? In a car whose dimensions you're not confident about surely it makes more sense to reverse out where you have more room?Reverse into spaces and take your time.
Mirrors adjusted correctly.
If you don't have parking sensors, get then retro-fitted as they are really very useful - as is a reversing camera.
Watched for raised kerbs etc., as sensors don;t always pick them up.
You'll soon adjust to whatever you buy so stop worrying.
Mirrors adjusted correctly.
If you don't have parking sensors, get then retro-fitted as they are really very useful - as is a reversing camera.
Watched for raised kerbs etc., as sensors don;t always pick them up.
You'll soon adjust to whatever you buy so stop worrying.
popeyewhite said:
Chester draws said:
Yep, reverse into spaces where possible, use the mirrors more, and if you're maneuvering and you're not sure how much space before you hit that bollard or low wall, get out and check!
Why always reverse a big car into to a space? In a car whose dimensions you're not confident about surely it makes more sense to reverse out where you have more room?Also simply driving out of a space safer and easier as you have better visibility.
Coming out forwards, I usually get out in one, if reversing out and cars either side are parked close, need to go a fair way back (straight) before can start turning. In a crowded supermarket with other cars emerging from spaces or overhanging their space, not to mention shoppers with trollies I find reverse in, drive out easiest.
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