Discussion
Is it just me or; are all 'new' cars rubbish? When I compare cars made in the 90's against the similar models made in the 00's, I more often than not prefer the 90's cars. It's not just down to looks, but a lot of the time it's performance too.
Am I alone in this, or is some kind of bias I have? Likewise, a lot of cars from the late 80's appeal more..
Am I alone in this, or is some kind of bias I have? Likewise, a lot of cars from the late 80's appeal more..
I wonder if it's to do with cars you grow up with?
I only ask as I have an 05 Clio (182 era) which a guy at work thinks is horrendously ugly.
He thinks that his C1 is great looking.
I am of the mind that for a shopping trolley, that generation of Clio looked OK, and his C1 is an awful looking car, with stupid cutesy 'eyes' and a huge gaping fake smile on its stupid smarmy face (my apologies, I really dislike them...)
I am about 5 years older than him, so maybe that's why there's the difference in taste?
I only ask as I have an 05 Clio (182 era) which a guy at work thinks is horrendously ugly.
He thinks that his C1 is great looking.
I am of the mind that for a shopping trolley, that generation of Clio looked OK, and his C1 is an awful looking car, with stupid cutesy 'eyes' and a huge gaping fake smile on its stupid smarmy face (my apologies, I really dislike them...)
I am about 5 years older than him, so maybe that's why there's the difference in taste?
New cars aren't rubbish, just different.
I like older cars for nostalgic reasons and because if I have a budget of X I get a better (if it working) old car than I would new one.
Saying that I can think of lots of brand new cars that I would happily add to a Lotto garage, alongside lots of classics and former greats.
I like older cars for nostalgic reasons and because if I have a budget of X I get a better (if it working) old car than I would new one.
Saying that I can think of lots of brand new cars that I would happily add to a Lotto garage, alongside lots of classics and former greats.
Age certainly plays a factor.
However, there are some cars I lust after that people even 20 years older than me would turn around and call me 'grandad'.
For examplem, I'm only 26 years old but I just love the CL600 coupe from the mid 90's. People call me wierd, but there is 'something' about it that makes me think 'WOW'
However, there are some cars I lust after that people even 20 years older than me would turn around and call me 'grandad'.
For examplem, I'm only 26 years old but I just love the CL600 coupe from the mid 90's. People call me wierd, but there is 'something' about it that makes me think 'WOW'
All new cars are not rubbish but the styling is, for the most part.
This is down to tiny, tiny glass areas and thick, thick, thick pillars. I now look at my Mk III Golf which I recall with crystal clarity was criticised for the thickness of the C pillar when it was launched and I marvel at the aquarium-sized windows and how damned easy it is to drive, see out of and chuck about.
It may lack the "safety" of modern cars but I am far less likely to have an accident to start with as I can see out and know where every corner of the car is, can feel where the wheels are through the steering and if I could buy one new now, I still would simply because it's such a handy size with no unnecessary and pointless "styling" and without a bonnet the height of the Andes.
It will also seat 3 in the back which many modern cars won't.
I think modern cars have taken a wrong turn. they should be embracing smaller dimensions, greater packaging efficiency and less techno-guffery.
This is down to tiny, tiny glass areas and thick, thick, thick pillars. I now look at my Mk III Golf which I recall with crystal clarity was criticised for the thickness of the C pillar when it was launched and I marvel at the aquarium-sized windows and how damned easy it is to drive, see out of and chuck about.
It may lack the "safety" of modern cars but I am far less likely to have an accident to start with as I can see out and know where every corner of the car is, can feel where the wheels are through the steering and if I could buy one new now, I still would simply because it's such a handy size with no unnecessary and pointless "styling" and without a bonnet the height of the Andes.
It will also seat 3 in the back which many modern cars won't.
I think modern cars have taken a wrong turn. they should be embracing smaller dimensions, greater packaging efficiency and less techno-guffery.
My Rover 213S is better in many ways to the 90's 214, the 90's bubble 214 and Rover 25 (having owned all of them apart from the 25 but that's basically a bubble 214 with a facelift). 
I don't cross my fingers every time I turn the key (Honda engine rather than the K-Series).
If anything does go wrong I don't need a laptop to find out what the problem is.
I can have four grown up passengers (without needing a tin opener and Chiropractor to get them out) and a boot full of shopping (without the clutch giving up).
I don't loose it on the car park (the newer cars a bit on the generic side).
I'm not suggesting my SD3 is perfect but it's a lot better than the crap that replaced it.
I don't cross my fingers every time I turn the key (Honda engine rather than the K-Series).
If anything does go wrong I don't need a laptop to find out what the problem is.
I can have four grown up passengers (without needing a tin opener and Chiropractor to get them out) and a boot full of shopping (without the clutch giving up).
I don't loose it on the car park (the newer cars a bit on the generic side).
I'm not suggesting my SD3 is perfect but it's a lot better than the crap that replaced it.
SturdyJ said:
I wonder if it's to do with cars you grow up with?
I only ask as I have an 05 Clio (182 era) which a guy at work thinks is horrendously ugly.
He thinks that his C1 is great looking.
I am of the mind that for a shopping trolley, that generation of Clio looked OK, and his C1 is an awful looking car, with stupid cutesy 'eyes' and a huge gaping fake smile on its stupid smarmy face (my apologies, I really dislike them...)
I am about 5 years older than him, so maybe that's why there's the difference in taste?
Purchase justification.I only ask as I have an 05 Clio (182 era) which a guy at work thinks is horrendously ugly.
He thinks that his C1 is great looking.
I am of the mind that for a shopping trolley, that generation of Clio looked OK, and his C1 is an awful looking car, with stupid cutesy 'eyes' and a huge gaping fake smile on its stupid smarmy face (my apologies, I really dislike them...)
I am about 5 years older than him, so maybe that's why there's the difference in taste?
He's not likely to sit there and admit his car's as ugly as a baboons arse.
I love everything about the older car. The noise, the smell, the easy of which to drive. The fact I'm actually about to control the car with my feet and hands as opposed to having a computer do all the work. The styling is so much better. And they are getting rarer and rarer to be on the roads.
Has anyone had a guy go past them on a motorway and the passenger lean out the window, to mouth/shout "That is a f
king awesome car" then do a thumps up, to their 2011 525d?
The fact they'll give up the ghost and it's almost seen as a challenge to drive 200 miles straight in one.
Has anyone had a guy go past them on a motorway and the passenger lean out the window, to mouth/shout "That is a f
king awesome car" then do a thumps up, to their 2011 525d? The fact they'll give up the ghost and it's almost seen as a challenge to drive 200 miles straight in one.
SooperDan said:
Older cars are better built, better to drive and better looking - IMO.
Newer cars are better at everything else.
This I think is it. To me, how a car drives, and it's looks are important. I don't care about safety, badge, plate year etc.Newer cars are better at everything else.
I think the better built fact is very true. It's like all things made these days, they're not built to last like in the old days..
..That makes me sound old, but I'm not!
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