What is a "good" car?
Discussion
What is a "good" car?
This question has been growing on me for a while, as I've been in many rentals and pool cars recently.
The concept of good may vary for different people. Jeremy Clarkson says it's good if it goes fast round their track.
But for me it's a car that exceeds my expectations. No matter how high or low my expectations are, or how little or how much the car delivers.
A couple of examples may help:
So for me, for example, a BMW 330 is a bad car, because I expected more from it.
A Matiz is good, because I expected almost nothing, and it actually delivers a little, albeit a lot less than the BMW.
So - what makes a car "good" for you?
This question has been growing on me for a while, as I've been in many rentals and pool cars recently.
The concept of good may vary for different people. Jeremy Clarkson says it's good if it goes fast round their track.
But for me it's a car that exceeds my expectations. No matter how high or low my expectations are, or how little or how much the car delivers.
A couple of examples may help:
So for me, for example, a BMW 330 is a bad car, because I expected more from it.
A Matiz is good, because I expected almost nothing, and it actually delivers a little, albeit a lot less than the BMW.
So - what makes a car "good" for you?
Gwagon111 said:
If the thought if taking it for a hoon makes you smile, it's reliable, and doesn't rape the wallet too much, it's a good car 
.
Its all depends on having a balance of these though. A chimaera would make me smile a LOT more than an MX5 to a point where the extra costs involved are tiny compared to the size of grin..My normal work pool car is a 330d, quick enough and fairly comfy. Well, it has been off road for a few days so instead decided to use the Mondeo 2.5t, at first wasn't sold but now much prefer it over the BMW. Interior is much better, comfier, more space, quieter and it takes plenty by surprise on quick roads. Sure it isn't as balanced or quick as the 330d but I have been pleasantly surprised.
It actually felt like I was getting in a much cheaper car when I got the BMW back.
It actually felt like I was getting in a much cheaper car when I got the BMW back.
gamefreaks said:
A good car is one that doesn't let you down, is enjoyable to drive and doesn't cost too much to keep on the road.
That's all there is to it really.
nothing to do with money really, a top end car from most manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes, Audi etc etc) is a good car, but will cost a lot to run/maintainThat's all there is to it really.
won't let you down - obviously they all break down, no car ever goes on forever, will be nice to drive
oceanview said:
Jasandjules said:
A TVR Chimaera.
But it would be a terrible car for many people- its old, probably leaky, things are very likely to go wrong, thirsty, only a 2 seater, etc etc.All to do with needs and expectations.
All the cars I have had that I would describe as 'good' have all been reliable, first and foremost. Others have been described as 'mental' (mitsi 3000gt) and 'sublime' (mx5 mk 2). When I think of a really 'good' car though I think of my beloved V6 galant that never missed a beat in 7 years of average milage motoring. I still miss it.
Edited by peterbredde on Sunday 3rd November 17:09
oceanview said:
But it would be a terrible car for many people- its old, probably leaky, things are very likely to go wrong, thirsty, only a 2 seater, etc etc.
All to do with needs and expectations.
Had my Griff 6 year now used it as my daily 3rd year I had it through a really sh!tty winter and it never missed a beat. Keeping in mind it was built in '92 but you think it is "very likely" to go wrong? Odd statement. You are right tho, it does leak, it is thirsty (compared to a golf diesel) and yes it does only have two seats. I still prefer this "old" car to the wifes golf though All to do with needs and expectations.
In answer to the O/P personally I think as previously mentioned having the right tool for the job. High running costs don't make for a bad car. You would never hear anyone describe a Ferrari as bad just because it costs £xxxx amount for a service.
For me a good car is one designed with a clear purpose and fulfills that purpose well.
A bad car to me is one which tries to be a bit of everything, and ends up being fairly uninspiring at all of it. I don't like multi-purpose vehicles. E.g. a "super saloon" which you're supposed to be able to own as your only car would not be kept long - compromised on comfort whilst too heavy and too ugly to set your world on fire for spirited drives. I'd rather own 2 cars worth less each but poles apart in their focus. The keys I pick up depends what mood I'm in, and I rarely get bored.
Other's will completely disagree though, and my worst nightmare is their idea of a good car, and that's ok for them.
A bad car to me is one which tries to be a bit of everything, and ends up being fairly uninspiring at all of it. I don't like multi-purpose vehicles. E.g. a "super saloon" which you're supposed to be able to own as your only car would not be kept long - compromised on comfort whilst too heavy and too ugly to set your world on fire for spirited drives. I'd rather own 2 cars worth less each but poles apart in their focus. The keys I pick up depends what mood I'm in, and I rarely get bored.
Other's will completely disagree though, and my worst nightmare is their idea of a good car, and that's ok for them.
jamieduff1981 said:
- compromised on comfort whilst too heavy and too ugly to set your world on fire for spirited drives. I'd rather own 2 cars worth less each but poles apart in their focus. The keys I pick up depends what mood I'm in, and I rarely get bored.
Totally agree.I've driven both Jaguar XJR and Porsche Panamera but fail to see the appeal. As for the so-called Range Rover Sport...
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