I need a car to slow me down......
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I expect this thread will attract criticism from those telling me to employ more self-control, but.......
I know I drive too fast. I am fairly sure I'm a reasonable driver (doesn't everyone?) - my BMW 525d with 3 litre turbo-diesel engine, has been my daily driver for 5 years and I love it. Good acceleration, well-equipped etc. But I know I drive it too fast. First, I should point out that I obey speed limits to the letter - never more than 3-4mph over, but show me the national speed limit applies sign, and I'm off.
I recently rented a (bloody awful) Jeep Renegade 1.4 turbo-petrol engine (from Fiat). Horrible car, and I drove it like I stole it.
Last week I had a Volvo V60 D3 'cross-country' automatic. Noisy, slow, roly-poly handling, very frustrating to drive, maddening stop-start technology, floating dashboard thing dug into my leg - consequently, I hated it and thrashed it everywhere.
I'm looking for another car now - 2nd hand, maybe 5 years old, I want an estate car, I don't like 4x4/SUV cars. BUT, I want something that might calm me down, something that makes driving effortless, yet makes decent progress comfortably. I'd like petrol, probably 150bhp+, but above all, something that doesn't frustrate the crap out of me with awful ergonomics, nasty thrashy engines, stupid sat-nav media(The Volvo V60's one was terrible). Something to still enjoy driving, but something that oozes competence and tells you that you're in something designed properly. Probably manual, as I'm not a big fan of auto-boxes unless powering something large with at least 6 cylinders.
All constructive suggestions welcomed.
Cheers
I expect this thread will attract criticism from those telling me to employ more self-control, but.......
I know I drive too fast. I am fairly sure I'm a reasonable driver (doesn't everyone?) - my BMW 525d with 3 litre turbo-diesel engine, has been my daily driver for 5 years and I love it. Good acceleration, well-equipped etc. But I know I drive it too fast. First, I should point out that I obey speed limits to the letter - never more than 3-4mph over, but show me the national speed limit applies sign, and I'm off.
I recently rented a (bloody awful) Jeep Renegade 1.4 turbo-petrol engine (from Fiat). Horrible car, and I drove it like I stole it.
Last week I had a Volvo V60 D3 'cross-country' automatic. Noisy, slow, roly-poly handling, very frustrating to drive, maddening stop-start technology, floating dashboard thing dug into my leg - consequently, I hated it and thrashed it everywhere.
I'm looking for another car now - 2nd hand, maybe 5 years old, I want an estate car, I don't like 4x4/SUV cars. BUT, I want something that might calm me down, something that makes driving effortless, yet makes decent progress comfortably. I'd like petrol, probably 150bhp+, but above all, something that doesn't frustrate the crap out of me with awful ergonomics, nasty thrashy engines, stupid sat-nav media(The Volvo V60's one was terrible). Something to still enjoy driving, but something that oozes competence and tells you that you're in something designed properly. Probably manual, as I'm not a big fan of auto-boxes unless powering something large with at least 6 cylinders.
All constructive suggestions welcomed.
Cheers
Be prepared for MX-5 suggestions.
I used to date a girl that had a 116d. I was pleasantly surprised by the car - obviously it wasn't going to compete with an M135i, but it had enough power to make the back roads fun, while not really having enough power to get yourself into bother unless you went through a few (long) gears. I actually ended up buying a 120d and found it a great compromise between motorway progression and back road fun.
The 1-series, in various diesel guise, is worth a test drive as the chassis is pretty damn competent and the diesels do a good job of shoving you in the back to get to 30mph. I remember one road where I used to enjoy winding my-then M3 up to 40mph (just knocking into 4th gear), and having as much fun doing the same in my 120d. I actually got pulled over once there for daring to do 45mph. No ticket obviously, but it showed how the 120d was far more enjoyable at lower speeds than the compensated speed I mentioned the M3 at.
I used to date a girl that had a 116d. I was pleasantly surprised by the car - obviously it wasn't going to compete with an M135i, but it had enough power to make the back roads fun, while not really having enough power to get yourself into bother unless you went through a few (long) gears. I actually ended up buying a 120d and found it a great compromise between motorway progression and back road fun.
The 1-series, in various diesel guise, is worth a test drive as the chassis is pretty damn competent and the diesels do a good job of shoving you in the back to get to 30mph. I remember one road where I used to enjoy winding my-then M3 up to 40mph (just knocking into 4th gear), and having as much fun doing the same in my 120d. I actually got pulled over once there for daring to do 45mph. No ticket obviously, but it showed how the 120d was far more enjoyable at lower speeds than the compensated speed I mentioned the M3 at.
Hairymonster said:
First, I should point out that I obey speed limits to the letter - never more than 3-4mph over
With statements like that and the topic of the thread, you need a reality check. To that end, I'd suggest some driving tuition. Also, getting a 'slower' car will probably only encourage you to drive it quicker in order to make progress. The real issue here is how YOU approach driving, not your choice of car.
Get something really thirsty. You'll soon get fed up of fuelling it and drive sensible. I know what you mean though, I rented cars last year and I drove faaaassstt. I sometimes finish work at 3am so progress can be made. Next week I will take the c63 to work and I'll have to drive steady just because I can't be arsed stopping for more fuel.
Frances The Mute said:
...Also, getting a 'slower' car will probably only encourage you to drive it quicker in order to make progress. ....
Indeed. I've found that when I've owned faster cars I drove them slower (or at least less aggressively) as you felt you had nothing to prove and could make good progress whilst driving leisurely.Alternatively get a petrol engined barge (size immaterial as my IS250 seems to fit the bill) and adopt a more 'cruising' driving style where you concentrate on being smooth and refined.
Truckosaurus said:
Frances The Mute said:
...Also, getting a 'slower' car will probably only encourage you to drive it quicker in order to make progress. ....
Indeed. I've found that when I've owned faster cars I drove them slower (or at least less aggressively) as you felt you had nothing to prove and could make good progress whilst driving leisurely.Alternatively get a petrol engined barge (size immaterial as my IS250 seems to fit the bill) and adopt a more 'cruising' driving style where you concentrate on being smooth and refined.
Perfect
I've just acquired a 320d due to increasing mileage needs.
It ticks the boxes of several of your requirements. It can go briskly when required, has a nice chassis balance and is reasonably well put together. Its the 1st car I've had that I enjoy just humming along slowly on the inside lane and will happily keep to "just 60" on NSL roads and simply let quicker drivers past.
Listen to radio 4 and try and maximise the fuel economy.
It may be too much of the same for you but the whole ethos of the car is "chill" to me.
It ticks the boxes of several of your requirements. It can go briskly when required, has a nice chassis balance and is reasonably well put together. Its the 1st car I've had that I enjoy just humming along slowly on the inside lane and will happily keep to "just 60" on NSL roads and simply let quicker drivers past.
Listen to radio 4 and try and maximise the fuel economy.
It may be too much of the same for you but the whole ethos of the car is "chill" to me.
I tried this same thing.
Bought a V8 Range Rover. Didn't slow me down. Just massively increased my fuel bill. If I was doing the school run in winter I averaged 9 mpg.
I don't think a car will slow you down. I think it requires an attitude change. I still drive quite quickly outside urban areas (like you I keep it down around town) but I've also finally learnt not be too silly outside town. Currently drive a Golf R Estate. I do give it the beans sometimes, but also sometimes have it in Eco mode and just plod.
If all else fails, then move to London, you'll never get above 30mph anyway... and if you did manage it too often your license won't last long.
Bought a V8 Range Rover. Didn't slow me down. Just massively increased my fuel bill. If I was doing the school run in winter I averaged 9 mpg.
I don't think a car will slow you down. I think it requires an attitude change. I still drive quite quickly outside urban areas (like you I keep it down around town) but I've also finally learnt not be too silly outside town. Currently drive a Golf R Estate. I do give it the beans sometimes, but also sometimes have it in Eco mode and just plod.
If all else fails, then move to London, you'll never get above 30mph anyway... and if you did manage it too often your license won't last long.
Old-ish Jag saloon. I don't know if the more modern ones are similar.
My normal cars is are Alfa GTA or GT - both 3.2, rev-happy v6s, and they are both driven as if stolen.
We recently had a Jag in the fleet as the wife had an operation on her foot and needed an automatic (I looked for an Alfa automatic, but the Jag came up first). X300, 3.2 engine. It's a completely different experience - you breeze along at 30 or 40 and don't worry about it. Punting it down B roads at 40 is quite frankly scary, and it just doesn't feel right. You waft.
Only down side is the prodigious fuel consumption - I have no idea what it did with so much petrol, it certainly didn't convert it into forward motion.
My normal cars is are Alfa GTA or GT - both 3.2, rev-happy v6s, and they are both driven as if stolen.
We recently had a Jag in the fleet as the wife had an operation on her foot and needed an automatic (I looked for an Alfa automatic, but the Jag came up first). X300, 3.2 engine. It's a completely different experience - you breeze along at 30 or 40 and don't worry about it. Punting it down B roads at 40 is quite frankly scary, and it just doesn't feel right. You waft.
Only down side is the prodigious fuel consumption - I have no idea what it did with so much petrol, it certainly didn't convert it into forward motion.
Frances The Mute said:
With statements like that and the topic of the thread, you need a reality check. To that end, I'd suggest some driving tuition.
Also, getting a 'slower' car will probably only encourage you to drive it quicker in order to make progress. The real issue here is how YOU approach driving, not your choice of car.
I can't see how driving tuition is going to make a difference.Also, getting a 'slower' car will probably only encourage you to drive it quicker in order to make progress. The real issue here is how YOU approach driving, not your choice of car.
20 years ago I drove a Merc E200 auto. The old W124 series. It was a gorgeous car. Not fast at all, but so comfortable and solidly built and well-designed, it just wafted everywhere.
Hairymonster said:
I can't see how driving tuition is going to make a difference.
20 years ago I drove a Merc E200 auto. The old W124 series. It was a gorgeous car. Not fast at all, but so comfortable and solidly built and well-designed, it just wafted everywhere.
Get a flat cap one of those small dogs that you have to look at closely to tell which end is its arse, put it and a box of tissues on the rear parcel shelf,20 years ago I drove a Merc E200 auto. The old W124 series. It was a gorgeous car. Not fast at all, but so comfortable and solidly built and well-designed, it just wafted everywhere.
finish off with a NT sticker , retune your radio to classic FM and you're good to go
Edited by powerstroke on Monday 30th January 08:27
Hairymonster said:
I can't see how driving tuition is going to make a difference.
20 years ago I drove a Merc E200 auto. The old W124 series. It was a gorgeous car. Not fast at all, but so comfortable and solidly built and well-designed, it just wafted everywhere.
I had a W124 E250D manual for many years, which made the petrol E200 look like a rorty hooligan wagon. You could floor it any gear at any speed and the result was a bit more noise and smoke happened but no perceptible increase in forward momentum whatsoever. Weirdly enjoyable motoring experience as there was simply no interest in going fast, just wafting. Would happily build up a head of steam to hold 70/80 on the motorway all day long but like lorry drivers, I hated having to slow for anything because it would involve another 45 second acceleration cycle back up to 70ish.20 years ago I drove a Merc E200 auto. The old W124 series. It was a gorgeous car. Not fast at all, but so comfortable and solidly built and well-designed, it just wafted everywhere.
I'm not sure the car will slow you down op. A lad at work had the same M135i as me and he used to absolutely cane it everywhere. After a few months of ownership he ditched the car citing mpg and the need to slow down as reasons. He now runs a 116d. I'm not sure how much money he's lost or if it was a simple hand back and swap over but either way, he's been spotted heading home from work in his 116 overtaking several cars and nearly causing an accident. I'm not suggesting you are as dangerous on the roads as he is but he wanted to slow down and drive something that didn't encourage him to speed and yet, he still does!
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