What do you drive? How much attention?

What do you drive? How much attention?

Author
Discussion

nickfrog

21,204 posts

218 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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Bathroom_Security said:
Slightly, and no. Just in general even driving around normally the abuse came

Had the same with an E92 320d as well. Nothing but abuse.

Any other car driven the same way, no problems really.
That's unfortunate. I never had any issues in BMWs, including the M2, which is not subtle.

illmonkey

18,216 posts

199 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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Bathroom_Security said:
georgejoshington said:
Am I misreading this, or are you feeling aggrieved that doing burnouts in the office car park and skidding round roundabouts resulted in complaints about your driving?
Slightly, and no. Just in general even driving around normally the abuse came

Had the same with an E92 320d as well. Nothing but abuse.

Any other car driven the same way, no problems really.
I'm going to guess your "driving around normally" is not how the plod would describe it.

Hint: It's not the cars, but your aggressive driving that attracts the attention. If you're driving fast/aggressively, someone will want to join in.

C5_Steve

3,126 posts

104 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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Aside from my first car (a Civic Esi) which only got attention down Southend seafront, I've had:

Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo (Z32)

Used to get lots of attention from non car enthusiasts who had no idea what it was due to the low wide wedge shape, or from those who remembered them coming out in the 90s and always wanted one. No one ever attempted the traffic light GP and the only car that ever engaged in some spirited driving with it was a tastefully modified Mitsi 3000GT which was very fitting! Never saw another one on the road apart from at shows.

Mitsubishi Evo 8

Only got attention from petrolheads and usually the wrong type. Everyone else just thought it was a shiny red saloon. Everyone and their mum wanted a race, Corsa's would appear from nowhere and sit on your bumper on a motorway. Would always get a flash or a wave from fellow owners of every generation.

Peugeot 306 GTi6

Only got attention from those of an age who know what they are, who then gave an approving nod. No one notices you so you slip through traffic easily and no one wants a race. Would surprise the odd BMW keeping up with them through the twisties which was always nice, until you pull up alongside and they spot the badge.

Nissan 350Z

No one cares about this car. Even fellow owners don't give the wave. Everyone knows they're not fast so they leave you alone, but also no one gets out of your way on a motorway. I'm consistently shocked how many sit in an outside lane with you barreling up behind them (doing 70 of course) and then don't get over. Never had it as much in any other car, I just think the 350 from the front doesn't look imposing or they just think you're a chav and they have the right to do 69 in the fast lane with no traffic on the inside and hold you up.

Corvette C5

Gets attention literally anywhere and everywhere, doing 5mph. Rarely do I go out with a nod, wave or chat with someone. Gets appreciation from everyone from 5 year olds to 65 year olds. Gets waves from any other American car owner as well. No one tries to race you, mainly because they don't know if their fast or not. Everyone gets out of your way or lets you out of turnings but they're not flashy enough to induce any hatred or jealousy. Some of my favourite car moments have been from people's reactions to this car and it's the reason I bought it. For others to enjoy it. Been followed in it once or twice which was a little daunting.

Best one was in a car park, I parked away from everyone else (naturally) and as I get out this Zafira pulls up right next to the car. Annoying I thought, then the guy jumps out and calls after me as I'm walking away, asking about the car. He's always loved them, never seen one before etc etc. Asked loads of questions, took some pics for his son and was genuinely excited. So excited that he wanted to show me what he'd just bought his son, so he rushes to the back door and flings it open. Right into my rear quarter panel. He didn't notice but I saw the edge catch and bounce, I winced but said nothing. He got a model Lamborghini out of the back seat to show me. Man of taste.

Checked the car after he'd gone and his door had caught the wrap slightly but not the paint so I just smoothed the crease out. Hardly noticeable and it was an accident after all.

I've always loved being able to show people my cars and talk about them as I remember how I felt as kid growing up when I was introduced to cars. I've never owned a car to show off but I do buy cars other car enthusiasts would be interested in and I kind of take it as a responsibility to let people see them and know about them.

DodgyGeezer

40,555 posts

191 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
C5_Steve said:
I've always loved being able to show people my cars and talk about them as I remember how I felt as kid growing up when I was introduced to cars. I've never owned a car to show off but I do buy cars other car enthusiasts would be interested in and I kind of take it as a responsibility to let people see them and know about them.
absolutely this ^^^

jamesbilluk

3,705 posts

184 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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WarmSince74 said:


I can't fill-up at a fuel station without somebody coming over and asking about the car. All genuinely positive remarks and despite the BMW badges many people have no clue what the car is.
I would agree there! I had an i8, even in grey, it got the most attention out if every car I've owned, and like you it was all good. I always used to feel self conscious, opening the doors! Our local surgery used to be next door to a school, I arrived once, when they were all out in the playground, quite disconcerting having that many faces looking at you!

TheJimi

25,016 posts

244 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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DodgyGeezer said:
C5_Steve said:
I've always loved being able to show people my cars and talk about them as I remember how I felt as kid growing up when I was introduced to cars. I've never owned a car to show off but I do buy cars other car enthusiasts would be interested in and I kind of take it as a responsibility to let people see them and know about them.
absolutely this ^^^
I agree entirely. I love sharing the experience of any interesting car I have.

Having said that, I'm genuinely not sure I could handle the attention that comes with a proper supercar.

fiatpower

3,048 posts

172 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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My current car (2010 Audi A6) gets no attention unsurprisingly. My first car however was a bright yellow Fiat Cinquecento which I put a straight through exhaust on biggrin although the exhaust only last a few weeks as it was too noisy. I had it not long after the inbetweeners came out so had a lot of comments based on the lines in the tv show.

Monaro5.7

7,333 posts

180 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
My current car get no attention its just a Volvo XC60 but its a sleeper as it has a nice 3ltr straight 6 engine with Polstar optimizer on it so generates around 3200-330bhp as Volvo wont state the BHP. So i dont get thumbs up or asked about it at the petrol station in fact at the petrol more Like to be asked why you putting petrol in your car smile

BrokenSkunk

4,581 posts

251 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
In the early 2000's I owned a red Guigario Turbo Esprit.
The way people treated you on the roads was a shock. You were always let out of junctions, people were always waving and smiling. I honestly did not believe that it was possible for the English motoring population to be that positive & courteous. You definitely noticed people turning their heads and smiling as you drove past.

But I sold the Esprit to make room for this:
20220521_095825_gimp by WorkingSkunk, on Flickr

People are not as courteous to me as they were when I was driving the Esprit. Neither does the car get the universal love that was given to the Esprit. But it does get a lot of attention, much, much more than the Esprit ever did. It's pretty much impossible to stop at a town centre traffic lights without a pedestrian taking a picture. Any where I park it, there's almost always two or three old men or children hanging around it when I get back. It's not all smiles, at least half the people I notice looking have an expression of confusion!

Best comment I've heard (they didn't realise I was the owner & listening):
Chap 1: "Oh wow, I like that."
Chap 2: "You're joking aren't you? Looks like a fking clown car."
biggrin

andy-integrale

417 posts

192 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
DodgyGeezer said:
C5_Steve said:
I've always loved being able to show people my cars and talk about them as I remember how I felt as kid growing up when I was introduced to cars. I've never owned a car to show off but I do buy cars other car enthusiasts would be interested in and I kind of take it as a responsibility to let people see them and know about them.
absolutely this ^^^
Me too - cars that those who know, know but go unnoticed by most.

Bainbridge

154 posts

38 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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MX5 NC

I only get attention from other MX5 drivers who often give me a wave.

Chubbyross

4,550 posts

86 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
andy-integrale said:
DodgyGeezer said:
C5_Steve said:
I've always loved being able to show people my cars and talk about them as I remember how I felt as kid growing up when I was introduced to cars. I've never owned a car to show off but I do buy cars other car enthusiasts would be interested in and I kind of take it as a responsibility to let people see them and know about them.
absolutely this ^^^
Me too - cars that those who know, know but go unnoticed by most.
I agree with all of this. It’s not about showing off at all but sharing enthusiasm about cars. I’ve had such great conversations with fellow enthusiasts over the years, whether it’s in a petrol station or out for a blast somewhere remote.

Milkyway

9,479 posts

54 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
Way off piste...
Back in the 90’s my Dad drove for a local coach firm.
They had a double decker Scania, nothing fancy or to write home about, but it was Special.
Two were built for the Army to be used at Catterick, this being one of them...99 seated, 41 standing.
We went to a bus rally in Eastbourne & fanatics were all over it.
As we left to come home, a guy literally jumped out in front of the bus, camera in hand. He was so excited & got my Dad to rotate the original destination board around.
One very happy chappie.


Edited by Milkyway on Wednesday 29th March 13:43

andyA700

2,741 posts

38 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
AMV93 said:


Lots. All positive, mainly about the colour.
Absolutely stunning!

CrippsCorner

2,819 posts

182 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
Only an Astra VXR currently, but it's a good example. Day to day nothing, but if I take it anywhere (garages etc.) I always get positive comments. Did have someone follow me a few streets and stopped when I did, to ask me if I'd sell it! Had that with a few cars now actually.

Most attention must be my chavved up CRX back in the F&F days... big bodykit, huge exhaust etc. idea always had kids taking photos, and once even got interviewed for a tuning magazine!

SpookyTheFirst

79 posts

91 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
Got several cars, none of them get a strong attention, I guess it is because I live in Switzerland… The Db9 seems to get attention of women, the 360 no-one cares, the Aventador sometimes a chat at the fuel station. Needless to say the Range and the S Class get unnoticed…smile



blearyeyedboy

6,311 posts

180 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
BrokenSkunk said:
In the early 2000's I owned a red Guigario Turbo Esprit.
The way people treated you on the roads was a shock. You were always let out of junctions, people were always waving and smiling. I honestly did not believe that it was possible for the English motoring population to be that positive & courteous. You definitely noticed people turning their heads and smiling as you drove past.

But I sold the Esprit to make room for this:
20220521_095825_gimp by WorkingSkunk, on Flickr

People are not as courteous to me as they were when I was driving the Esprit. Neither does the car get the universal love that was given to the Esprit. But it does get a lot of attention, much, much more than the Esprit ever did. It's pretty much impossible to stop at a town centre traffic lights without a pedestrian taking a picture. Any where I park it, there's almost always two or three old men or children hanging around it when I get back. It's not all smiles, at least half the people I notice looking have an expression of confusion!

Best comment I've heard (they didn't realise I was the owner & listening):
Chap 1: "Oh wow, I like that."
Chap 2: "You're joking aren't you? Looks like a fking clown car."
biggrin
Really interesting, thank you.

I've always had a soft spot for a three-wheeler, and while I've never had the pleasure of seeing one in the metal, the Skunk looks nicer and better-sorted than many.

Hats off to you, sir!

TonyTony

1,880 posts

159 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
Alor blue Leon Cupra, none. biggrin

Leins

9,479 posts

149 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
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CRA1G said:
My 964 Turbo in Rubystone used to get the looks and commenting on the colour as Pink....rolleyes Wish i had never though...
Now that is what this thread is all about, fabulous! I love the pastel coloured 964s

BananaFama

4,404 posts

80 months

Wednesday 29th March 2023
quotequote all
Leins said:
CRA1G said:
My 964 Turbo in Rubystone used to get the looks and commenting on the colour as Pink....rolleyes Wish i had never though...
Now that is what this thread is all about, fabulous! I love the pastel coloured 964s
There was a Ruby Star ,similar colour , Cayman for sale at the fancy dealer near me , wasn't there for long.
It got my attention amongst the sea of boring colours on their forecourt .