Vapes and Vauxhalls hatred
Discussion
What is it with Pistonheads and looking down noses at these two things?
I mean, as recently as the 90's approaching one third of the UK population smoked. I did, 20 Marlboro red a day. Accordingly I now vape, and it's been the only alternative which has kept me off them. Consider also that Nicotine has by many been considered to be as addictive, if not more so than heroin then many will really struggle to stay off the dreaded Cancer sticks! Surely they are comparatively a good thing, keeping many alive.
And Vauxhall, yes, we own one. A 2015 2.0d Elite Nav, same inc the colour as the below pic.
You know what, it's a very good car. Plenty quick enough (295lb ft torque) frugal, well equipped, and it's been incredibly reliable over approaching 100k miles. And as for the looks, tell me that if you took the Griffin badges off it, and replaced them with something German that people wouldn't be swooning over the looks.
When I had a bump in it in 2017 we were loaned a then very new Mondeo estate. I was pleased to get back in the Insignia after a stint with it. The Ford did have far nicer seats, but IMO that was about it. And for the record, I've owned 3 mk3 Mondeos previously, and would say that all things considered they're the most all round able cars I've owned.
Isn't it time to look past the snobbery of these things?
'Our' car -
I mean, as recently as the 90's approaching one third of the UK population smoked. I did, 20 Marlboro red a day. Accordingly I now vape, and it's been the only alternative which has kept me off them. Consider also that Nicotine has by many been considered to be as addictive, if not more so than heroin then many will really struggle to stay off the dreaded Cancer sticks! Surely they are comparatively a good thing, keeping many alive.
And Vauxhall, yes, we own one. A 2015 2.0d Elite Nav, same inc the colour as the below pic.
You know what, it's a very good car. Plenty quick enough (295lb ft torque) frugal, well equipped, and it's been incredibly reliable over approaching 100k miles. And as for the looks, tell me that if you took the Griffin badges off it, and replaced them with something German that people wouldn't be swooning over the looks.
When I had a bump in it in 2017 we were loaned a then very new Mondeo estate. I was pleased to get back in the Insignia after a stint with it. The Ford did have far nicer seats, but IMO that was about it. And for the record, I've owned 3 mk3 Mondeos previously, and would say that all things considered they're the most all round able cars I've owned.
Isn't it time to look past the snobbery of these things?
'Our' car -
Edited by Fermit on Thursday 16th March 10:35
Odd post but I'll play. I drove an Insignia from Newcastle to Hemel Hempstead a few years ago and it was poor. The company pool cars are all fairly basic in spec and engine but it felt outdated and numb compared to the other saloon offerings we had at the time. I've had a couple of Mondeo's in the past (2000 2.5 GhiaX and a 2002 2.5 Zetec) and both were way way better in pretty much every regard other than my 2002 model was a bit crashy in the ride department. More to do with the sporty spec over the Ghia spec I had.
I really don't get vaping. I smoked for many year and gave up 7 years ago when my youngest was born. I did try a vape out of curiosity but it doesn't hit like a ciggy does so didn't really see the point. Plus you just look like an adult attached to a dummy like some sort of baby. Just give up all together. It was hard, very hard but you just stop. You're not breaking any habits by changing ciggy's for vaping. The habit is still there.
Reading that back, it seems I am one of the haters. If you like Vauxhalls and vaping, enjoy both and don't worry about what I or others think.
I really don't get vaping. I smoked for many year and gave up 7 years ago when my youngest was born. I did try a vape out of curiosity but it doesn't hit like a ciggy does so didn't really see the point. Plus you just look like an adult attached to a dummy like some sort of baby. Just give up all together. It was hard, very hard but you just stop. You're not breaking any habits by changing ciggy's for vaping. The habit is still there.
Reading that back, it seems I am one of the haters. If you like Vauxhalls and vaping, enjoy both and don't worry about what I or others think.
Fermit said:
What is it with Pistonheads and looking down noses at these two things?
I mean, as recently as the 90's approaching one third of the UK population smoked. I did, 20 Marlboro red a day. Accordingly I now vape, and it's been the only alternative which has kept me off them. Consider also that Nicotine has by many been considered to be as addictive, if not more so than heroin then many will really struggle to stay off the dreaded Cancer sticks! Surely they are comparatively a good thing, keeping many alive.
And Vauxhall, yes, we own one. A 2015 2.0d Elite Nav, same inc the colour as the below pic.
You know what, it's a very good car. Plenty quick enough (295lb ft torque) frugal, well equipped, and it's been incredibly reliable over approaching 100k miles. And as for the looks, tell me that if you took the Griffin badges off it, and replaced them with something German that people wouldn't be swooning over the looks.
When I had a bump in it in 2017 we were loaned a then very new Mondeo estate. I was pleased to get back in the Insignia after a stint with it. The Ford did have far nicer seats, but IMO that was about it. And for the record, I've owned 3 mk3 Mondeos previously, and would say that all things considered they're the most all round able cars I've owned.
Isn't it time to look past the snobbery of these things?
'Our' car -
So you're saying the MK3 Mondeo is better?I mean, as recently as the 90's approaching one third of the UK population smoked. I did, 20 Marlboro red a day. Accordingly I now vape, and it's been the only alternative which has kept me off them. Consider also that Nicotine has by many been considered to be as addictive, if not more so than heroin then many will really struggle to stay off the dreaded Cancer sticks! Surely they are comparatively a good thing, keeping many alive.
And Vauxhall, yes, we own one. A 2015 2.0d Elite Nav, same inc the colour as the below pic.
You know what, it's a very good car. Plenty quick enough (295lb ft torque) frugal, well equipped, and it's been incredibly reliable over approaching 100k miles. And as for the looks, tell me that if you took the Griffin badges off it, and replaced them with something German that people wouldn't be swooning over the looks.
When I had a bump in it in 2017 we were loaned a then very new Mondeo estate. I was pleased to get back in the Insignia after a stint with it. The Ford did have far nicer seats, but IMO that was about it. And for the record, I've owned 3 mk3 Mondeos previously, and would say that all things considered they're the most all round able cars I've owned.
Isn't it time to look past the snobbery of these things?
'Our' car -
Edited by Fermit on Thursday 16th March 10:35
The Vauxhall snobbery is mostly because Clarkson didnt like the Vectra, or something like that, I think it was actually Vauxhall didn't let him test one or something and he decided to make a parody about it being a box on wheels and it stuck. PH being largely a bit of a snob fest stuck itself to this stuff and it remains here to this day.
Most of the PH'ers who hate them haven't driven one so have no real reference point.
THAT SAID
Having been near the latest line up of Vauxhalls when chosing Mrs geeks new car I can see where some it comes from, they are fridges on wheels, nothing about them had any character, the interiors were pretty poor quality and their sales staff (at least to the dealers we have been to) are all f
king useless. I think your shape Insignia is the last of the good ones.
N.B I have owned quite a few, ranging from the Nova to the Frontera.
Most of the PH'ers who hate them haven't driven one so have no real reference point.
THAT SAID
Having been near the latest line up of Vauxhalls when chosing Mrs geeks new car I can see where some it comes from, they are fridges on wheels, nothing about them had any character, the interiors were pretty poor quality and their sales staff (at least to the dealers we have been to) are all f
king useless. I think your shape Insignia is the last of the good ones.N.B I have owned quite a few, ranging from the Nova to the Frontera.
No issue with Vauxhalls - had one once, hold a secret craving for a Vectra/Zafira VXR but think most of their stuff is just white goods motoring. Have a bigger issue with walking down the street and having to dodgy clouds of apricot colour smoke containing whatever it is it contains.
Back in 2016 my Superb got wiped out by a HGV on the M6. While I was waiting for the insurance to sort itself out, I was provided with an Insignia hire car - a 2.0cdti auto Elite.
I have to say I was surprised by it, and not in a good way. While a Superb isn't exactly renowned for its dynamic prowess, it felt light and pointy compared with the heavy, wooden feeling from the front end of the Vauxhall.
I don't know whether it was the dimwitted autobox that caused it (a 6-speed Aisin Warner unit that was far from class leading when it launched 10 years previously) but it certainly felt like many of the 160 horses were either asleep or had escaped somewhere.
The other curiosity was the way in which the traction control would kick in early and intrusively. Accelerating away from a wet roundabout onto a NSL DC, I caught the top of a manhole cover - other cars I've driven in the same circumstances might have a slight chirrup felt through the steering wheel and a gentle ease back on the engine torque for a fraction of a second. The Insignia cut power completely and violently for a full couple of seconds - it reminded me of the first TC systems in the early 90s.
I'll admit that it was well-specced though and had good overall refinement. People like different things, but overall it wasn't my cup of tea.
I have to say I was surprised by it, and not in a good way. While a Superb isn't exactly renowned for its dynamic prowess, it felt light and pointy compared with the heavy, wooden feeling from the front end of the Vauxhall.
I don't know whether it was the dimwitted autobox that caused it (a 6-speed Aisin Warner unit that was far from class leading when it launched 10 years previously) but it certainly felt like many of the 160 horses were either asleep or had escaped somewhere.
The other curiosity was the way in which the traction control would kick in early and intrusively. Accelerating away from a wet roundabout onto a NSL DC, I caught the top of a manhole cover - other cars I've driven in the same circumstances might have a slight chirrup felt through the steering wheel and a gentle ease back on the engine torque for a fraction of a second. The Insignia cut power completely and violently for a full couple of seconds - it reminded me of the first TC systems in the early 90s.
I'll admit that it was well-specced though and had good overall refinement. People like different things, but overall it wasn't my cup of tea.
I like Vauxhalls. I own a few and was the first car brand I owned that really let me enjoy driving without fear of breaking down. I've learnt a lot and I've only had one dud in 26 years/ 36 cars which I went into with my eyes wide open, took a chance and it didn't work out. I've owned one for 22 years and it's been recovered home once due a poor eBay part.
I drive all sorts of hire cars and pool cars at work and always feel most at home in a Vauxhall, even the newer French ones.
I don't like Fords interiors and VWs always seem very difficult to work on.
I can't stand French cars as my dad used to drive Citroens and they were just not reliable and he worked at a Renault dealer which allowed me to see some things but some people still swear they're reliable.
Ultimately they must be a bit rubbish as they've been bought out/ sold at least twice, go figure!
Vaping I must admit I see it as 'low class' but I try to understand it's an addiction. I don't know what I'd do if I had to stop drinking Tea. I guess I'm lucky it's not offensive to anyone else!
I drive all sorts of hire cars and pool cars at work and always feel most at home in a Vauxhall, even the newer French ones.
I don't like Fords interiors and VWs always seem very difficult to work on.
I can't stand French cars as my dad used to drive Citroens and they were just not reliable and he worked at a Renault dealer which allowed me to see some things but some people still swear they're reliable.
Ultimately they must be a bit rubbish as they've been bought out/ sold at least twice, go figure!
Vaping I must admit I see it as 'low class' but I try to understand it's an addiction. I don't know what I'd do if I had to stop drinking Tea. I guess I'm lucky it's not offensive to anyone else!
Edited by DKS on Thursday 16th March 10:56
We had insignias as pool cars. My issue with them was visibility, rear window was a weird shape/size and being short, the huge a pillars blocked the view at junctions.
Never mind one twice had full brake failure, pedal to the floor
Vapes - now encouraging many kids to smoke as they see they as 'cool', and noone want to smell your fruity flavour or whatever it is you have today.
Plus, how many dodgy, untested, probably unsafe fluids are there?
Still at least it's not the smell of weed, which in rush hour seems to come from 1 in 10 cars and about 30-40% of all vans
Never mind one twice had full brake failure, pedal to the floor
Vapes - now encouraging many kids to smoke as they see they as 'cool', and noone want to smell your fruity flavour or whatever it is you have today.
Plus, how many dodgy, untested, probably unsafe fluids are there?
Still at least it's not the smell of weed, which in rush hour seems to come from 1 in 10 cars and about 30-40% of all vans
Edited by Byker28i on Thursday 16th March 10:53
Fermit said:
And as for the looks, tell me that if you took the Griffin badges off it, and replaced them with something German that people wouldn't be swooning over the looks.
If you took the Griffin badges off it, and replaced them with something German, people wouldn't be swooning over the looks.Why? Because It's a picture of non-descript blandness. Like a late 1990s American car. You wouldn't look twice no matter what badge was on it. But add a Vauxhall badge to a painfully bland car and you have total lack of interest. Nobody aspires to own a Vauxhall. With the exception of the Astra GTC VXR, the Monaro and the VX220, they are nothing more than appliances. Nothing wrong with that. But I think most Pistonheaders are people who are interested in interesting cars rather than washing machines and Vauxhalls. We're not looking down on them. We're not looking at them at all.
As for vapes, my sister does it. It's just as bad as smoking - not for the vaper, but for everyone else. The constant Darth Vader noises, the clouds of vapour and the disgusting smelling "flavours". No thank you.
When they brought out their FWD line in the early to mid 1980s, they were really something fresh. The Nova in particular looked so modern. Today GM seemed to have lost their way. Mostly old men's cars with mediocre reliability. Vauxhall Adam with a starry night headlining: imagine being 21 and your parent's chose one of those as your first car?
Vaping?
Not as bad for you as fags, but definitely a poor career choice.
Why care anyway what anybody else thinks?
I've happily driven a Fiat 126 Bis to work. At an inner-city secondary school. A Scottish one, too. Used to look like Rowan Atkinson, and drove a green Mini with black bonnet. Not watching much telly, I was oblivious about Mr. Bean...
I learned all about not caring about what people think of me and it's worked out okay since the 1960s. As long as you are kind to animals and don't use your teeth as makeshift wire strippers, that's all what really matters.
Vaping?
Not as bad for you as fags, but definitely a poor career choice.
Why care anyway what anybody else thinks?
I've happily driven a Fiat 126 Bis to work. At an inner-city secondary school. A Scottish one, too. Used to look like Rowan Atkinson, and drove a green Mini with black bonnet. Not watching much telly, I was oblivious about Mr. Bean...
I learned all about not caring about what people think of me and it's worked out okay since the 1960s. As long as you are kind to animals and don't use your teeth as makeshift wire strippers, that's all what really matters.
My hatred towards vaping is aimed more towards people who “bust phat clouds” and when you walk behind someone whose doing that your nostrils are filled with acrid sweet smells. No problem with those who vape considerately.
I reserve a special place in hell for those who smoke weed and drive though.
I reserve a special place in hell for those who smoke weed and drive though.
The majority of Vauxhalls (just like the majority of Fords, Peugeots, Skodas etc.) are perfectly acceptable cars bought in their millions by people who want something that will be reliable enough, fairly cheap to run, comfortable and shiny. They are capable of getting you to work/the shops and back again 5 days a week with not too much outlay and you can park them outside your house and not really worry/care about them. For this, these cars are perfect.
Generally there is nothing bad about them. I would guess that at most they are reviled for their adequacy. Particularly by those who are passionate about cars. However if you have no interest in cars and just need one for personal transport then they are fine.
This has always been the way.
Vaping on the other hand...
Generally there is nothing bad about them. I would guess that at most they are reviled for their adequacy. Particularly by those who are passionate about cars. However if you have no interest in cars and just need one for personal transport then they are fine.
This has always been the way.
Vaping on the other hand...
Byker28i said:
We had insignias as pool cars. My issue with them was visibility, rear window was a weird shape/size and being short, the huge a pillars blocked the view at junctions.
I'll grant you this, visibility isn't a strong point of it. You could loose a bus behind the massive C Pillar.
Never mind one twice had full brake failure, pedal to the floor
Unlucky or poor maintenance I guess. In approaching 100k this has never happened to us.
Vapes - now encouraging many kids to smoke as they see they as 'cool', and noone want to smell your fruity flavour or whatever it is you have today.
Now be honest, this is a side issue. This is down to ethics around marketing, and users consideration. Personally I do my darndest to keep my vape away from others (my wife has Asthma)
I'll grant you this, visibility isn't a strong point of it. You could loose a bus behind the massive C Pillar.
Never mind one twice had full brake failure, pedal to the floor
Unlucky or poor maintenance I guess. In approaching 100k this has never happened to us.
Vapes - now encouraging many kids to smoke as they see they as 'cool', and noone want to smell your fruity flavour or whatever it is you have today.
Now be honest, this is a side issue. This is down to ethics around marketing, and users consideration. Personally I do my darndest to keep my vape away from others (my wife has Asthma)
Edited by Byker28i on Thursday 16th March 10:53
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