What detail matters to you?
Discussion
Sometimes there are some little details on a car which makes it "just right". Number plates is the big one for me; tatty and tired plates detract from a car in my opinion. I remember when Sytner BMW had a phase where the BMW and Alpina roundels on their plates discoloured/faded and even though it was a tiny detail it annoyed me.
So. What little detail makes the "difference" to you?
So. What little detail makes the "difference" to you?
Matching tyres. I'd happily stand by my opinion that a 2003 Astra with matching tyres has probably had a more careful owner than a similar age Elise running mismatched tyres on each corner. I know it's not true, but I always see matched tyres (even axle-based) as a sign that someone either knows what they're doing or is paying enough money to keep the car ticking over well.
Perhaps more driver than car, but whenever someone reverses, I always think they have some degree of mechanical sympathy when they come to a stop before driving forwards - the drivers (mostly women it must be said) who reverse out, stick it into first and start accelerating while still rolling back at a decent pace are a pet peeve of mine.
Perhaps more driver than car, but whenever someone reverses, I always think they have some degree of mechanical sympathy when they come to a stop before driving forwards - the drivers (mostly women it must be said) who reverse out, stick it into first and start accelerating while still rolling back at a decent pace are a pet peeve of mine.
sebhaque said:
Matching tyres. I'd happily stand by my opinion that a 2003 Astra with matching tyres has probably had a more careful owner than a similar age Elise running mismatched tyres on each corner. I know it's not true, but I always see matched tyres (even axle-based) as a sign that someone either knows what they're doing or is paying enough money to keep the car ticking over well.
Agree with this. When I bought my car at 70k miles, it had Michelin Pilot Sports all round which spoke volumes about how it had been kept. Along with the full main dealer service history I thought it a good find. How wrong I was. Anyway, back on topic.....GroundEffect said:
If I see a car that i'm thinking of buying and the driver had been using a proper driving position (seat back so legs well positioned for heel and toe and the steering wheel as close to them as possible for extra leverage). It shows they care about the art of driving 
That's rubbish. I've got short legs, so while my seat is correctly adjusted for me, most other guys couldn't get in and drive comfortably without sliding it back. Would that make you look less favourably at my car? I'd go with details, too. Completely agree about number plates, it was one of the first things I changed on this car, the originals had peeling lacquer, rusty screws, looked awful. Matching tyres is to me, les important than good tyres. I know many people who will happily fit a pair of budget ditchfinders because the man at the tyre place wanted to sell 2. I'd be less impressed with that than with worn but good quality tyres.
parapaul said:
That's rubbish. I've got short legs, so while my seat is correctly adjusted for me, most other guys couldn't get in and drive comfortably without sliding it back. Would that make you look less favourably at my car?
Read what I wrote again 
I said the seat back enough for heel and toe...nothing to do with relative height! People who sit, for instance with the seat really far reclined...pah, get an arm chair, not a car! GroundEffect said:
If I see a car that i'm thinking of buying and the driver had been using a proper driving position (seat back so legs well positioned for heel and toe and the steering wheel as close to them as possible for extra leverage). It shows they care about the art of driving
Yep, agreed.
Only Joking; carry on
sebhaque said:
I know it's not true, but I always see matched tyres (even axle-based) as a sign that someone either knows what they're doing or is paying enough money to keep the car ticking over well.
Absolutely agree with this. Took a gamble with PH'ers saying the difference it makes, absolutely will not look back. No one else seems to get it apart from my dad, who does it for a safety point of view.
t.V8Triumph said:
All badges and chrome being present and correct.
I much prefer having a debadged rear, so long as there's not a recess or mounting holes left. Negative Creep said:
Whenever I buy a car I change the standard plates for pressed metal ones. You'd be amazed the difference it makes and plenty of people have asked me where they can get them from
Can you make them legal for a modern car (2000 reg, but I think the regs apply to any plate fitted after 2001)? If so, I'm interested.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff