Cars and owner stereotypes

[alxndr]

I find SUVs almost universally driven by people who can't tell with width of their vehicle. Why they buy them is beyond me (and I know who people whose wifes refuse to drive them unless it's a dire emergency as they're scared of the size, but at least they acknowledge that fact and act accordingly).

There's a road to my house which is narrow, but two vans can pass with no problems if the drivers are vaguely competent. I did it several times in a Transit van myself when I was moving in, and I'm far from the world's best driver. Yet if I'm in my Mini and meet an SUV it's a nightmare because they're driving more or less in the middle of the road and are incapable of moving over to their side.

On the subject of Minis, I find they're predominantly driven by women who don't really know what they want to drive but think they look nice. I don't particularly like mine, but it was very reasonably priced, my previous driveway was very short, and it's adequate for my needs.

 

[DustyBin]

Yep. Was the same in my old Monza and Senator. You could have pulled a freight train with that chain.

This leads nicely onto another stereotype...

'Granada Man'

Always bought his car 2nd hand with a good few miles on it. Usually a Granada but could be a Rover SD1, Senator or in later years a Scorpio, Omega or Rover Sterling.

Was generally a middle aged-older middle aged white bloke with a beer belly and gravelly old voice. Probably worked in a timber yard and had been in a few scraps in his youth. Very friendly though and was always happy to tell you what a 'great runner' his car was.

Is now a bit lost really as to what to buy. Probably runs around in an older 5 series but will always tell you how expensive it is to run when compared to his old Granada 2.8 Ghia.

All very true!

They are also engineered to a weight and efficiency. Add lightness and simplicate.

Which is fine as log as it doesn't lead to inherent weakness, which is some cases it demonstrably has.

A Mk3 Granada is smaller than a Mk4 Mondeo. The 163 BHP diesel Mondeo is as quick as the 2.9 litre Granada. I've got a 140BHP Mondeo which is 0.7 seconds slower for 0-60 but gives 50mpg in real world driving. The timing belt change is 10 years or 125k miles.

Ford Scorpio I 2.9i 24v Specs, Performance, Comparisons

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Ford Mondeo 4 2.0 TDCi 163HP Titanium Specs, Performance, Comparisons

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The 24v Granada's glacial 0-60 time is due to it being an old fashioned auto; the initial get away is similar to that of a Sprinter (well not quite but you get the picture!). It's not representative of it's "real life" performance. For example, it would complete the dash from 30mph to "motorway cruising speed" quicker than the ST170 I used to own, a car with a comfortable sub 8 second 0-60 time. Even my XR4i is quicker to 60 thinking about it!

 

[william.martin]

I have a 38 year old in my family who drivers a jazz and the once I had a go and they are surprisingly nippy for its stereotype.

 

[GS250]

All very true!



Which is fine as log as it doesn't lead to inherent weakness, which is some cases it demonstrably has.



The 24v Granada's glacial 0-60 time is due to it being an old fashioned auto; the initial get away is similar to that of a Sprinter (well not quite but you get the picture!). It's not representative of it's "real life" performance. For example, it would complete the dash from 30mph to "motorway cruising speed" quicker than the ST170 I used to own, a car with a comfortable sub 8 second 0-60 time. Even my XR4i is quicker to 60 thinking about it!

'Granada Man' isn't particularly worried about getting away from the lights quickly. However, he wants something that can get him onto the motorway fairly quickly. And also that can overtake Betty in her Juke on a country A road. Cruising effortlessly at 70 with Fleetwood Mac on the Stereo is also on his wish list.

 

[E27007]

I have a 38 year old in my family who drivers a jazz and the once I had a go and they are surprisingly nippy for its stereotype.

The latest Jazz hybrid has a powerful hybrid battery, when the petrol engine and battery combine together to develop maximum power, the Jazz accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 10 seconds.
Several generations of the Jazz, the latest is the Mark 4, have all performed to an impressive standard in the emergency swerve "slalom" test, the Jazz could take the slalom test at speed and remain completely under driver control at all times, outperforming other cars with a "sporting" reputation, some vehicles, such as SUVs, have come close to overturning in the test, one SUV detached a tyre from the wheelrim during the slalom test. The Jazz does not deserve the stereotype image

Mark 3 Jazz slalom moose test

Moose test poor performers

 

[Bald Rick]

Always bought his car 2nd hand with a good few miles on it. Usually a Granada but could be a Rover SD1, Senator or in later years a Scorpio, Omega or Rover Sterling.

Was generally a middle aged-older middle aged white bloke with a beer belly and gravelly old voice.

Is now a bit lost really as to what to buy.

He’s not lost at all, as he gets all his cars loaned for free. You were describing Clarkson, right?

 

[william.martin]

The latest Jazz hybrid has a powerful hybrid battery, when the petrol engine and battery combine together to develop maximum power, the Jazz accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 10 seconds.
Several generations of the Jazz, the latest is the Mark 4, have all performed to an impressive standard in the emergency swerve "slalom" test, the Jazz could take the slalom test at speed and remain completely under driver control at all times, outperforming other cars with a "sporting" reputation, some vehicles, such as SUVs, have come close to overturning in the test, one SUV detached a tyre from the wheelrim during the slalom test. The Jazz does not deserve the stereotype image

Mark 3 Jazz slalom moose test

Moose test poor performers

Good to see I'm not the only one who thinks it has potential, this is what the one in my family looks like (credit to the author of this image)
Here.
The swerving capability that you mentioned has definitely been advantageous when evading idiots who are about to crash in to you.

 

[birchesgreen]

Also what is it with women driving an audi Q7??? Those buggers are simply enormous!

Too big for some of them. At the weekend i saw a lady try and park her Q7 in the supermarket car park, she tried from the front, then tried reversing, then in the end just drove off to the delight of the long queue that had built up while she was blocking the way.

 

[DustyBin]

The latest Jazz hybrid has a powerful hybrid battery, when the petrol engine and battery combine together to develop maximum power, the Jazz accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 10 seconds.
Several generations of the Jazz, the latest is the Mark 4, have all performed to an impressive standard in the emergency swerve "slalom" test, the Jazz could take the slalom test at speed and remain completely under driver control at all times, outperforming other cars with a "sporting" reputation, some vehicles, such as SUVs, have come close to overturning in the test, one SUV detached a tyre from the wheelrim during the slalom test. The Jazz does not deserve the stereotype image

Mark 3 Jazz slalom moose test

Moose test poor performers

The second video is highly amusing!

 

[Russel]

There's not so many of them around these days, but a Citroën Xzara Picasso was always a vehicle to give a little more space to, as it was probably being driven by a stressed out parent who was only one or two steps away from a meltdown!

For me, I'll always associate the Picasso with Ronnie Pickering.

For anyone unsure who Ronnie Pickering is, search for him on YouTube, I'm not posting the link!

 

[PsychoMouse]

For me, I'll always associate the Picasso with Ronnie Pickering.

For anyone unsure who Ronnie Pickering is, search for him on YouTube, I'm not posting the link!

Who? Never heard of him

 

[jackot]

For me, I'll always associate the Picasso with Ronnie Pickering.

For anyone unsure who Ronnie Pickering is, search for him on YouTube, I'm not posting the link!

Uh oh, I remember him "Do you know who I am?... I'm Ronnie Pickering"

 

[A0]

SUV drivers are likely to be:

Insecure and vein

Frequently insecure in their marriages and uncomfortable about parenthood

Lack confidence in their driving skills

Above all self-cantered and self-absorbed with little interest in their neighbours or communities


That's not my view but rather the outcome of Chrysle's market research in the 1990’s


It's also worth noting that SUV’s are no safer than normal cars, people are as likely to die in SUV’s as any other cars they just die in different ways. In part as they are more likely to roll and take longer to stop.

But presumably able to spell ?

Last time I did human biology, I'm pretty sure we all had veins and it was nothing to do with personality types.

That research from the 1990s was when the only "SUVs" were the large 4x4s most of which were being driven by people in rural areas. The first Nissan Qashqai didn't arrive on the scene until 2006.

And from an access point of view an SUV is far easier than a traditional saloon / hatch - if you're trying to put small children in a car seat, it's *far* easier to do in an SUV than in a traditional style hatch. Equally for older motorists the access into the front seats is much easier as the car is higher.

There is no evidence that SUVs are "more likely to roll" - excess speed combined with things like hitting a kerb or verge will turn over pretty much any car in the right conditions.

 

[8A Rail]

Mentioned previously, those that own and drive an AUDI - any type of AUDI, they have no idea how to drive a car, they drive as if no one else is on the road! (they taken over from those who drove BMW's).

Another one are the 'sensible' people who are in their own little worlds that drive 'Micra's'.

 

[Russel]

Who? Never heard of him

Ronnie Pickering!

 

[RailWonderer]

Audi drivers park in the road while using their phone or lighting a cigarette while everybody else is forced to steer around them and will sometimes beep their horns and swear at the Audi driver (normally a woman).

 

[route101]

I always associate Honda Jazz and the standard civic , as Mr sensible cars.

 

[william.martin]

I always associate Honda Jazz and the standard civic , as Mr sensible cars.

Not if you mash the throttle in 3rd!

 

[dgl]

But presumably able to spell ?

Last time I did human biology, I'm pretty sure we all had veins and it was nothing to do with personality types.

That research from the 1990s was when the only "SUVs" were the large 4x4s most of which were being driven by people in rural areas. The first Nissan Qashqai didn't arrive on the scene until 2006.

And from an access point of view an SUV is far easier than a traditional saloon / hatch - if you're trying to put small children in a car seat, it's *far* easier to do in an SUV than in a traditional style hatch. Equally for older motorists the access into the front seats is much easier as the car is higher.

There is no evidence that SUVs are "more likely to roll" - excess speed combined with things like hitting a kerb or verge will turn over pretty much any car in the right conditions.

Iirc the first SUV type vehicle (looks like an off roader but very much not) was the Matra-Simca Rancho in the 80's, of course you also had somewhat competent 4x4's with the likes of the Suzuki Vitara and Jimny, Toyota Rav4 and Fiat Panda 4x4.

 

[Bald Rick]

Audi drivers park in the road while using their phone or lighting a cigarette while everybody else is forced to steer around them and will sometimes beep their horns and swear at the Audi driver (normally a woman).

I‘m guessing stereotypes have regional variations. The one above is Range Rover Sport territory round here.

Meanwhile Audi drivers tend to be pretty good, and certainly more aware of what is going on around them. I can’t remember the last time I shouted* at an Audi driver for dithering, being indecisive, not paying attention, or doing something stupid.

*from the safety of inside my own car, obviously.

 

[E27007]

But presumably able to spell ?

Last time I did human biology, I'm pretty sure we all had veins and it was nothing to do with personality types.

That research from the 1990s was when the only "SUVs" were the large 4x4s most of which were being driven by people in rural areas. The first Nissan Qashqai didn't arrive on the scene until 2006.

And from an access point of view an SUV is far easier than a traditional saloon / hatch - if you're trying to put small children in a car seat, it's *far* easier to do in an SUV than in a traditional style hatch. Equally for older motorists the access into the front seats is much easier as the car is higher.

There is no evidence that SUVs are "more likely to roll" - excess speed combined with things like hitting a kerb or verge will turn over pretty much any car in the right conditions.

There is plenty of evidence for the instabilty of SUVs, you cannot beat the laws of physics, the higher the CofG relative to the footprint of the vehicle, the propensity to roll increases. Google or search youtube for the Elk Test manouvre

 

[JD2168]

Range Rover Evoque - often driven by women drivers.

 

[nlogax]

Perfect thread to share a favourite documentary of old. 1993's From A to B: Tales of Modern Motoring. Some of the finest motoring real-life stereotypes ever to grace the small screen.

 

[DustyBin]

Perfect thread to share a favourite documentary of old. 1993's From A to B: Tales of Modern Motoring. Some of the finest motoring real-life stereotypes ever to grace the small screen.

Very interesting!

I found XR2i man particularly amusing, as he's the 1993 equivalent of myself in many ways! When I first asked if I could use my car allowance to buy a Fiesta ST the reply was something along the lines of what part of large German saloon don't you understand? And yet here I am on my third, and I don't go for subtle colours either.... I'm seen as slightly eccentric I think!

Maestro man really wasn't living the dream was he? I like the way he tried to convince himself that it would have been Ok had it not been a diesel Clubman, but really it was never going to be anything but total misery. A new Maestro in 1993.... I think I'd have resigned!

Did I see a Granada man with a Chauffer? That's not the same type of Granada man described upthread!

 

[sk688]

Discovery sport/Evoque/Audi Q5/BMW X3 tend to be for the yummy mummy brigade

Fiat 500 - Love Island viewers

BMW 3/5 series - tailgating on the motorway

Remarkable that a high proprotion of Audi S3 and RS3 hatchbacks seem to be driven by drug dealers (not all obvs). The Mercedes A35 and A45 as well

 

[8A Rail]

I‘m guessing stereotypes have regional variations. The one above is Range Rover Sport territory round here.

Meanwhile Audi drivers tend to be pretty good, and certainly more aware of what is going on around them. I can’t remember the last time I shouted* at an Audi driver for dithering, being indecisive, not paying attention, or doing something stupid.

*from the safety of inside my own car, obviously.

Obviously you must be extremely lucky then! I just them quite the opposite, I'm afraid to say!

Just had a funny experience an hour or so ago. In front of me was a police bike, and we exited the roundabout but there was a queue of traffic waiting to get onto the roundabout, then suddenly the police bike braked with the officer looking at the driver of a car who was on the phone, you should of seen the drivers face as the police officer turned his bike to have words (may be more) but guess what, he was driving an Audi!

 

[route101]

Second generation Ford Focus dark colour with tinted windows always makes me think its dodgy!

Fiat 500 - Daddy bought car for daughter!

 

[alex397]

I thought BMW and Audi drivers were just an exaggerated stereotype, until I started driving. When a car is tailgating me, it’s most likely one of those two brands. It also seems indicators are an optional extra for these cars.
I’ve also noticed that Tesla drivers are a bit like the BMW/Audi driver too! Probably with added smugness.

I drive to work amongst the school run, and SUV drivers seem absolutely clueless. Especially the Range Rover drivers - they probably care too much about getting a tiny scratch on their beloved car. I drive along a narrow road on the way to work, which has a pavement. The SUV drivers mostly all drive on the pavement, without slowing down, even when pedestrians are walking along it. I’ve reported it, but the authorities don’t care. Somehow though, van drivers don’t feel the need to mount the pavement, because there is no need to.

 

[Bald Rick]

Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to think of this one:

Any American driver in any car in the USA - hopeless.

 

[bramling]

I thought BMW and Audi drivers were just an exaggerated stereotype, until I started driving. When a car is tailgating me, it’s most likely one of those two brands. It also seems indicators are an optional extra for these cars.
I’ve also noticed that Tesla drivers are a bit like the BMW/Audi driver too! Probably with added smugness.

I drive against the school run, and SUV drivers seem absolutely clueless. Especially the Range Rover drivers - they probably care too much about getting a tiny scratch on their beloved car. I drive along a narrow road on the way to work, which has a pavement. The SUV drivers mostly all drive on the pavement, without slowing down, even when pedestrians are walking along it. I’ve reported it, but the authorities don’t care. Somehow though, van drivers don’t feel the need to mount the pavement, because there is no need to.

Honestly can’t say I find BMW drivers any worse than anyone else, though Audi do seem to think they can be pushy.

It does have to be remembered that for every BMW or Audi driver coming up behind in the overtaking lane there will be a whole batch of drivers of various other types dithering and not being in the lane they should be in (i.e. using the middle lane when the left one is free). So it takes two to tango here.

We have a Range Rover owner in my road who is so up his own arse you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a parody. Indeed it’s so unreal one can only assume the guy has screws loose. He once threatened to tow away every car parked in the road simply because he expects a completely clear and empty road en-route to his house. Can’t help but hope that one day he’ll have wound himself up into having some kind of heart attack, as frankly the guy is *that* unpleasant that it would do the world a favour.