Nervous Driver - best type of car?

iolanthe07

With our often ridiculously narrow parking slots, a small car would be better unless you intend lots of long distance driving. The Hyundai i10 and its sister the Kia Picanto are well regarded by motoring jounalists, and automatic models have the advantage of a simple and reliable traditional torque converter autobox.

agrinnall

trailingspouse wrote: »

Don't get a small car!! I've been driving for 35 years, I'm confident, I've driven lots of types of vehicle for lots of different reasons. And the type I would least like to spend time in? A small car. You get no respect on the road, you don't have enough oomph to get you out of trouble, and everyone seems to drive far too close to you.

I don't agree with this at all. I've had large cars in the past but in the last 9 years my 3 cars have been a Panda and 2 Fiestas. I've not experienced any of the problems that you list, so perhaps the problem lies with you. And small car doesn't necessarily mean no power, a big car with a small engine can have a lot less oomph than a small car with a reasonable engine.

JP1978

Small cars are not always the answer.

Visibility is the answer:-
1. Lots of modern cars have small windows, especially the rear as they try and get their cars more aerodynamic for fuel consumption - consider something that has better outward visibility
2. Can you see the corners of your car - when you see some people driving, they sit 2" from the wheel, sitting forward to see the front of the car - this is very dangerous as if the airbag were to deploy, you would suffer severe injuries. Find a car where you can lift the seat height enough so you can either see the front corners, or easily judge where they are without actually seeing them. Similar to the rear - an almost vertical rear would be better as you can work out that once the rear window is near an object, it's time to stop reversing. If there is a hidden boot, harder to judge.

LandyAndy

agrinnall wrote: »

I don't agree with this at all. I've had large cars in the past but in the last 9 years my 3 cars have been a Panda and 2 Fiestas. I've not experienced any of the problems that you list, so perhaps the problem lies with you. And small car doesn't necessarily mean no power, a big car with a small engine can have a lot less oomph than a small car with a reasonable engine.

I tend to agree with you. I mostly drive a Mazda2 and have done for 8 years. I don't find myself pushed around. But equally I drive to the car's capabilities and try not to get into situations where added 'oomph' might be useful.

EmmyLou30

I would agree with others, going to an automatic isn't a good idea. You'll get even worse over time out of laziness and unfamiliarity with a gear box. Plus it'll limit your choice of cars if you buy secondhand.

As far as parking dings go - I'm not great at knowing where the corners of my car are after 20 years of driving everything from works vans, estate cars and small cars, I'll get in and drive anything.....but I've never once hit a single thing, not even an alloy or hub cap, why? Because it's better to be cautious than gung ho about it. Get out and have a look, that wall you thought was 1 foot away turns out to be 4 foot away....better than the other way around. People who ding their little cars up are just over confident and frankly dangerous to be behind the wheel.

Defo get a few refresher lessons and practice practic practice. Confidence grows with time, you can't teach it. Good luck :-)

Guest101

wallofbeans wrote: »

Hello,

I've not driven in a good few years and was always a little nervous. I'd like to get back to into it and improve. Does anyone have advice for the type of car that will help me do that?

An automatic is going to make my life easier and I'm thinking something small so I'm less likely to bump into things. A smart car would be the extreme but are their other city car types that would suit?

And does getting a little car actually help?

Thanks all!

A bus! I'd seriously consider getting a 4 hour refresher course booked with an instructor.

Nodding_Donkey

Well someone had to