Visibility or hatred...?

[slk350]

In driving a C200 for 5 years over many miles I experienced a lot of variation in other drivers road manners but in general people didn't seem to mind letting me in to spaces or out of junctions apart from the Nova/GTi types who obviously saw me as something rather staid to be annoyed.

Since getting the SLK I have seen a rather sharp change in attitudes in that Joe Public doesn't seem to like me now and won't let me in or out. Unless they can't see the car 'cos its too small? However Gary GTi now lets me into spaces, etc far more readily even slowing down quite sharply on some occasions.

I hadn't thought about this kind of behaviour before this apart from the obvious fact that no one wants to let a Beemer in

Is it me?

Kev.

 

[robtt]

Oh get used to it! When I had my Audi TT got the same reaction!Little courtesy and just general jealousy. Now I have a C class ( which is quicker than my old 225TT ) I have no problems getting let in to traffic.

 

[Blobcat]

I have a friend who went from a 330BM to a Porsche Boxster, he thought he had it bad in the BM until he started driving the Boxster. It's in the garage at the moment with 12K of repairs after someone drove into it. He's in a SLK280 at the moment and is finding a lot less resentment.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Agree - it all depends on the car. With both Jags, the number of drivers who used to suddenly pull out in front of me (especially on motorways) was unbelievable.

Funnily enough, they don't do it now.!!!

 

[slk350]

...I have a friend who went from a 330BM to a Porsche Boxster...

Could he not afford a 911?

 

[Blobcat]

Could he not afford a 911?

I may have asked him the same question, although my memory isn't what it used to be...

 

[slk350]

Agree - it all depends on the car. With both Jags, the number of drivers who used to suddenly pull out in front of me (especially on motorways) was unbelievable.

Funnily enough, they don't do it now.!!!

So Big is beautiful. The other half drives a RAV and doesn't have the same problem.

 

[stumpy]

I am surprised at the different reactions I get when out in the various cars I drive. I get the most courtesy in the TVR sometimes accompanied by 'oi mate, rev it up!'. When we had a 911 though, people do hate you. In the Smart people race me more than the others. What they don't appreciate is that due to the light weight, the Smart is quite nippy and corners like an elise. (sort of)

 

[Myros]

I'm invisible in the w202

given a wide berth in the w124, and in the w210, but best of all is in the r107.People actively let me in or out, let me change lanes, and if I have the roof off, will talk to me at traffic lights. to date no rude comments in my hearing. One of the joys of having a classic is you generate a lot of interest and sympathy.

 

[television]

I keep my SL so clean and well polished that everyone lets me out , never had a problem

 

[slk350]

I keep my SL so clean and well polished that everyone lets me out , never had a problem

They must be ogling those nice valve caps!

 

[verytalldave]

My ex used to drive a small Rover Metro and was fed up getting road bullied. She moved up to a Renault Scenic and most stopped overnight. There is no doubt the car you drive DOES affect how other motorists percieve you and therefore treat you.
I have found that other car drivers are far more liable to give way to me in my C Class than my Clio.

 

[robtt]

Actually you are right about perception.My Mum is in hospital and I have been using her '04 Yaris occasionally .Now I like to get on and do not hang about and drive the yaris accordingly.But wow, everyone sees a Yaris and ,whatever they drive,seem to have the urge to pass it! I have had more frights at suicidal overtaking bids in this car than any other car I have driven.My son had his TVR 350T driven into by a Canadian business man in a Hertz 5 Series BM (he forgot we drive on the other side of the road!) and when I offered the Yaris to put him on got a snort down the 'phone and a "no way Dad" reaction.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

.......My son had his TVR 350T driven into by a Canadian business man in a Hertz 5 Series BM (he forgot we drive on the other side of the road!) and when I offered the Yaris to put him on got a snort down the 'phone and a "no way Dad" reaction.

Perfectly understandable.!

 

[100%Bitch]

I only ever get problems from inadequate men. Some men are fine, but others obviously feel that I shouldn't have a car like mine and either don't let me out or, if I overtake, try to regain their position (lead)

Then again, men are so fickle aren't they?

 

[JEZ.S320L]

.....Then again, men are so fickle aren't they?

SOME men, Helen - not all

 

[100%Bitch]

SOME men, Helen - not all

Sorry Jez, didn't mean to include you.

 

[whitenemesis]

Why is it if I give way to a male driver 9/10 will raise a hand to say "Thanks"

If I do the same for a female driver 9/10 show no sign of gratitude whatsoever! Most look angry

 

[stumpy]

Come on Nem, you should know us men can't do anything right when it comes to women

 

[100%Bitch]

Come on Nem, you should know us men can't do anything right when it comes to women

I must be the 1 out of 10 that does put my hand up to say thanks. If people don't do it to me I usually stick my fingers up to them. I find it so rude not to. I should really be a bit more careful having a distinguishable car, but hey, if they're ignorant then they're ignorant.