Car personalities

[Bluebottle]

I'm just about to say farewell to my 1994 Holden Commodore wagon, which I'm trading in for a brand new Mitsubishi Lancer. I've had the Commodore for the last eight years and it has been a pleasant car to drive, competent and comfortable and reliable but ... it never had any real character and I never got really attached to it like I had with some previous cars I've owned.

On the other hand, I still have my 1973 Ford Falcon Hardtop (two-door coupe, if you prefer), which I've owned since 1985, and that has character even with the tatty paintwork, heavy steering and all! In fact, even Mrs Bluebottle said in conversation the other day that it has "personality". She always claims the Hardtop "hates" her, as it always refuses to start for her! :lol:

http://www.thelotusposition.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=47
The Holden Commodore, taken when we were on holiday recently at Blampied, near Daylesford, Victoria. We were staying in the Governor's Carriage, and very comfortable it was too!


http://www.thelotusposition.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=46
The Falcon Hardtop, with Agnes, on the Great Ocean Road, taken quite a few years ago.

So what is it that can give some models "personality" or "character" but not others?? Any thoughts?

[Lotus666]

Hmmmm. :mu: Well, even TB thinks cars have a character. The old Golf would always seem extra "eager" on the road if we were out for a long drive...he says it would surge forward with little encouragement.

The new Golf? Not sure yet, but will ask him tonight. :yes:

Probably will say the same thing (methinks a slight lead foot may be the answer), but will check! :laugh:

[Lord Finisher]

My first car was cursed. Every year, something dumb would happen. I think it was trying to commit suicide.

[Bluebottle]

I'm very glad it didn't take you with it then, LF. ;)

As to lead footing it, the Commodore and the Hardtop never really needed a lead foot to go quickly!! Driving the Lancer will be a little different to either of those as it has only four cylinders! The Golf and Polo figured in my short list of cars to compare when choosing a new one. I also considered a newish Falcon or Commodore (around 2007 or 2008 models) in the same price range but the only one that seemed to have some sort of appeal was the Lancer. I hope it proves right as I'll be stuck with it for the next 10 years or more.

Incidentally, even Lotus added to the Hardtop's character, as she and several other friends all christened it "The Beast", many years ago!

[Lotus666]

:yes: Ah yes, fond memories of The Beast! You can't go too far wrong with a Mitsubishi - they're pretty good.

Initial thoughts by TB of the new Golf? Even more eager than the old Golf to get moving! :laugh: (Thought so!)

Hmmmm, perhaps we should have a "Name the Cars" competition? ;)

[Bluebottle]

We bought Mrs Bluebottle a new Nissan Micra recently after her older Holden Commodore's transmission started playing up. She had a name for the Commodore and has now named the white Micra "Queen Bee" - probably because it's a bit of a buzz-box when pushed! :D

[Bluebottle]

Well, I'm not sure if the new Lancer actually has any character yet - only 220 km on the clock so far. I've started playing with the sports mode on the automatic gearbox (if one can call it a gearbox, since it doesn't actually have any gears). That gives it a little more oomph as well as giving a little more character with the engine revs rising and falling in relation to speed, unlike the constant revs in normal mode.

I have to admit it is quite stylish though. I'll post a pic soon.

[Lotus666]

Will look forward to the pic/s... :yes:

[Bluebottle]

OK, here are a couple of pics of the new toys. I'll try to get better ones later but these will do for now.

Mrs Bluebottle's new Nissan Micra:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/jslynn/Cars/AgnesNissanMicra1mod-800.jpg


My new Mitsubishi Lancer:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/jslynn/Cars/JeffreyMitsubishiLancer2mod-800.jpg

[Lotus666]

Oooh both very nice cars, Blue. :yes: