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nukefodder

A Saab, just to get the nod from old men


Inner-Cabinet8615

I've had 4. Loved every one. Damn GM to hell.


ohnonotagain94

2008 Saab 9-3 Aero - beautiful car - I miss that one to this day.


Inner-Cabinet8615

My last was a 2004 Aero convertible. May get another one day ...


Good_Ad_1386

We understand.


Warm-Cartographer954

I'm 28 and nod at Saabs, am I old?


nukefodder

Wise before your years


F1fansince93

Had a 9-3 with 180k on the clock, decent MPG but such a boring drive - sold it in December after front axle snapped!


the_professoruk

I miss my old man spec 9-5, black over tan leather interior with a wood dash. What a car...


yorkspirate

I had a 9-5 aero HOT estate, fastest brick I’ve ever driven


manabadmang

Had a 91 saab 9000 carlsson saloon, and a 01 93 aero, lovely cars


nukefodder

I'll take my pipe and give you a nod good sir


Nixher

I owned a rover 200, does that count? (I was early 20s at the time)


nukefodder

75 yes 200....unsure on that one.


Nixher

Jesus you're strict.


nukefodder

Was there any visible wood?


Nixher

Oh yeah, every door trim had some, sailed that viking ship far and wide.


Nixher

It was British racing green, surely that counts for something?


Forte69

Everyone should have a go driving a forklift. It’s good fun.


alexxei__

Can't agree more. I don't drive forklift for work anymore, as I've changed my job, but will still do a refresher to keep my license for emergencies. For some reason I really enjoyed working on a forklift, wish those jobs would pay more. I was also thinking I'd really love some bigger machine like a digger or those tree cutting beasts would be really fun too. But those are way too expensive.


Able-Requirement-919

Loved work when I drove a forklift. That handle on the steering wheel always made me smile.


knobsacker

Everyone needs to have driven at least one shitbox. Everyone needs to be humbled. Everyone needs to experience that fear of "this could go wrong any time I drive it". Everyone needs to experience the little foibles cars get as they age and how to know when something is going wrong and how to fix basic stuff. There's too many people now that have only experienced a new car on PCP every 3 years and have never had the experience of a shitbox.


totalretired

I agree. Immediately on passing your test, everyone should have to live at the bottom of quite a steep hill, and have to own a car with a choke for one winter. Specifically an F reg Vauxhall Nova saloon with the limited edition Vauxhall red paint that fades to pink after a few summers. Bonus points if there is also a traffic light controlled, hump backed bridge, that only allows traffic to cross it in one direction at a time. If you can cope with stalling it on a winter morning, right in the middle of the bridge, blocking the traffic in both directions, then, my child, you can call yourself a driver.


grizzly_snimmit

I believe every first car should be a shit box - it cements driving as second nature when you're busy tracking down a mystery noise that only happens in third gear


Good_Ad_1386

Also a shitbox built before cars became mobile phones on wheels, so the driver aids are limited to steering wheel, stick, pedals and mirrors.


Warm-Cartographer954

Driving a shitbox makes you a better driver is a hill I will die on.


knobsacker

I dunno I personally drive like a madman in my shitbox. Don't give a shit out kerb rash or bumps/scrapes etc


Warm-Cartographer954

Oh yeah, me too, quiet roads permitting of course. I meant better in terms of handling the car; "there's something fundamentally bent in the front end of this car, How's it going to react over this drain grid mid-corner?"


SpecialNose9325

My first ride was an Italijet 165cc Scooter. It was an absolute turd that would break down atleast once a week and burn through oil. It seized up on me once, and went through an entire engine rebuild. It was never really the same again. It used to be able to do 160kmph back when it was new. By the end of its life, it could barely do 80kmph without overheating. It went through oil at the same rate as fuel. I kept it around for a couple years after I got my first new ride (a KTM RC200). Couldnt let go of the quirky lil scooter that came with a "Catch Me if You Can" sticker on the rear from the factory.


[deleted]

I absolutely love my shit box. I've pretty much exclusively had them for the last 6 years now (although we do have the newer car for longer journeys). I've learned a lot about looking after your vehicles and how to do a lot of maintenance. It's also nice having a car where you don't give a shit about stone chips or some prick opening their car door on to it in a car park.


Warm-Cartographer954

>There's too many people now that have only experienced a new car on PCP every 3 years and have never had the experience of a shitbox. And watch those people drive in really bad conditions, and it's blindingly obvious. They think the car will save them, zero ability to drive to suit the conditions


vilemeister

I disagree. If they have an SUV sure, they think that because of their ride height their 2wd heavier car on summer tyres is suddenly more capable, but thats not exclusive to PCP enjoyers!


Warm-Cartographer954

It's become a pass time of mine recently to count the number of 5 series BMW's that aquaplane when they're in the outside lane of the A23 at 85 in torrential rain. Always amusing to see the panicked wiggle and them slam the brakes on and slow down to 50


Jazs1994

Yeah I'd say a shitbox or a proper mini


edotman

Ahh my mums 2011 aygo 1L manual certainly makes me appreciate every decent car I drive.


WhyOhWhy60

A slow ass shitbox so they learn about anticipation, traffic awareness, generally how to drive co-operatively with surrounding traffic.


BitterTyke

this, these days folk just expect to be able to stamp on the go pedal to overtake - they have no idea about timing, gear selection and anticipation which can make a very ordinary car seem like a racehorse.


Cold_Table8497

A V8. My Jag is now for sale as my needs have changed but fuck it was a great four years of fun. I've had various 4 cylinders, 5 cylinder Audis, straight 6 Mercedes, V6 MG and a V8. I can die happy on that front.


lolmeercatz

Not that I'm biased, but this.


CharismaticCat

An Elise or one of its derivatives (Exige, VX220 etc). Driving one of those will make every other car short of a caterham feel like piloting a three bedroom cottage. 


WildxYak

Honestly, any "small, low powered" sports car. Low powered being relative for the sports car class that is.


Wacko_66

Had an Alfasud 1.5ti in the ‘80s. Had so much fun in it until the engine shot a piston through the head. Best week ever.


Ipoopedinthefridge

I had an Alfasud in 2010, not entirely sure why I thought a £500 ancient Alfa would make a good daily but was some good times!


Wacko_66

It was a great little car. Poo brown with a vomit beige interior. Exotic. Felt like Fangio driving it!


fivetosix

Mazda MX-5. I am looking at purchasing one at the moment (in australia) and the NA to ND all seem to sell for a similar price, they don't seem to devalue.


kickassjay

I was so shocked the first time I drove a MX5. My ex’s dsd always raves about them for years I didn’t believe him till he brought her one to drive around in. It was such a blast to drive down B roads like a little dog with a big bark and no bite. Used to driving cars with 3-4x power and this felt like the perfect balance with having fun and obliterating the speed limit


cjgmmgjc85

I love my ND2


Badderss

I've been fortunate enough to have owned some nice cars, but drove an NB last year for the first time. I immediately understood what all the fuss is about. Brilliant car. Brought a perpetual smile to my face. I didn't want to give it back, so I've had an eye out for another since then.


ActTrick3810

Citroen 2CV. Seriously.


DatabaseContent8664

Had to scroll too far down for this answer. 100% yes. An absolute classic. I drove one to Morocco and back without a single issue when I was in my early twenties. Taught me how to be a real driver.


Lego_Cars_Engineer

Tricky one, obvious answer for car lovers is an Alfa, but not sure everyone would appreciate it. Personally, I think everyone should start with a rubbish car even if thay can afford something better, just so they can appreciate the difference. Also think it would be good as education to get people to drive a range of cars when learning so they know the quirks of different car types. I.e. a van with no rear view, an suv with more body roll, rwd and fwd etc. And ratchet up the power/speed allowance like done with motorbikes, so there’s a bit more driving experience and maturity behind them before they get that 400bhp hatchback.


Ipoopedinthefridge

First car I ever drove around the Nürburgring was my now gone trusty ‘clagmeister’ 2.4 diesel Alfa Romeo 159. Everyone has to own an Alfa at least once in their lives, I’ve had 4 and still have a real soft spot for the brand.


Lego_Cars_Engineer

Always wanted a 159. Nearly bought a V6 sportwaggon back in 2018 and now really regret not as the prices have skyrocketed since. Loved my Mito 155 and Giulietta 170 diesel. Kind of fancy getting a 916 spider as a project car at the moment, though the dream would be a duetto from the 70s if I had the budget for it


Ipoopedinthefridge

Everyone needs an Alfa project car, when I split with my ex he took the project V6 75 with him, didn’t realise I’d miss the old girl!


StripeyMiata

I hillclimbed a 75 V6 Cloverleaf for a few years, sounded glorious.


Lego_Cars_Engineer

My favourite thing about Alfa Romeo is that they have always, and still do, properly design their cars. Nearly every other mass car maker has at least one copy and paste generic, vanilla lump of a car in their current or previous ranges, but I can’t think of anything in Alfas back catalogue that doesn’t have character. Only the small volume makers like Ferrari can have the same claim


Mr_Wolf_Pants

I still think they should take a similar approach to bikes. You can only drive say a 1.0 with max 70bhp for the first year, then progress upwards until say 21 where you can pretty much drive whatever, maybe assuming no accidents in that time.


Murpet

I’d echo the rubbish car part to appreciate.. even every now and again getting a shit courtesy car makes you appreciate what you have. Got a bit bored of my Volvo and a Tesla is ok.. swithering changing things up until the Tesla is away for a month to get repaired and I’ve got a 1.0 TSI Skoda Kamiq. Fuck me. I love my Volvo again. I’m also looking forward to getting the a Tesla back.


Zdos123

Problem with the whole Alfa thing is it seems Alfa stopped making attainable interesting cars, the Mito and guiellta (the 2 hatchbacks) are supposed to be a bit pants, the 159 I never really hear anything about, the GTV is FWD, or is this just always the reputation Alfa has had?


Lego_Cars_Engineer

Not sure I agree that the Mito and Giulietta are pants. I’ve owned both, and they were both great cars to me. The Mito is basically a pretty and cheaper alternative to a 500 abarth in the right spec. And yes a high end golf or an A-class will be quicker than the top Giulietta, but you’ll pay a lot less for more kit on a Giulietta and get one of the prettiest cars around today (my opinion anyway). And the bad reliability rep definitely doesn’t apply so much to these cars. GTV may be fwd but why should that be a problem? It looks great, the busso engine the top ones have sounds and goes great and it’s got way more character than an mx5


Zdos123

I suppose I don't like the 500 abarth either, one of my most hated cars is the 500 and any of its derivatives, I've driven a few and they just aggravate me, a real shame as they look cool and sound great. Giuletta I've just heard that its not a particularly rewarding to drive so never bothered. And the GTV i can't get into it, for me a car can't just sound good and go good to get me, and unfortunately I never got on with the handling on the GTV when I bought my '5, the '5 was just fun Vs the slightly sophisticated drive of the GTV, a GTV engine in an MX5 would be glorious but alas the GTV just never adds up for me. I can't say that any of them are terrible they just always seem to be just critically flawed in some way.


Perception_4992

The original Mini.


GSXS_750

Had one, loved it, want another


Bryntinphotog

Had one, hated it.... Imp was far superior to drive.


Good_Ad_1386

With the pudding-stirrer gearchange and sliding windows...


StripeyMiata

FIAT 126. Driving a rear engined, RWD car with only 28BHP is actually a lot more fun that you would expect.


Unscarce

A 6 cylinder engine, i went wayyy too long before experiencing one and i honestly cannot forget it everything i drive my 4 pot


UniquePotato

A crap 90s car to appreciate just how good modern cars are. Edit - good as in they start easily, no choke or carburettors, power steering, power brakes, suspension that doesn’t wobble everywhere, generally much quieter and sufficient power.


nl325

>A ~~crap~~ good 90s car to appreciate just how ~~good~~ crap modern cars are.


UniquePotato

Yes, that too. Many cars of the 90s were the peak for some manufacturers (looking at you BMW)


North-Village3968

Vauxhall mokka. So everyone can feel the intense pain of someone who purchased this car new and realised it’s a pile of shit


nl325

Old one or new? I detest the old one, my mum had one and I had to drive it twice and was terrified, but the new one actually looks half decent for a crossover


MYOBA

Not one car, but a list of vehicle types: A shit box, as said on here. Just to know what driving is about., no grip, bad brakes, poor acceleration, unreliable, teaches you about anticipation and mechanical sympathy. A defender, or something close, no acceleration, body roll, noise, wind etc. and tow something with it at least once Ride a moped or a bike to improve awareness A van, with limited visibility to learn where the corners of your vehicle are.


C5tark04

Turn of the century Evo/Impreza driven off road. Loads of places offer these kinda experiences and it's hella fun especially if the instructor isn't too strict.


TopDigger365

Classic unmodified Subaru Impreza Turbo. I absolutely loved the two I had, great feeling through the steering and made me feel safe at speed.


NTK421

Classic Mini Cooper


[deleted]

This will be unpopular here but a good spec Range Rover Vogue. There really is no other feeling like driving one.


user101aa

Alfa Romea


Inner-Cabinet8615

Any Alfa. Just once. Doesn't matter which. It's so you can learn for yourself that some cars have soul and that reliability is only a minor consideration.


NortonBurns

You've got to drive something from every 'genre' at least once. * A shitbox, of course. In my youth I had a Morris Marina. * A van, old & new. I've driven a myriad brand new hire vans, but a couple of weeks ago got to drive a 1981 Transit… bloody awful thing, but great fun for a day. * A classic. In my time I've driven an Aston Martin DB6 \[not a DB5, dammit\] A Jaguar D-Type, and my all-time favourite, a 1924 Bentley, which I took from the UK through France to the leMans 24h Classic. Everything else is 'just a car'.


ClassroomDowntown664

I completely agree


ElegantWarthog870

Toyota aygo and rag the crap out of it on back road


RageInvader

An RX-8 for the true car enthusiasts. Absolute drivers car, needs tlc though.


knobsacker

Are there actually any left without blown engines?


Zdos123

By extension the MX5 (the MK3 is even based on the same chassis)


Legalist450

Had 1 6 years ago, beautiful 2.5


OolonCaluphid

Biased, but I'm going to say a good example of a Porsche. 911, boxster or Cayman. They're just built different. I've had a lot of cars but there's just a sense of engineering integrity and depth of competence running through the whole car. The deeper you dig the more there is to explore. They really grow on you. I came back from the Nurburgring absolutely gobsmacked at what my car could do. I also agree with the pure shitbox answer though. Without that how do you set a baseline? How do you know how good you've got it?


NoCrust101

A race car


Matt6453

This, it's not expensive so get down to Castle Combe. The Formula Ford experience is like nothing else you've driven, pure adrenaline.


HayesDC2

A B-Series Honda


Fluffy_Space_Bunny

A Porsche 911. Don't aim too big but big enough.


Popular-Carrot34

Old defender


Belterhaze31

Absolute shit boxes to drive and own but a weird charm you can’t forget


cjgmmgjc85

Mx5


tedsk1

It has to be either a Mk1 or Mk2 Mazda MX-5 , one of the best handling fun cars ever. Really slow on straight line but on a B road comes alive. Edit - grammer


space_coyote_86

I was gonna say something like a Caterham or an Ariel Atom. I've not driven one yet but would love to.


Fun_Stock7078

Not for performance obviously, but I got a pick up for work on my last lease, I just fancied driving something big that could go anywhere and they are cheap for tax, top of the range Mitsubishi Barbarian L200. Problem after problem after problem, I’ll never buy anything Mitsubishi as long as I live, and Arnold Clark can fuck right off too. Got the pick up thing out my system, back to driving a car for me. 🤣


AnswersQuestioned

A car with a decent manual throw and a new or newish clutch. Such a pleasure slinging it into gear.


youreclappedmate

A sales person was telling me how the current gen of my car had something like 1/7 shorter throw on the gear stick and I had the attitude of who cares. Turns out I care, sorry mark. Utter joy shifting my current car Vs anything else I've driven so far


Royal-Lack1078

Mk2 Golf GTI. Not many left. But always my favourite


castlerigger

Defender is fun, shitbox definitely, thinking back to my flappy plastic 2nd gen Suzuki jimny I thrashed all over the Lake District in my early 20s, didn’t last long. I really liked my straight 6 BMW 325, that thing purrrd lovely, current jag iPace is legit the fastest and best handling car I’ve had. Would really like an XC90 or Range Rover at some point, and there’s an unfulfilled desire for an American muscle car V8 but maybe the time has passed. If I had to say just one thing I think everyone should have had the chance for, it’s a BMW, anything above the 318 would be OK if we are handing em out to all.


lolmeercatz

Type R Honda of some kind, the older ones I mean. Nothing else feels like that.


Alone-Sky1539

Rage Rover supercharged. best car ever made


Kinsywinsy

Something without a roof —no not you Peugeot you’re the exception—


Seymourdough

1. Definitely a V8. C63/ AMG (6.2) would be the one car id say every petrolhead needs to experience at some point. Absolute riot. They just don’t make cars like that anymore.. 2. Something with a Supercharger.


Lower_Discussion4897

Any car with a good 6 speed manual and an eager nature. Doesn't need to be a rocket, I had loads of fun in a Honda with a revvy 1.6 engine and aforementioned 6 speed manual. People should find out how fun driving can be with a little involvement from the driver.


SourdoughBoomer

Subaru STI


[deleted]

Late 90’s/early 00’s TVR (Chimera/Griffith or if you’re more well heeled, the Cerbera), ideally with the 4.5 or the 5 litre V8.