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nissan 380x209 What does your car say about you?

This is a sponsored post from Nissan

by JO ABI

I always pay attention to the cars people drive. Cars say a lot about a person. Take mine, for example.

I drive a small, gold, 4WD. It says ‘mum’ but ‘fun mum’. It says ‘trendy’ or ‘fashionable’ but sensible. It says ‘happy to go dancing but too busy raising children’. It says ‘is usually practical except when grocery shopping in heels.’

Now we need a second car. I am sick of my husband of using our car (my car) and leaving his fast food wrappers littered all over it. He has a really old car and a motorbike and after ten years of nagging, has finally agreed to trade them both in for a second car for our family. (I am very happy to see the back of his over-priced, ridiculous, imported motorbike. It’s a Triumph Rocket. It takes more petrol than my 4WD and the last service cost $3000. I wish I was exaggerating. In comparison, my last service was $147.)

“You can buy another motorbike next year,” I told him (over my dead body). His eyes light up at the prospect of a new motorbike and within minutes he is online and searching for a new car.

I start making dinner, running over to check out a few options as he goes. While stirring the spaghetti sauce I notice he is carefully reading through the features of a hatchback.

“No hatchbacks,” I call out.

“Why not,” he asks.

“Hatchbacks are a single person’s car,” I explain. Obviously he isn’t aware of the implications some cars can have.

jo abi What does your car say about you?

Jo Abi with her car

“That’s ridiculous,” is his response.

“Um, no it’s not. We have kids. It’s a sedan or a 4WD.”

“Are you serious?” I sigh. I decide to speak more slowly.

“If we drive a hatchback people will think we are single or want to be single. And while we’re at it, no cars with sporty features. They mean we’re having a mid-life crisis and I’m only thirty-six. I’m not there yet.”

He sits stunned, staring at me like I’m some alien-species. But I’m right, aren’t I? Cars say a lot about a person. Yellow – likes attention. 4WD – has children or plans on having children (or dogs or snow boards). Hatchback – single without a care in the world. Sports car – single, wealthy, lotto winner or looking to stray.

Am I the only one who knows this? Surely not.

“I want a hatchback because it’s easier to get the kids scooters and bikes in and out of,” he explains, as though he’s dealing with a petulant child.

“Get a Pathfinder,” I suggest.

“We already have a 4WD. I was just going to get a small car.”

“Get a Murano, they are stylish,” I call out.

“Smaller Jo,” he calls back.

“How about a Maxima. They are nice. But not red or yellow. Get blue or silver or something sensible, so everyone knows we’re in a committed relationship.”

My husband rolls his eyes at me and I go back to cooking dinner. Thank goodness I was here while he was looking. Obviously only I know the nuances of buying a new car.

“And don’t get a ute or you’ll spend every weekend helping people move house,” I add.

“Jo!”

I continue explaining the obvious and detect a sigh from his general direction. He may have stopped listening.

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nissan1 What does your car say about you?

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266 Comments so far

  1. sarahlew

    My car says that I’m lucky enough to live in a country where I can freely drive as a female – taking notes Saudi Arabia? I’m smiling at our first world problem of deciding (and having a choice) of whether to drive a smaller car or a larger car – we are pretty fortunate to live in a safe and rich country with strong (functional) political and social capital! Now that to me says a lot more than my car ever will

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  2. AM

    This is too stupid for words… a hatchback is practical… and so what if single people use them, married and retired people also drive them… this is discrimination….
    So a 4WD/SUV is the new family-truckster…. no wonder they are hogging up the roads and the drivers can’t drive properly.. they are a big warning sign in themselves… stay clear of dangerous drivers.

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  3. sarah

    To all the 4WD haters: If you do need the room (and it is not up to you to decide whether anyone else does or not) then what is the option? I drive a Kluger – what I really wanted was a Camry Wagon or a Magna Wagon (I was replacing a Magna wagon) but they don’t make them anymore..I can’t afford a european car and there simply are not any sizeable wagons around anymore.

    ..so what do I do? Just get roof racks? I don’t think the dog or the children would appreciate that!

    Just thought I would shed some light on the dilemma….

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    • Kris2040

      I think people’s problem with the “I need the room for the kids” argument for 4WDs is that they don’t generally have any more seats, or boot space, or any more actual space.

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  4. Guest

    Oh and we’ve hit a Kangeroo and we live in Epping Vic!

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  5. Guest

    My family never had a car growing up and we walked or caught public transport, when old enough my first car was a $1000 1985 Magna, I loved it but after an accident with only third party innsurance I took out a loan to buy a 1990 Toyota Camery which I drove until I was married. We sold that car and my husbands Honda Prelude for more then what we paid for them and for the next three years bought and sold about 10 cars, one car a Madgna stationwagan was so old and decrepit that every time I pulled up at the lights I had to put my foot on the brake while reving it as it’d conk out on me, i was happy when we sold that one, we spent a lot of time at the car Auctions and found a BMW and it was a bigger lemon then the Magna s/w sonsold it for another crappy car until I fell pregnant and bought a Ford Escape straight out of the car yard, we loved that car until child number 3 came along and we couldn’t fit all the Car seats in the back! I said to my husband that I always wanted the biggest most reliable car on the road after not growing up with one and then all those crappy cars we had, so now I drive the Audi Q7 and I love it! I can reverse park with one finger and my eyes closed, it fits all my kids car seats and all their friends and family and enough luggage for a week away, it sits well on the road without feeling as though itd topple over and we feel so safe and secure in it, not to mention all those little luxuries! I don’t feel guilty for driving this car, I drive it just like I’d drive a small car, each to their own, we can all play the car type to character type guessing game, it’s fun however I don’t believe you should place negative judgement on a person because of the car type/size as you never know their background story!

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  6. Leadlebeatle

    I have a convertible megane brand new 3 teenagers (1has his own car) 4 seats top down minimal room in boot no leg room in the back…..hehehe. When people say its too small for the family I tell them that I only take my favorites and leave the rest at home! PS hubby has a 7 seater monster truck that manages the football runs.

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  7. SJ

    I drive a 2010 Fiesta, it’s a hatch and it’s awesome. We chose this particular car because I commute an hour (each way) to work, it’s excellent on fuel and it’s easy to park in the city.
    That being said, we also have a Pajero which is the husbands vehicle. Yes it’s a 4WD, but we didn’t get it for a family car (we don’t have kids) we got it so we could go off road – and we do – frequently.
    So that’s us, a married childless couple with a hatch and a 4WD and we love them!

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  8. Anonymous

    Bah humbug!

    It is all a matter of opinion but I always have been and always will be a small car driver. I simply don’t like driving big cars, so for the last 25 years I have driven a hatch in some form or other, mostly red ones, one of them being a hot hatch and sporty. For the past 5 years I have been someone’s mother – my car says that because the back seat is stuffed with childrens seats.

    Gold 4wd does not say fun mum to me at all. Especially if all that gold 4wd does is the school run and goes to the shops. That sounds really dull and kinda snobby, which is what you are being by imposing your taste and trampling all over your husbands. Let him have his practical hatch.

    Love, married for 15 years and in no way wanting to be single xx

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    • AM

      great to hear you love a hatchback… go girl!

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  9. Anonymous

    I have no problem with people driving a 4WD, it’s their choice. Personally I don’t understand driving one when you 1) never leave the city 2) don’t rA sport more then 2-3 kids 3) You don’t transport alot of goods.

    However I have when people can’t drive their cars! I’m not talking about a learner or even a P plater. But I see people with these huge 4WD and they can’t even park them! If you can’t park your car after driving it for a fortnight – GET A NEW CAR! Or at least go to a driving school for a lesson or two and they’ll teach you!

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  10. Felicity

    My husband and I both work in full time employment, well paid with two kids and we own one 1997 Futura that has seen better days. We could afford another car but why bother? Goes well, isn’t breaking down and smashed sultanas in a car seat still look the same in a Toyota Kluger. Judge a person by their car smacks a whole lot of being a superficial person to me.

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  11. teaganjai

    my mums car says something like, GROW UP PEOPLE THIS IS REALITY CARS DONT TALK!!!
    jokes man im onlyy kidding i get the whole thing about car talking.

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  12. Anouk

    It’s an old argument,i know,but will never understand why all the school mums need the biggest 4WD’s available on the market.They will mostly never be used anywhere other than between home,school and the Shoppincentre anyway…it’s beyond ridiculous,and it pains me to watch them swing in and out half a dozen time before they make it halfway into the parking spot…what’s the point of owning such a huge machine when you’re then just having trouble driving it,or never actually use it for what it is made for?

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    • Cleo

      Oh Anouk, I agree. If it’s spotlessly clean & has no tow bar what the hell do you need it for? It’s not good for children, it’s too hard for them to climb into, & the centre of gravity makes them more prone to roll.

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  13. LozFromOz

    I have a hatchback, it’s a black VW Golf and I love it! I would never have a sedan, my hatch has a giant boot, is so easy to park and maneuver and has tons of space inside too. And I’m not a single person, I just like to be able to keep junk in my car and still fit people/shopping/the dog! The only car stereotype I really put much faith in is that Volvo drivers are almost always old blokes in hats who don’t pay attention to how their driving affects everyone else on the road!

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  14. Haven Maven

    V6 Commodore Station wagon.

    It says I have a tribe, but can bloody well be a leadfoot when I feel like it. (Especially difficult to behave after you watch the V8′s and realise you aren’t Lowndes or Scaife…)

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  15. Loz

    Ha, this is hilarious. I am looking for a new car because we are having a baby and we will need another car, and I want a sporty hatch because its NOT a mum car. All the car sales people try to sell me cars that are popular with mums, it I can’t face driving a mum car.

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    • Joey

      I’m with you there. I had a 3 door hatchback with two little kids, I’m telling you the convenience factor of only having to open one door and having everyone file in is vastly underrated. ;) I’ve recently upgraded to a 4 door and am very pleased with my choice of Jazz for it’s roomy interior and boot. All the other new small hatches seem to have this false floor in the boot which made it rather small and unsuitable for carting our 55kg dog around. I think it’s one of the most versatile cars on the market, gets good gas mileage too.

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      • SJ

        I had a 3 door hatch, being just me and my husband it was fine but it was so annoying when someone else needed a lift. Current car is a 5 door hatch, it’s great, those 2 extra doors make a hell of a difference.

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  16. Bec

    I drive a Touota Kluger with a star wars themed family sticker on the back. I am represented by the Princess Leia sticker… Clearly it means I completely deluded!!!

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  17. bedizz

    I rarely get fired up about anything, i’m very much an “each to their own” type person. But two things that really get me are city 4w drivers and leaf blowers. I find them really selfish.

    I live in the lower north shore of sydney and drive a regular hatchback (astra), and often I feel unsafe on the road due to the ENORMOUS cars that many families choose to use around here. I believe they do it for their own safety at the expense of everyone elses. Sure it’s their “right”, but morally I think it sux.

    I can’t pull out of a front/rear to kerb space without gritting my teeth because i’m hemmed in by 2 4w drives as i can’t see through their windows to the traffic. Not to mention right hand turns onto streets with large cars parked near the corner obscuring my traffic view. And even just sitting in traffic and having no understanding of the traffic and road conditions past the enormous car directly in front.

    I understand there is a need for large cars. Sure if you tow a boat or hit the country regularly, or have 4 kids, or you need a van for work reasons etc. But literally every second car up here is massive and, for a family of 3 or 4 who rarely leave their 10km radius – I think it’s wrong. It’s the “my safety over everyone elses” logic. Of course i have no right to tell people what car to buy but it just gets my goat.

    And both of my brothers plus my sisters in law all have these cars so I’m not just generalising to people I don’t know….

    Don’t even get me started on leaf blowers…

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    • rivkah

      Like! And totally agree with you on leaf blowers…can’t stand them!

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      • seaghan

        Leaf blowers are great!

        They have given people the ability to not only piss off the neighbourhood with excessive noise early on sunday morning, but one can blow crap from the front of the yard into the front of someone else’s yard.

        They are of particular use early on a Sunday if the neighbours have had a late night wild party to which you weren’t invited.

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        • Kylie

          totally agree, and love that reply seaghan

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    • KTK

      I live in the country, a long way from any where and I drive a huge 4WD with a huge bull bar. I have a genuine reason as just last month I hit 3 kangaroo ‘s in a week ( before all the animal activists reply they were all accidents) and we tow a horse float regularly. BUT when I come to the city I wonder why anyone would have such a large vehicle, I hate that people might think I live there in my huge car. 4WD’s in the city are crazy and leaf blowers, OMG where do you think the leaf’s go to people????

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  18. Sara

    I’ve always been taught that the 4WD has no place in the city, and is comparatively worse for the environment than other cars.

    In my family it goes more like this-
    Hatchback for the mum who likes to be able to park anywhere.
    Station wagon for the father of six who has to cart around amps, guitars and drum kits every weekend.

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    • Joey

      I think that’s very sensible. You don’t need two gas guzzlers in one family.

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  19. LouEm

    I own a VW polo GTI – beautiful to drive. I downsized from a smallish 4WD and so glad I did. I live in the city so it is perfect for zipping around and so easy to park – plus it is a nice looking car with some serious grunt!

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  20. sharoncello

    I have 2 kids and have never felt the need for a 4WD – we very rarely drive through the bush or along the beach ;)

    We drive a Ford Mondeo Zetec. Black. I reckon this proves that I like nice things but they have to be excellent value for money!

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    • CBR

      All-around very good car. Euro-sourced too!

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  21. Anonymous

    Well I have an Audi Q7…. Only one child (12months) and one on the way! I love my car- I got it because it’s great to drive, so spacious…. And I can afford it! To all the 4WD haters out there…. Get over it!!

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    • Guest

      Typical Audi Q7 driver comment.

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    • Guest

      I have to agree with Anonymous – I drive a BMW X5 cause I can afford it too and I love it- get over your insecurities everyone!

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      • Guest one

        Yes yes, we know you can afford it and love it blah blah blah, so bugger everyone else on the road.

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      • Anon

        Well, guess what, I can afford half a dozen and I still don’t drive one.

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        • Anonymous

          I think we’d be friends, if we met, I have a real thing about not spending money on cars. It seems completely and utterly financially illogical….

          Buying a brand new car is one of the worst investments you can make, it automatically drops in value the minute you drive it out of the dealership because it becomes second hand.

          Irrespective of that, why on earth would anyone drop $100,000 on a 4WD BWM? Everyone knows how much they cost and it screams of telling people how much money you’ve got! Even if I won the $20mil tonight, I would drive a Corolla so no one knew how much money I had.

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    • Joey

      I drive a hatchback because I love it……..and I’m doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint. ;)

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  22. Brooke

    I drive a new land cruiser 4wd and my husband drives a land cruiser ute… I live in a remote community, it’s 6 hours to my nearest major town I need dual tanks, a bull bar and UHF.

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    • seaghan

      you forgot the cut lunch and water bag….

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  23. Susan

    single, no kids – 17 year old Holden commodore. Care factor – zero!

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  24. Sanhedrim

    As far as I’m concerned, a car is a machine to get you from A to B. I don’t think it really says anything about anyone.

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  25. Mickie

    We lease a Prado, every 3 years we buy it out, sell it for a profit and lease another one, boring at batshit and all it says about us is that we are trying to minimise our taxable income. “My” car is a Mini Cooper, I love it, but it;s not much chop towing a boat. Both cars are full of kids crap, I never have to worry if I have forotten a hat/jumper/skates/tennis raquet/notepad/pencil case full of textas or sunscreen, becuse I KNOW there will be something fittingthat description in either of the cars, even if I cleaned them out 2 days ago *sob*

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    • Leon

      I lease too :-) But the new FBT changes are a killer :-( My last 2 leases have meant bargains for my friends (don’t have the cash to buy & re-sell for a profit) But love the leasing concept, 1 fortnightly payment, petrol card, everything paid for :-)

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  26. Community service announcement

    Whatever car you drive, please refrain from attaching fake dog balls to the back of it.

    Thankyou and goodnight.

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    • CBR

      I.. have never seen this, ever. Lol. Pics or it didn’t happen! That’s hilarious!

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      • Anonymous

        I’m in Queensland and I can tell you it happens up here.

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        • rivkah

          Well that explains it. Only in Queensland…;)

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          • Anonymous

            It happens in Darwin too!

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      • Community service announcement

        Called “car nutz” or “truck balls”. Otherwise known as “beyond revolting”. And more common than you would believe.

        My work is done.

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        • Anon

          Oh my gawd, when did these become car accessories? That’s so off.

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    • seaghan

      Beats having real dogs balls hanging off the back of the car…

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  27. sami

    Currently I have a white commodore which is just a standard/reliable el cheapo car to get me around. My previous car though, that was the best. I had to sell it because my ex was an arsehat and sent me broke. It was a black 1974 Holden HQ one tonne ute and it was BRILLIANT. Benefits: being a ute, I didn’t have to be designated driver for everyone; other people would see me coming and get out of the way (possibly thinking I was some massive scary bogan- fine by me); flat tray so didn’t have to help anyone shift house; man magnet; was completely unique; old engine was easy to fix (not that I ever needed to, it was reliable); and it was a BEAST I tells ya ;)

    Can’t wait to get something similar one day. I cried when I had to sell it.

    So I guess my car choices say I’m a bitof a bogan and I love a car with personality :) Sorry nissan, but I would never in a million years buy one of your cars.

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    • Brooke

      I love it, I had a single cab ute when I was a uni. Pulled a float and I never had to be the sober driver

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      • Alex

        Pulled a float – love it!

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    • Anouk

      Nice!I’m the same-i only like old cars,anything from around 1990 onwards looks the same to me.we currently have an awesome 1987 Fairlane,but my dream car (and next purchase hopefully) is a Statesman De Ville,around 1984…absolutely beautiful!

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  28. Bradley

    I’ve never driven a motor vehicle or held a licence.

    I own a pair of roller skates.

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  29. seaghan

    Bloody hell Jo, let the man have some fun, you can’t take his motor bike off him AND make him drive a crappy boring car. Make him buy a 360Z or a GTR.

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    • sami

      I know, lame! Makes us women all look like major buzzkills ;)
      Let him get a HSV or something! It’s a sedan! And quite safe.

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  30. Rhiannon

    The car I’m hoping to buy is a Pink Toyota Yaris, 5 door
    what does that say about me??
    :P

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    • Bradley

      …..that you have a thing for lots of pink doors ?????? :)

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    • sami

      It says you like going out with the girls, you listen to katy perry, own a small (white) dog and have hair extensions. Am I close? ;)

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      • Anonymous

        Used to have a small white dog, she had a brain tumor :( ad my natural hair is down to my waist so no need for extensions…. But the rest you got me :P

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      • Anonymous

        Umm I’m a 26 year old solicitor, prefer reading books to going out, think Katy Perry is ok but don’t listen to her, think hair extensions are a waste of money and prefer cats to dogs.

        I want a pink Toyota Yaris. how’s that for stereotyping?

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        • seaghan

          I just feel sorry for you for being a solicitor. :)

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          • Anonymous

            Yeah, all that education, what a shame!

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            • Jules

              Yeah, all that education and yet completely lacking in a sense of humour, what a shame :)

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  31. NATO

    Like the technology that improves everyone’s ability to drive a more efficient 4WD, most people need to evolve their minds to think bigger then the stereotypes driving their opinions. Infact Top Gear UK have proved that you could purchase a land rover discovery v8, run it till DEATH. It still would not have as big an environmental impact as it does to build ONE hybrid Prius! Because of the manufacturing process.

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    • sami

      Also it’s more environmentally friendly to be a vegetarian that drives a stonking v8 than a meat eater who drives a prius. Vegetarian me approves :)

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    • Anonymous

      Yes, and I believe the whole manufacture process, materials plus a lifetime of fuel etc of a Jeep Wrangler make It one of the most enviro friendly cars to drive, even though it’s a Fuel guzzler!

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  32. Guest2

    We drive a Subaru Outback (silver)

    It says we are a sporty family but have boring taste in car colours.

    We needed a bigger boot to fit the cricket kits of my husband, son and the rest of the cricket team!

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    • seaghan

      When I was a kid the entire cricket team, kit and all would get stuffed into the back of a Chrysler Regal station wagon.

      There’s nothing like close shared space like the back of a station wagon to bring a team together, particularly when all 11 of us were farting the whole way to the ground.

      Them was the good old days.

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  33. iPunkernickle

    When I was 22, my then flatmate and I went to have dinner with a mutual friend who I’d known since kindy. She and her then-boyfriend showed us their brand new car – a Ford Territory station wagon.

    “They’re grown ups now,” we lamented as we drove home in her old jalopy.

    We were right: they were engaged and married within a year, and kids followed soon after.

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  34. Anon2

    I don’t really notice/care what people drive. But don’t get me started on the My Family stickers or the Christmas reindeer antlers and red nose. That’s when I start stereotyping.

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    • Ecidnac

      My MIL bought us the My Family stickers for my family of five a few months ago. It’s a little awkward every time she visits as the stickers are still not on our car for some reason…one of those reasons is that she bought probably the most unattractive ‘woman/mum’ sticker she could find for me. My 7 year old daughter’s sticker was taller than me for instance!! Hmmm, I know how weird this issue sounds…!

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  35. hms

    I’ve been told gold cars are for old people. One of the managers at work bought an Audi A4 in gold and it’s been referred to as Old Gold or Retiree Gold in colour. I thought it was pretty but am now wondering what that says about me lol.

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    • Guest

      I had a gold subaru outback which my husband sold, thinking I’d be happy with an upgrade. I missed it so much that we ended up tracking down exactly the same style and buying it again. We also have a vw jetta (with the GTi engine I’m told), but I’d take my champagne subi any day over that.

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  36. Bec

    Wow, so much hatred fo 4WD’s. I come from a rural area and yes they are necessary when half the roads we have to travel for 100′s of kms are dirt and gravel, the roads that are sealed are crap and you have to half drive off the road when passing another vehicle.

    This is not to mention that amount of kangaroos that you have to dodge at any time of the day (not just night) when driving anywhere.

    So lighten up, don’t tell me that because I drive a 4WD, I don’t care about the environment and am a horrible person…

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    • Tyf

      Totally agree with you Bec!

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    • CBR

      No hate here, Bec, you use it for its intended purpose!

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    • Kris2040

      Not that many roos or gravel roads in Balmain or Toorak, though, Bec! Hence the hatred. On city roads they’re a nightmare in a regular car.

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    • seaghan

      Bec, it’s not a commentary of rural owners of 4WD cars, you need them to do what you do. I drive them for work because I have to, but I can’t stand the damn things. The models that are comfortable are no good for continual hard work off road, and the models that are good off road are so uncomfortable they shake the teeth out of your head.

      But for urban dwellers, there’s no need for a 4WD. They barely fit in tight urban streets and there’s nothing worse than kamikazi mothers in their pajeros picking up kids at 3pm. It’s diabolical.

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  37. Jackson

    Perhaps Mia should just be done with it and rename the post
    “Why I hate people who own 4WD’s”
    Clearly that is what most people think this post is here for anyway.

    BTW. I DONT own a 4WD but I respect anyones right to own and drive one.

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    • Mia

      I own a 4WD!!!!

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      • Jackson

        Mia, I wasn’t picking on 4WD owners or any of the MM staff ,promise.
        I just had a read of the comments on here and so many people are just using this post as an excuse to bash anyone who drives one.
        So I thought you may as well rename the post!!!

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        • Mia

          I know! It’s ok! I wasn’t offended! Xxxx

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          • Jackson

            Phew!!
            Have a great weekend

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    • seaghan

      I think 4WD vehicles should be banned from urban areas, they simply aren’t needed. Some people, and generally those who use them for work should get exemptions, but there’s nothing worse than a line of 4WD vehicles thaat never go off road blocking the road and reducing the visibility of every other road user.

      Then there’s the kids that run over by them by idiot drivers who don’t look.

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      • Arghhh

        And there’s the issue of the darling mothers on the upper north shore and northern beaches who can’t actually drive them. They ever so considerately park you in so you can’t get either door on one side of your car open and you need to pass YOUR baby through the opposite door into their capsule. But the side that their one and only baby seat is on in their hideously enormous black ( always European and black darling) car.. well there’s mile of room there isn’t there. So bloody inconsiderate.

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  38. Eh?

    I don’t think a 4WD ever gives off a fun or trendy vibe! When behind a 4WD I can’t see any traffic beyond them so if in peak hour they break suddenly then so does everyone around them. In carparks it is painful pulling out next to a 4WD it takes forever before you can see around you. When wanting to turn into traffic if a 4WD is next to you then you are stuck waiting for them to go. When driving at night the extra height of a 4WD means the headlights shine directly into your eyes/rear vision mirror! Do the drivers of these cars realise how much they affect the drivers around them?! Whether a good or bad driver we are affected! It says a little bit selfish, a little bit soccer mum and a little bit unaware to drive a 4WD in my opinion.

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    • Tyf

      If you left the required space between vehicles, ie the 3 second spacing, then you wouldnt run up the backend of the car in front. And as for the headlight issue, I find the sedans with the halogen globes and unwarranted fog lights more of a problem than 4wd’s.

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      • Eh?

        I never said I run up the back end of the car in front? I said when you’re behind a 4WD you can’t see the conditions in front of you so whatever they do you follow including sudden braking. It doesn’t mean you hit them but it’s not safe. 4WDs belong in the country.

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      • Snap!!

        The problem with 4WD is you are driving blind behind them, I can’t stand not knowing what is coming up in traffic. I don’t care whether it is a 4wd, van, truck whatever I hate being behind them. I like to know what is coming up! I live in inner Melbourne, why you would need a 4wd is beyond me. It just screams wanker to me.

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      • Kylie

        I noticed that only yesterday driving behind a hummer up Victoria Rd, Drummoyne in morning peak hour. They broke suddenly, I broke suddenly, because I couldn’t see what the traffic in front was doing. I’d love to see 3 second spacing from everyone in that traffic, it’s actually a fascinating thought!!!

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    • Jimmy's Girl

      Well, the same problem happens when driving behind a bus, a truck, a florists van, any kind of vehicle except a sedan. Just stay back a bit further than normal, as you would behind any bus or truck. What people don’t necessarily realise is that while needing a 4WD to (in my man’s case) tow a boat, he also drives it for work – guess what, around the city! So, the big V8 Ford does double duty, hits the city and apparently causes havoc! What do you think, he should just store it in the garage when not towing, and buy ANOTHER car?? Sorry kids, nothing I can do about it, and don’t really appreciate the ‘soccer mum’ stereotyping. You might think ‘soccer mum’ but have no idea of the real circumstances. And yes – the vibe for me, anytime in this car, is ‘fun’! :)

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  39. Anonymous

    My car says I’m a tight arse. I drive a 1994 Toyota Corolla. My mum gave it to me 10 years ago when I turned 18.

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    • terese

      1996 Ford Falcon! I would NEVER waste money on cars. I’d rather travel (Italy next) and be mortgage and debt free.

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    • Guest

      I drive a 1984 shiny red Toyota Corolla which is in perfect condition courtesy of my father who lovingly maintains it for me. (It belonged to my late mother so it has sentimental value).

      Recently it was parked at the train station and someone left a handwritten note under the windscreen, complimenting “the owner” on keeping such an old car in such good nick. He note writer wanted a recommedation on where to get a similiar car serviced. My dad was rapt!

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    • iPunkernickle

      Silver Corolla, 2002, still perfect. My dad chose it because it was a good, reliable car that would last me ages. No intentions of getting rid of it any time soon!

      I’d never buy a European car, they always seem to have something wrong with them!

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  40. Clare

    I ride a bike. (And I grow my own vegetables).

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  41. Tallulah

    Does Nissan do a 7-seater car? Does anyone know?

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    • Flowers in the Spring

      The dualis +2 is a seven seater where the ones in the back row need to be small 8 year olds and there’s next to room for luggage or groceries.

      The pathfinder is a roomy 7 seater (a grown up could sit in the back row) but its also very large and one of the more expensive on the market. The good thing is that the back row is a split fold so it gives more flexibility.

      After looking at all the options last year we decided on the toyota kluger. Cheaper than the pathfinder with much the same features

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  42. Tess

    The Micra has to be the most female car there ever was. Mine is baby blue and it even has a drawer for my high heals under the passenger seat. I adore it. Best car I’ve ever owned.

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    • winky

      Me too! I got mine 4 and a half years ago and I still love it! I’ve got hot pink number plates on it too and hot pink seat covers etc.

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  43. Tammi

    We have two cars. My husband has a big gold toyota and I have my nissan dualis. they suit us and our lifestyle. I would never let him buy a motorbike!

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  44. hahamama

    No offense Jo, but I agree with your husband! I find your logic a bit nuts! I don’t see how hatchbacks are for single people, for example? Your hubby is right, they’re great for storage space when you have kids (which we do). I agree that certain cars can say something about their owners, but I think you’re over thinking it, my dear!

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    • seaghan

      I’ve got a hatchback, and it’s bigger inside and has a bigger boot than a Falcon or Commodore.

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  45. Becki

    I sooooooo want that nissan in the competition. it is the prettiest car i have ever seen.

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  46. Anonymous

    I think very small women driving very big 4wd’s says ” I’m a shit driver and I know it and I need all this truck around me in order to feel safe”.

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    • hahamama

      Lol. My husband says something similar, and as much as I hate to admit it, sometimes I agree with him!

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    • Isabella Durante

      Lol! I love that.

      I am 5’3″ ……………..and love 4WD’s.

      Thank you for asking …… I am a good driver which many people acknowledge when they are in the car and out of the car with me.

      It’s weird – I don’t judge others by the car they drive so I don’t understand why others do?

      Stereotypes will get you every time people – in EVERY area of your life. Be aware of that.

      I will try not to judge too harshly when I see people sneering at me…. bar for the grace of god go I ……… (is that how it goes? I am not religious however I do find some of the concepts helpful)

      Me.

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      • Sorry but...

        No-one ever thinks they are a BAD driver…

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  47. Cordeline

    I have VW Jetta. I love it. I have no idea what it says about me though… from the outside.

    From the inside it would say that I have two kids who leave Barbie shoes and accessories in the back seat.

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    • RuthBT

      Yup, I have a Jetta too. I notice I am one of the few Mums who drives a sedan and I am the only Mum I know with cream leather interior that after 6 yrs isn’t trashed. I think it says I am a weird Mum with a very clean only child!

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      • Cordeline

        Ha! You guys must be clean! We have grey leather interior and it has kept very well too.

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  48. Jackson

    Interesting study came out a while ago, that proved that sedans are actually more dangerous in regards to rear vision than 4WD. People like to hate on 4WD owners but in many cases they are no more dangerous than a commodore etc.
    Australia has pretty strict standards in regards to car safety and if the government testers have approved a 4WD to be sold and registered in Australia then that is good enough for me. If they are legally able to be bought and sold then who am I to say someone should not be able to own and drive it if they want one.
    Personally I would never want to own a tiny little hatchback where the rear passengers head is touching the back window but some people love those types of cars.
    Each to their own, and as for judging people for the car they drive, that is just shallow and reflects more on the person passing judgement and I judge those people as someone I would rather not know.

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    • anon

      I agree, how anyone can put their most precious cargo in a tiny little car with no protection around them is beyond me.

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      • Betty

        Perhaps it’s all they can afford?

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        • anon

          everyone can pick on 4wds for being dangerous, so I thought I’d highlight the dangers of small cars ;)

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          • RuthBT

            I have a sedan AND a 4WD. Each is for a different purpose. The sedan spends it’s days in the city while the Prado does most of its kms in the bush. Having had accidents in both I can say that 4WD v’s roo is a much better proposition than a sedan where the poor thing would have come straight through the windscreen. I also have had a rear end bingle in school traffic in my sedan and seeing how the car responded with my precious cargo in the front seat I know that I made totally the right choice city safety -wise, the car crumpled in all the right places and we didn’t even get a bruise. Happy!

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            • Anon

              Look at the stats on sedans vs 4wd hitting a pedestrian and it would be a whole other story.

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      • Anonymous

        Ummmm, maybe because its not all about you and we live in a society and respect the safety of others as well as our own…

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        • Isabella Durante

          trucks, trams, trains, buses ……. motorbikes, cyclists, skateboards ……

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      • Anonymous

        How do you think your parents did it? No one drove 4WDs unless they were for taking off road in the 80s and 90s. You’re still alive and kicking!

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        • Alex

          Sorry but I think the “your parents did it and you’re fine” argument is a bit lame – there were no seatbelts, babies were in cane bassinets sliding all over the backseat, and mum n dad smoked while driving!

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          • Anonymous

            That is ridiculous, Alex. I was an 80s baby and my parents cars were fitted with the same seat belts we have today and there is no way I was in a cane bassinet! You’re talking about cars from 40 years ago and I’m talking about cars from the 80s and 90s!

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            • Simone

              Yeah, but history favors the victor. The people who died because of unsafe cars aren’t here to comment, are they?

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          • seaghan

            You really should check your history Alex.

            Seat belts became compulsory in Victoria in 1971 or 72, mainly because the road toll the previous year in Victoria was over 1100. The rest of the country followed and made seatbelts compulsory within a year.

            In the mid 80′s capsules became compulsory to transport babies, and hospitals wouldn’t let parents take the kids home without them being properly strapped into a capsule before they left the hospital grounds.

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    • Simone

      Ok, but how many accidents have been caused by the lack of visibility that 4WDs cause? And have you looked at the stats on how safe a 4WD is compared overall to a sedan, because it will make your hair curl. It’s nice to have the advantage when reading traffic, go you, but it’s an absolute nightmare to be driving anywhere near you. And I have kids too. I’ve managed to pack their copious amounts of crap into a sedan. I even had a hatchback when they were babies!

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  49. Anonymous

    I drive range rover – pure status symbol

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    • Status symbol

      Yep. You have achieved that! I just hope that your personality shines above the polish of your car!

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  50. Jamboree

    4WDs say to me “The driver of this car does not care about climate change.” They also say “The driver of this car does not care about other drivers on the road, and how they can’t see because my car is so unnecessarily big.”

    We have one car and it’s a wagon. Wagon’s say to me “This person needs more space because that have crazy kids, but hooray, that space doesn’t mean other cars can’t see where they’re going… and hooray x2, wagon’s are more fuel efficient so they must care about climate change.”

    Go the wagon!!

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    • Tyf

      Have to disagree with you there, I have a diesel all wheel drive (8.2 lt/100km) and i get better fuel economy than my hubby who has a 4 cylinder wagon (11.6lt/100km) Its also able to run on biofuel too. I have a bigger car to give me more clearance off the road, to be more visible to other traffic on the highway and for towing floats and trailers. If everyone obeyed road rules and didnt tail gate there wouldnt be a problem with not being able to see other cars or hazards.

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    • Jimmy's Girl

      I started typing a ‘clever’ response about what “drivers of wagons say to me…” and decided I just can’t be arsed responding to the pathetic stereotypes that people bang on about when it comes to 4WDs. The whole argument being that owning them is purely an ego thing. No consideration given for any other purpose. Note, though, as soon as someone points out that there might actually be a REASON for owning one, then, oh, how they back down. “Oh, I didn’t mean people like YOU – I mean people like [insert stereotype here].” The fuel efficiency argument is also totally spurious these days. Our V8 4WD consumes a lot less fuel in normal city usage than another family member’s 6-cylinder family wagon – proven, because the boys tested it – probably because it doesn’t have to work nearly as hard. I know I can’t really change attitudes like this – but it irks me enough to make me put my $0.02 worth in. Cheers.

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