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Old 28th December 2018, 20:11   #1
mystabe
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Default Cars with 'character'

I often see this mentioned - I usually suspect people use it as an excuse for driving a car that breaks a lot but that they quite like rather than admit a newer car might be better



So what is 'character' if it's not an older car with issues?


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Old 28th December 2018, 20:28   #2
fandango151
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A car that wasn't built by bean counters... Hence generally made by dead or dying manufacturers.
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Old 28th December 2018, 21:28   #3
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A car that makes you feel good.

New cars have all the mod cons and are an easy drive but few bring a smile to my face.
I got the chance to drive, only a short distance, a Triumph TR3 and a Jensen Interceptor but they made me grin from ear to ear. When there is a chance to drive an old British car, I jump at the chance

My Rover 75 Saloon makes me feel good, sandstone interior and walnut dash.
So many of todays cars, black/ dark grey interior and black dash.
Even some "prestige" cars lack a decent interior, decent engine note.

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Old 28th December 2018, 21:56   #4
Comfortably Numb
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To some extent, the character is due to the fact that they are no longer common, but it can be down to the style, fittings, ride, comfort, sound, and some things which are almost intangible, perhaps even the smell of damp carpets, and leather, that makes you nostalgic for the adventure of the car journeys of your childhood. I undoubtedly love the unmistakable identity of the 75, (although it does get mistaken for a Jag and I loved those in the '60s) its unashamedly retro sepia glow from the oval dials at night, reminiscent of the illuminated waveband panel on a 1950s or '60s wood cased radio. It is reassuringly timeless in a world of change almost for the sake of it.
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Old 28th December 2018, 21:57   #5
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Whenever I'm offered the opportunity, I drive my mate's C63 AMG Merc, it has character in spades.

However when I want mediocrity, I head out in the 75 diesel automatic, where the only interesting thing about the whole car is the funny paint scheme.

If I want the excitement of wondering if I'm going to arrive at my destination, I drive the Primertallic ZT, and if I fancy a bit of pedestrian performance, coupled with quiet engine and smooth gearchanges I take the 1800.

I do like the look of the R40, especially in tourer form, but then again I like the look of YDO10 and of course ADO28.

At the end of the day though, these are all old cars now, and comparison with modern vehicles isn't really fair, driving anything less than five years old will make any 75 or ZT feel very dated............however so what, if I wanted boring that's what I'd opt for, instead I'm spending tomorrow taking the gearbox out of the ZT to replace the DMF, outside on the drive, on axle stands, because I can, and more importantly because I will enjoy doing it

Brian
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Old 28th December 2018, 22:30   #6
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The "having-to-mend-it" bit is the part of the Rover's character I don't want to discover. I can't afford an AMG, and perhaps I'm not so concerned about speed and in-yer-face looks these days. So maybe ALL cars have character, and it's just a case of what character you like. Now, where did I put my Werthers and old cardigan?
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Old 29th December 2018, 08:34   #7
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I like the way the 75 feels, it has 'character'. I have one because to me, they really are reliable. I could jump in and go from Devon to Scotland without issues, and arrive without back ache. Another term often used is 'the car has road presence', not sure what that means, or how to spell it.
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Old 29th December 2018, 09:42   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marinabrian View Post
At the end of the day though, these are all old cars now, and comparison with modern vehicles isn't really fair, driving anything less than five years old will make any 75 or ZT feel very dated........

Brian
I've just noticed this very recently when changing my everyday driver. I got in the Rover and it suddenly felt very old fashioned and tired. A lot of it was probably down to the poor dynamics of my previous car - a Ssangyong - but it still took me by surprise.
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Old 29th December 2018, 09:45   #9
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I think many cars have "character" it's just what you like which makes them have character for you.

I imagine in a fair few years there shall be a whole generation discussing the character of Saxo's; Corsa's etc.

The Rover's have character for me because they are "civilised" and quietly competent. Not loud and brash. Wonderfully comfortable and a lovely place to while away the miles.

I'm past my Mini (a real one) on 3 wheels round bends and drum brakes that meant you had to learn to drive one - no discs or ABS or other fandango gismos.

I had a great time in a Westfield with a 1700 X flow and twin Webers. That had character. It also had the world's most uncomfortable ride (lovely on track ) and stupidly small petrol tank - which at least meant you could get out and stretch quite frequently.

I fancy a go in a Lexus LS430 as I believe these shy away from the hard, sporty aspirations of other marques. Maybe they have character or maybe they are so isolated from the world they're characterless and sterile?

Each to their own .

Andy.
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Old 29th December 2018, 10:28   #10
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Actually I think it's the owners who have character - people who like to tinker, keep little pieces of history alive, use their ingenuity to solve problems when the parts run out, own something unique despite the extra work involved...
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