Do you really care about the year in the plate number of your car?

Posted by Individual-Key-4821@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 530 comments

**Hi all,** Just wanted to ask, do people really care that they’re driving an older car, like a 2010 for example? I read a post on another sub where a lady mentioned she was being ridiculed for driving a car with a 2014 plate, which honestly surprised me. I drive a 2006 Lexus and it still serves me well (aside from needing frequent oil top-ups). No real issues, and the best part is that I don't have monthly car payments. I can definitely afford something newer, even the latest models, but I just don’t feel the need to upgrade. Would you feel intimidated or self-conscious driving next to a 2025 plate? Or do you just not care as long as your car does what you need it to do?

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Admirable-Onion-@reddit

I just passed my test last year at 37 years old. I have a 59 plate Golf, and I literally couldn't care less how old it is 😂 it runs, I paid cash outright so no debt, and big enough for my family, so I'm happy.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Happy for you, Admirable-Onion- :)

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deanomac29@reddit

Just bought a 2010 BMW 120i Coupe... nicest car I've owned and that was going from 2023 Skoda Octavia

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qt_31415@reddit

I can’t help but feel validated when I hear of people spending £300-400 monthly on their car that gets them from A to B when my 100% owned tax-free 2012 banger does exactly the same (albeit without apple car play or heated seats lol).

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60s_Child@reddit

Heated seats make you feel like you've pissed your pants anyway.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Me too! I feel like I'm wining in life when I hear someone on a 1500 net monthly pay is paying 400 on their car. And then with insurance and fuel and stuff, almost half of salary is gone!

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AvoidFinasteride@reddit

>Me too! I feel like I'm winning in life when I hear someone on a 1500 net monthly pay is paying 400 on their car. And then, with insurance and fuel and stuff, almost half of the salary is gone! For some people, image is everything. Something like a car is a huge status thing for them, I suppose. I'd a colleague, and we were on near minimum wage, and he had some flash car out on finance which I recall thinking was ridiculous when he told me the 100s he was paying each month as he totally couldn't afford it on our wages. I'd another friend ( a couple) who were broke with 2 kids and the husband always had to have flash cars even though they were drowning in debt. His mum even gave them her standard (non flash) car for free, and he still went out and bought a jag. The wife was raging. But never think a car symbolises wealth or a high salary. It very much doesn't. On the other hand I'd a colleague who got millions in a divorve and had no kids or dependants and she drove a pile of shit whilst she was worth at least 2 million in assets and had a lucrative income from the large property company she got in divorce settlement. Why she even worked still baffles me to this day.

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scottyboi1988@reddit

I know a few like this, and try lend money from me when they earn more. lol, their heads have gone. The only thing a newish car symbolises to me is debt because 90 % of the time, that's all it is, and its basically not there's till its paid for thinking their royalty 🤦‍♂️ its a shame lol

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AvoidFinasteride@reddit

I've 2 mates who both earn twice as much as me, one earns over 1100 a week after tax. I often sub the both of them as they ring for lends.

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scottyboi1988@reddit

noway. social media sending people daft everyone's at it. haha, champagne lifestyle lemonade wage lol leave um to it keep rocking that corsa and get stacking that cash 👊 work to live dont live to work 👍

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fbruk@reddit

See that's what's wild to me. I had a call centre agent working for me who bought a brand new 23 plate (to the degree it hadn't even been built yet) and she was 18, whereas in June 2022 after COVID savings I bought a 2019 CHR and was over the moon with a great rate with the bank. i can't fathom forking out for something that is flashy that is way over budget. All my cars have been over 7 years minimum when I've bought them til now and I was just lucky.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

As someone pointed out in another comment, once I see someone in the latest cars, I just assume they have poor financial hygiene or they are neck deep in debt. Not good to generalise but it is what it is

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muaythaiguy155@reddit

Or… other people might have more money than you?

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Of course - it's just the first thought that comes to mind

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CriticalCentimeter@reddit

my 2009 VW has Apple Car Play/Android Auto (aftermarket install) and has heated seats!

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Aggravating-Desk4004@reddit

I got one of those Apple Car Play screens for under £40 from Amazon for my 2013 C Max. It's really good for navigation and my sister, with a 5 year old Audi said it's better than hers.

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soopahfly82@reddit

And you can add heated seats and car play for way less then one of their monthly payments.

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Operatornaught@reddit

Genuine question. How's is it tax free?

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ooooomikeooooo@reddit

We have two cars. One is a 2025 Audi and the other is a 2012 Chevy. It's very noticeable how horrible the old car is in every way compared to the new one. It's almost definitely going to fall apart this year so there's a bit of fear every time we need to drive it. It's uncomfortable, has a really awful auto gearbox, has no acceleration and terrible fuel efficiency. They both get us from A to B but I am more than happy paying the new car price. The idea of an unexpected repair cost also feels way worse than a budgeted monthly fixed payment.

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BlueChickenBandit@reddit

I fitted a new stereo to my 2011 car so it has the nav/carplay stuff on a touchscreen and reversing camera, still cost me less than £4k for the car and the extra stuff a few years ago. It's done just over 65k so I'll keep it for at least 4/5 more years before I think about changing. Whenever I see the monthly cost for cars advertised as "from just £300/month" etc I always wonder whether I'd be happier doing the same journey in a new car. Then I remembered my car is cheap and I put that money towards a holiday in the Maldives so I can go diving. Sitting in a bar with a cold beer in 30°+ sunshine after diving with Mantas and sharks makes the new BMW/Merc seem a bit boring. Each to their own but I'll take the holiday.

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qt_31415@reddit

Diving > driving!

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adreddit298@reddit

Ah, but you can replace the head unit with something that does have CarPlay. Can't easily help you with the heated seats though. Have to admit, the one thing I missed this year in my car was the heated steering wheel I had in the previous one. Never thought I would be that person, but there were some fecking cold, fecking early starts last winter that it would have been nice for.

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audigex@reddit

Right but you’ve got no way to keep your takeaway warm on the way home so who’s really winning?

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I'd get them delivered hot instead :) 😀

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originalwombat@reddit

How much are your yearly garage fees

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MobiusNaked@reddit

I turned off apple car play. I wanted my phone to show the navigation and there was no option to stop it showing on the low down panel.

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Recsq@reddit

in a cost of living crisis, you must lease a 2 year old german car at the oldest, otherwise you will be bullied by your adult peers and your life wont be worth living

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TheCommomPleb@reddit

Yeah my astra is 2018 and the missus said she's leaving me if I don't sort it out

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Clean-Machine2012@reddit

Bet you'll miss her

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Recsq@reddit

Oi, bruv, that is diabolical. Think about the Becky group chat..

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scottyboi1988@reddit

you're also forgetting everything you own being on finance. I know a few millionaires none of them have fancy cars they all drive reliable cars, same with clothing

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Recsq@reddit

Yup. Hmm. I tried this way, as a younger guy, but it seems not many live sensible these days... People are better

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scottyboi1988@reddit

yeah, agreed iv been there myself, not the debt, but buying high-end clothes. it's easy to get stuck in that mentality, and that's what the banks and companies want. not be happening again though 👍

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emjayem22@reddit

Don't care.. I have a 17 plate Xtrail.. It's done about 75K miles, is paid for, is in pretty good condition and including insurance, service, parts and fuel costs me about £2500 - £3000 per year. Meanwhile several of my co-worker burn between £500 and £700 per month on a car through a work scheme or other PCP deal that they don't even own at the end of the term just to have the latest plate. I think they are weird and they think I am.

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Extension_Sun_377@reddit

I just changed my car from a Nissan 16 plate to a Citroën Berlingo 12 plate - the Citroën has been well taken care of, allows me to carry my craft stall and a greyhound and has done 50k miles rather than the 100k the Nissan had done, so no, I couldn't care less!

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Good to hear! Just to digress a bit - how was the Nissan? I've been advised against getting one

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Extension_Sun_377@reddit

They're a bit hit and miss tbh. Have had 3 Notes, one was brilliant, one was awful and this was ok but developed an engine fault that was fiddly to fix and expensive unless you had the mechanical knowledge and time to get to a blocked emissions pipe. You do still see a lot of Notes on the road, but the Juke is crap and a horrible drive.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Thanks, Extension_Sun_377. I think I'll just stick with Lexus and Toyota for now - they've always served me well.

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PrawnFresh69@reddit

Ooh that's nice, you've all got cars. In my opinion, the older, the better. I wouldn't mind driving a VWbeetle or Ford around.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

There's a fine line between vintage and old

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PrawnFresh69@reddit

Yeah I forgot I'm not 10 years old anymore. I guess the 90s-00s is vintage now which is rather worrying. I don't know what I mean then, just 1965-2000 cars seem to be a lot nicer to handle having been lucky to test a few. The unfortunate thing is every day I get older, those cars go up £50. Ive found some nice ones online, but the good ones barely last minutes on that site.

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Similar_Quiet@reddit

I don't even understand how the numbering system works tbh

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atsevoN@reddit

54 and 04 plate for example is the time of year it was registered, so 04 was between March and August 2004, 54 was registered between September 2004 and February 2005. The first two letter before the number indicate where the car was registered. For example KN04 would be first registered in Northampton between March and August 2004. It’s a bit different before 2001, they are called prefix plates and used letters for the year. For example my Celica is an R reg so that means it was registered in 1997/98. We have 3 numbers instead of two, the numbers are just the number of manufacturer, they don’t serve any other purpose. The last 3 letters are the letters that tell you where the car was registered, for example with mine my plate is R599 RRY, R for the year, 599 for production number (usually of same or similar model), RRY (RY) is where it was first registered, so it was in Reading originally. You will notice with prefix plates similar plates belong to the same model. For example, R597 RRY and R598 RRY are also Celicas and they’re all the same colour and registered in the same place.

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Extension_Sun_377@reddit

Prior to this, when the format was ABC 123D, the 2nd two letters denoted where it was registered, and the last letter the year, when there was only one letter per year. My first car was a Datsun Cherry FCW 701W, with the CW being Preston and the W being 1980. I remember DB being Manchester and CC and JC being North Wales.

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atsevoN@reddit

It probably was the Toyota dealership yeah, every single car with R501-R599 is a Toyota registered on the same day in 1998. The last 9 are all Celicas

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Regular_Zombie@reddit

Yeah, I started reading up on it when I moved to the UK and heard people talking about this or that plate and realised that it was knowledge of no use to me and quickly moved on.

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lamaldo78@reddit

I lost track at some point but I think I've got it now. Basically March registrations use the last 2 digits of the year (eg. 24) and September registrations add 50 to the year (eg 74). Also the first 2 letters refer to the region (eg S for Scotland K for Edinburgh) and the last 3 letters are randomised. I think anyway but if I'm wrong I'm sure a nice level headed person will correct me 😀 https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates

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reddit_recluse@reddit

Funnily enough I tend to judge people who drive new cars. Sure, a small percentage have them because they're genuinely wealthy. But majority are in debt for them because of their own insecurities. I had about £30k cash when I was looking to buy my car. Instead of spending all that I spent £13k and put £17k into my pension, which gave me about £9k back in tax relief. So felt like I just paid £4k for the car. If you have a ton of money or are genuinely really into cars then sure go nuts. But majority of people spend a ton of money they don't have to try to impress people they don't like with flashy, shallow things like new licence plates.

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Alarmed_Tiger5110@reddit

I suspect a lot of people are like me, they lease them, you never really own it, you just end up forking out a monthly payment, and hand it back when the lease is up - my best friend, may he rest in peace did this so he could potter around in a 5 series with all the toys - I do it because SWMBO worries about what would happen if it died beyond economic repair - me, who grew up spending no-more than £500 on a car (one only cost me £45) doesn't understand such ideas.

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trainpk85@reddit

I’m waiting to have my brand new car delivered. It’s a company car which will cost me nothing more than tax. They even pay for the maintenance and insurance etc. it’s not even on a car scheme. I had it added into my package when I negotiated. Still driving my 2009 kia while I wait for delivery. I wonder weather people will judge me. If they do they’ll be wrong haha

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Operatornaught@reddit

Bro. If you got 30k and the only choice is a new car or putting it in your pension then you got wealth. How can you judge what people spend thier wealth on? Alot of people would say you are wealthy for having 13k to spend on car.

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Slow_Ball9510@reddit

Yeah, I'm guilty of this. Spending 50k on a new car to get you to your 30k job doesn't make sense. Factor in how new cars are less reliable than slightly older cars, and it makes even less sense.

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SavlonWorshipper@reddit

Bad budgeting is hell on earth. Sounds dramatic, but I have seen people with an expensive car they only drive to work and back because of all the overtime, a new home they really only sleep in but they had to have a new grey kitchen... which they never cook in because again, working every available hour... Have the nice car, or house, or kitchen, or whatever, but for the love of God, people need to enjoy them, not just possess them.

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BangkokLondonLights@reddit

I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than a months wages on a car. Maybe 10k in total since I passed in 87.

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Slow_Ball9510@reddit

Same here. 2.4k on a 2011 116d, ex-fleet with full service history. The only thing to go wrong in 5 years and 60k miles was the flywheel. I have bought shitboxes for £250 that lasted for less than 12 months, I don't recommend that either.

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Azyall@reddit

We have a '67 Land Rover. Zero tax, no MoT needed, pretty cheap insurance. Still works.

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Tink0bell_3321@reddit

I'd still class a 67 plate as newish, currently rocking round the same 58 reg i've had for 11 years. Does the job, would i like a newer car = yes, do i want to pay todays prices = no. Another fall out of covid that never disappeared, crazy car prices! 🚗

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Alarmed_Tiger5110@reddit

Car manufacturers appear to have cottoned on to the fact that if they only build as many cars as people are actually willing to pay full price for, then people will still buy them - so there's nothing to be gained by building too many and selling them off as 'pre-registered'.

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Houseofsun5@reddit

I think they have a 1967 which would be old style plate , year letter last and I think and F so like GHR 564F

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Azyall@reddit

Yes, it was built and registered in 1967. Nearly 60 years old. We have very few problems with it, and it still has original engine, gearbox etc.

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Houseofsun5@reddit

Grew up bouncing around in one on the farm, very resilient, good at what they do, however a bit ergonomically hostile in that era, and you needed a good coat in winter.

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Resonant-1966@reddit

And your dad yelled at you for breathing in cold weather.

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Azyall@reddit

Yes!

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Tink0bell_3321@reddit

Completely missed the no mot bit 😂 that's good going to be still running now, but land rovers were like tanks.

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Azyall@reddit

As others have said, what I meant was it's a car from 1967 - nearly 60 years old!

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Tink0bell_3321@reddit

I know it's me not reading your post properly. That's great the car is still going, obviously built to last back then, i don't think we'll be seeing many if today's cars still around in 60 years.

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Azyall@reddit

No, definitely not. Land Rovers, at least the old traditional ones, do tend to be pretty impress workhorses that just keep on going with the occasional intervention of a screwdriver and/or lump hammer!

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NecktieNomad@reddit

They’re talking 1967, hence no MOT needed 👍

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Tink0bell_3321@reddit

😆 omg my mistake, completely missed that bit, that's some impressive motor then.

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NecktieNomad@reddit

I had to reread it to get it, no shame!

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Shoddy-Computer2377@reddit

It's funny, you do reach a crossover point between "classic / vintage" and just an old piece of shit.

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Azyall@reddit

Yep. We bought it for seven hundred quid over fifteen years ago and it's now worth over ten times that. Series 2a. Crazy!

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SunWarri0r@reddit

Hey! I have a 99 plate VW Golf and I love him (too attached by far!)

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Lazy-Kaleidoscope179@reddit

Not in the slightest. And the only plates I judge people for are private ones.

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Extension_Sun_377@reddit

Way back in about 1990, I had the chance of buying a car which had been allocated my name KAY as part of the plate, before personalised plates were really popular. Part of me wishes I'd bought it but the car was a bit crap. A plate with KAY now would cost more than that car did!!

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627UK@reddit

Owch

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Motor-Trouble194@reddit

I’ve had ‘good’ and new cars in the past owned and on lease. 2 years ago I bought the cheapest Honda hrv on Cazoo. Billy basic car, I love showing friends that the key fob just has a bit of plastic where the higher spec models have a boot open button. Also tell my friends I have the best drug dealer car in the world as it’s certainly not a head turner and just blends into the background of life. I have two young kids and now I don’t panic if they are on their scooters or bikes going past (it’s been scratched by my niece on her bike and doesn’t bother me as I know it was an accident and I don’t have to pay for repairs before it goes back) Hoping to keep it for many more miles and won’t ever get a lease or car on finance again. For me I want a reliable A to B car not a car that I am too precious over or that I feel I need to have as a look at me status symbol.

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GrowbagUK@reddit

All that really matters is that the vehicle reliably takes you from A to B. Status symbol snobs are best avoided imo.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed

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DuoDriver@reddit

Don't have to be ashamed of the car I drive I'm just glad to be here, happy to be alive

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will_i_hell@reddit

Couldn't give a shit, the newest vehicle I own is a 2003.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

You're gonna drive it until D is for reverse and N is for drive

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will_i_hell@reddit

I don't see the point in replacing a vehicle that does the job it's used for because a newer one has got more buttons to press or flashier electronic toys, let others spend tens of thousands today and I'll pick them up for peanuts in 15 years time.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed

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Albert_Herring@reddit

I drive a 74 plate car, and I feel worried that people think I'm the sort of person that has to have a new car. (Motability, replacing a 2001 estate that finally died just before Christmas that we'd had for ages).

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pengtoasterllamas@reddit

I love my 28 year old daily driver. Everyone into cars that sees it loves it too. https://preview.redd.it/ypqdnhwdpmwe1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8120d9004084b55a82c4c3c22a9145e0e4c2ac15

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Huxleypigg@reddit

Is paintwork good? Ever had a respray?

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pengtoasterllamas@reddit

On this car? Nah, it's very scratched on the wings and the hardtop paint is flaking off, and there are scratches and dents on every panel - however it's getting a full free respray in the same colour in a few weeks, courtesy of me now working in a paint booth.

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Huxleypigg@reddit

Oh right, I thought the paint might be in bad shape after that many years, but couldn't tell from photos. Lucky you getting a free respray! When it's done, maybe vinyl wrap it to protect it?

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pengtoasterllamas@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/lcz21n1pbtwe1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=609f280fbc8411a443f3fefea2f6d4c258072107 The paint in sunlight:

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pengtoasterllamas@reddit

It sounds like more time and hassle than it's worth. Because if it gets damaged, I can just do another respray myself for free😆

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AmbivalentOctopussy@reddit

Ooosh she’s a beaut 🤩

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pengtoasterllamas@reddit

Thank you! Supercharged too 😆

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C_Ux2@reddit

2003 VW Polo. I wear its age like a badge of honour. The old girl is a bit banged up, but then so am I.

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lamaldo78@reddit

That's impressive! Beats my 2008 ford focus haha. What's the mileage on yours?

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evenstevens280@reddit

2007 Focus checking in The mechanic at my last MOT said it was the best Focus he'd seen at its age. Granted it doesn't get a lot of mileage these days but she's still reliable as ever!

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KingDaveRa@reddit

My 2014 focus has 54k miles on it. Bugger all for a car of that type and age. Since COVID it hardly moves. I intend running it into the ground, it's cheap to run, comfortable to drive, and I can fit random shit in the boot. I upgraded the head unit to android auto recently too, which has been very useful 😆

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evenstevens280@reddit

What head unit did you go for? I'm looking to upgrade my aging stereo unit to something a little more modern...

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KingDaveRa@reddit

One of the XTrons unit. They're nothing special, plenty of quirks, but being able to connect android auto to it directly is good enough.

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Remarkable-Wash-7798@reddit

There's another group of people I think in the middle. I don't have a newer car for show and I do see it as a tool, but I like my tools with added convenience. Forgetting age, brand, whatever. I like having android auto/apple car play, climate control Vs on/off hot/cold blowers and now that I drive electric the pre-entry climate control is great, the car is literally defrosting in the winter months whilst I'm making coffee.

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MojoMomma76@reddit

And a 2007 Qashqai, lovely old reliable car

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turdor@reddit

2007 Subaru checking in.. I run on luck, frequent oil changes and many cambelts

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lamaldo78@reddit

That's exactly what you want to hear from your mechanic following an MOT! What's the mileage on it?

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evenstevens280@reddit

Coming up to 100k soon!

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Wonderful_Falcon_318@reddit

I loved my MK1 focus, how did you stop it rusting out underneath?

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lamaldo78@reddit

Oh mine rusted and I had to get some welding work done to get it through it's MOT. It doesn't have long left, there are rust spots elsewhere 😔

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Wonderful_Falcon_318@reddit

Superb cars, the engine was amazing, great to drive too.

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C_Ux2@reddit

Just hit 100k a few months ago! It was treated pretty well before I got my grubby hands on it.

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greylord123@reddit

I drive an 03 car too and I take it personally when I see an 02 plate (or earlier car). How dare you have an older car than me

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C_Ux2@reddit

Yea, same! Which is hilarious because if I see an 03 plate you'd think they were a long-lost relative, it makes me so happy!

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greylord123@reddit

[Literally me when I see someone driving a car older than mine](https://youtube.com/shorts/q7xYLgMhFiw?si=88RUSp9nA8ACxwlN) 🤣

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Rattus_Noir@reddit

I'm driving a 2002 Golf. Almost 250,000 on the clock, probably costs around 150 quid a year to keep to MOT standards. It's a keeper.

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RiceeeChrispies@reddit

My Ford Fiesta shares the same birth year, approaching 150k miles - 50k of those I’ve put on. Not bad at all for 400 quid.

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ModeR3d@reddit

Nope, I care about the car. My current car was only manufactured between 2007-2013 so I was always going to have an older reg.

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keto_emma@reddit

I have a brand new Audi, AND a 15 year old beat up suzuki alto with fading red paint. And the difference in judgement and how I'm treated on the road between the two of them is wild 😅. I'd consider myself well off by today's standards and I know everyone must be thinking I'm poor af driving the suzuki about. But it costs me nothing and it's handy to have a second run about that costs peanuts.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Could you expatiate a little on the difference in treatment?

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keto_emma@reddit

People are generally more rude and aggressive when I'm driving the Suzuki, ride right up my hole, attempt dangerous overtakes, pull out infront of me, more unlikely to give way -generally just get bullied on the road more. I used it to go to a local pregnancy group, and everyone made pretty quick assumptions that I was struggling for money and were sharing things like how you can get vouchers and benefit support etc (non of which I qualify for). I even arranged for them to come to my house and one went to my neighbours house thinking it must be mine (a small cottage) rather than my actual much larger property. People in my office comment on the suzuki "who's car is that??" when it's parked in the underground car park (only used by other senior folk with nice cars). It's quite telling tbh, and there's something quietly satisfying about it.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

This is exactly what I'm saying. A lot of people think they don't get judged or ridiculed for having old plates just because they don't hear it. If you observe well, it's palpable. I don't also drive a latest, intentionally, and I'm happy to be seen as poor if it means I get to keep an extra 300 to 500 in my pocket monthly

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keto_emma@reddit

Well it's not necessarily to do with the registration plate, more the make model and general age of the car. My old car has a private plate, so it's not to do with the registration being old.

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GoldenKettle24@reddit

I enjoy looking at the physical climate controls on my 2011 Honda and feeling like I'm winning.

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BloodyStupidJonSon@reddit

I don't care how old it is as long as it's clean, tidy and reliable. I've only recently got rid of my 190k mile Ford Mondeo I'd been driving for twelve years. That was only because the cost of a clutch replacement cost more than the value of the car.

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Professional-Ad7056@reddit

I don't care at all, but I do own a 25 plate. I can afford to and it's something I personally enjoy having, bit of fun and comfort for me but that's about it. I've never really cared about what others have, poor place to start comparisons.

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Automatic-Expert-231@reddit

I would feel highly intimidated by a newer car

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RaccoonNo5539@reddit

My company has a few vans ranging from 24 plate to a 12 plate. I much prefer the newer vans but much if that is due to the quality of drive. I must admit it feels better walking towards a brand new van rather than a 2012 (looked after) van but they're used for work so I'm not going to stress it. Generally speaking if someone personally owns a brand new car I think they're in debt and paying out £500< on something which doesn't earn them money. Saying that driving a new car gives you a good feeling so if it's your thing crack on.

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Yakuzakitty93@reddit

I have an 08 plate and a K reg. I feel like people who actually like cars don't care about how old a car is.

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Demand_Snail@reddit

Don't care - my car is a 72 plate but I have a semi-personalised plate on it that says 68

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CriticalCentimeter@reddit

I live in a town where most people are trying to be seen in the most expensive car they can get hold of. I drive a 2009 VW. I can afford something much newer/pricier, but I prefer to not have a monthly payment for something I only care about starting when I want it to and getting me from A to B. In 2018 I bought a car for £3500. I sold that in 2022 for £3500. I bought a VW for £3500, and I could sell it tomorrow for.... not far off £3500. That's my idea of economical motoring.

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Goss5588@reddit

Your 2006 Lexus still probably drives better than a car only a few years old anyway!!

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Hey, I agree. I had a 2013 Ford Bmax before my Lexus 06, and the 06 drives way better than the Bmax as the 06 was amongst the best of its time. Better an old luxury car than a new mid-range

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Goss5588@reddit

100% agree

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SeaweedOk9985@reddit

The worst part is time. I bought a used 2017 motorbike 4 years ago. It was the newest vehicle I have owned. But even year it just gets 1 year older, who made this system my god. Why can't it stay 4 years old forever. I have another bike that is 2006. At the time when I got it 8 or so years ago it felt pretty modern. The dash even had a backlight. Now I look at it in my garage sometimes and just think that it's almost 2 decades old... but it's a modern bike.

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sanbikinoraion@reddit

58 plate. Only down side is actually stuff starting to go wrong randomly. Will probably switch it before it's 20 years old.

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pwuk@reddit

I like to adapt Ben Elton's line from "This Other Eden" - >Leave a message, don't leave a message. live, die, it's all the same dream.

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CaptH3inzB3anz@reddit

I couldn't care less as long as the vehicle runs fine, I drive a 2005 BMW, it's a bit beat up, but she runs fine. I would love to afford a brand new car, but I doubt that will ever happen.

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Darkerscr@reddit

One of my cars is from 1983 so no 😂

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Afraid_Simple_4061@reddit

I drive a 2007 mondeo... And the only reason I'm looking to change it is it is mainly just me in it for work. Once a week the missus will be with me when we do the weekly shop and other than that if I'm heading out somewhere with a camera and a friend well car share, but take it in turns with who's car we're in. It's way to big (and thirsty because it's the 'fast' version) for that sort of use so will be getting a smaller car, but budget dictates that it won't be very new.

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jilljd38@reddit

I miss driving my dad's old mondeo was sooo comfy to drive and great for long drives

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GreenGrass_Bees7@reddit

We have been married 34 years and pledged when we got married that we would only have one car payment at a time. We have a 2023 Lexus and a 2007 Infiniti. We had to get rid of our 2005 F-150 because there was a leak in the moonroof and chipmunks took up residence in the damn thing. Lol. Anyway, we buy new and keep them forever. We do complain about getting a new car and paying double every time because we wait so long, but that is better than losing money buying a new car often. And, if you take care of your cars by keeping up with maintenance, keeping it clean, and waxing it often, it should last you a long time. Our 2007 has 85,000 miles. It is our summer car because it is the coupe model and it is fast and fun to drive. When we moved in 2016, we sold a 1993 Ford Ranger so we didn’t have to pay to move it from the west coast to the east coast. I still miss that truck. It was a stick shift. I should have kept it.

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Mr-Incy@reddit

My car is a 2013 and it does what it is supposed to do and I have zero finance on it, I paid cash for it 6 years ago. I don't care how old my car is or how new someone else's is, I am not materialistic. If someone was trying to ridicule me for driving an older car, that person would be cheerfully told to fuck off and grow up.

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Practical_Scar4374@reddit

Why wait until they ridicule you for driving an older car? Cheerfully tell them to fuck off now.

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running_on_fumes25@reddit

Nope. I keep cars until they die. I generally buy a car that is 2 to 3 years old and then run it until it'll start to cost money to get things repaired.

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BubbyBoo01@reddit

2002’ford focus here😂

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cowpatter@reddit

Just traded in my 13 year old Volvo for a 12 year old VW. Love them both. Carrying about the year of your car seems a bit 2003

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Indigo-Waterfall@reddit

lol. I couldn’t give a shit. I don’t look at peoples number plates. I’m sure there are people that care but it means absolutely fuck all to me.

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SinHarvestz@reddit

Couldn't care less. If you judge someone for driving an older car there's a good chance I'm not going to like you anyway.

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Saw_Boss@reddit

But here's a thread full of people judging others for driving a newer car.

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Happylittlecultist@reddit

Judging for how people feel the need to drive only new cars. Not for simply having a new car. Subtle difference. Still judging people based on one minor quirk.

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PudWud-92_@reddit

It’s still stupid either way. I don’t care how old my car is, but I also never judge others. Some people like having new things, some people like having nice things, but it isn’t always linked to people trying to show off to others. For example I love playing guitar, and now I have a young son I just play at home in my office now, but not in a band. I still love buying new (and very nice) guitars. But I’m not showing off to anyone, I just like them. I guess what I’m trying to say is, judging others for how they spend their money is pointless.

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Massaging_Spermaceti@reddit

I similarly don't care about how old my car is, it's just something that's not important to me. I've had a few comments from coworkers about it, but it's like water off a duck's back. It's like telling me their favourite baseball team, I couldn't care less. If they care about the age of their car good for them, takes every colour to make a rainbow.

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Glittering-Sink9930@reddit

I have no interest in baseball either, but I think that's much more interesting. I would immediately think "I wonder if they have lived in America?" or "What made them choose that team?" or "Is it difficult to watch baseball from the UK?" or "Can I take the piss out of them for liking a worse version of rounders?" Whereas if someone tells me about their car, I just think "Twat."

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TwinkletheStar@reddit

Lol. I just bought a 2014 car, literally the newest car I've ever owned. I've been driving it feeling like I've just gone up in the world 😅 You just brought me back down to earth. 😅

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hatthewmartley@reddit

You have gone up in the world!

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TwinkletheStar@reddit

Ha, thanks. If you'd seen the last car I had you'd know how true your comment is. But it's more about having a safer, hopefully more reliable car than anything else.

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hatthewmartley@reddit

I have a 2014 car myself. I see no reason to upgrade just yet, it's a brilliant little car. It runs fine and has Bluetooth! Nothing else needed.

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Thomasine7@reddit

I bought a 2012 car two years ago, and kept exclaiming how nice it was to have a "new" car which amused people. It was new compared to the 2004 car I'd been driving until then! My husband just bought a 2002 plate and he's very pleased with it.

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TwinkletheStar@reddit

Yes! You totally get the feeling too. When I first drove it and it 'stopped running' when waiting at traffic lights I was really concerned. Until someone reminded me that newer cars have a stop-start function 😊

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BElannaTorres74656@reddit

Same 🤣 I bought a 64 plate Qashqai last year and I view it as a massive extravagance! It was my 40th birthday present to myself and I love it to bits!

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TwinkletheStar@reddit

Mine was only bought because I was given a bit of money from someone's will. I don't see a scenario where I can afford a car that expensive again.

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---x__x---@reddit

I got a 2015 mustang just over 2 years ago and I’m gonna drive this thing into the ground.

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TwinkletheStar@reddit

Tbh I don't actually care how old a car is....I tend to also drive a car until it is at the point where it won't pass an MOT, and is too expensive to fix, and then I scrap it. The only time I've ever really noticed the age of other people's cars is when I've driven in central London and its hard to spot a car which is older than the previous year. It makes me feel like a poor country bumpkin 😅

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Haha sorry, I didn't mean to

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Bernice1979@reddit

Don’t know but I see this a lot these days on social media as well. I just traded in a 21 year old Yaris. Wonder what people were thinking about me. I’m doing ok in life, I just had different priorities.

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apocalypsebrow@reddit

I love seeing older plate cars, there's some Astra's etc kicking around near me and I'm always like, damn someone knows how to care for their shit. I've got a 2011 car, my partners is 2006. Both are excellent value . I couldn't imagine having to set aside £300+ a month for a car ATM

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Dramatic-Ad-1328@reddit

I'd much rather drive a 2006 Lexus than a much more modern cheap car. Quality is forever, and Lexus are built well and pleasant cars. I drive a 2005 BMW M6. I wouldn't swap it for a newer one, and I could afford a newer one too.

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ExtremeTiredness@reddit

I have an old car & recently bought a new car. Apart from the head unit being touchscreen in the new car they are both equally as nice. I've just splurged on a new headunit for my old car as I prefer driving the old car but want a touchscreen. All this to say, no I don't care the age of a vehicle, I prefer the older style cars these days anyway.

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joshua1486@reddit

I have a 57 plate VW that has cost me about £4k and and average of £300 a year for MOT and repairs over the last 10 years, I’d say I’m winning. Also means when I’m driving around/parking almost every other car on the road is newer, means I’m not worried about scuffs or scrapes I might get on it at this point and I know for sure they are.

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ProfessorYaffle1@reddit

I'm not bothered. I recently replaced my car (07 Polo) because it got to the point where the cost of getting it through the MoT was going to be more than the car was worth. I'd had it 11 years. Previous car i had for 12 years and only replaced because some bugger drove into the back of ot and it was a write off. My new-to-me car feels VERY new as it is under a year old - I care about the plate in that I got a better deal as I was buying in February just before the new plates in March. It had 5000 on the clock when I bought it, so to all intents and purposes brand new, but cost me about 25% less than a new one :) All being well, it'll last me for another decade or so. (That's said, i do quite enjoy spotting the first new plates of Spring each year!)

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ShotInTheBrum@reddit

My X reg Clio was one of my favourite cars untill I finally had to get rid of it a few years ago.

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Elegant_Plantain1733@reddit

No, although does feel nice to drive a new car sometimes. But once I have a car I've always driven them til they die. Never once have I heard anyone make a bad comment about the age of someone's car - if anything it's a "wow I've not seen an R reg for a long time, that's pretty good going". I did have to rub my eyes when I saw an R reg Tesla though as thought I was seeing things.

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jack5624@reddit

No, in fact I actively mock people who talk about it to much.

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Nine_Eye_Ron@reddit

There is a year in it?

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gbredneck@reddit

Couldnt give a toss these days, take more pride in not having a car loan / pcp payment every month.

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Dialgax@reddit

I brought my 70 plate Audi a few years ago with no finance, but watching it devalue over such a short period of time made me realise that I’ve got way more important things to be spending money on, like buying a house, upgrading it and putting my money to work. Only when I have a small empire is when I’ll think about buying a new car again

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Wise.

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simundo86@reddit

No. People have got as obsessed with having new cars every couple of years like mobile phone. I drive mine till they fail. A lot of people with new cars constantly are just stuck in the pcp cycle

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I think they don't mind being lost in the thick pcp fog - they just want to drive a shiny new toy every 3 years

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Dedward5@reddit

Don’t care about age, do most of my school run and shopping trips in my 2001 Audi A2 I bought broken for £250

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yearsofpractice@reddit

I don’t actually own a car, so can’t really comment. Instead of spending money on cars, I bought a house close to a city centre. The buses I use to get around unusually seem quite new, if that counts…?

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Buses are now moving to EVs, I guess. But once in a while, I still see the odd old plates

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Rootvegforrootbeer@reddit

I drive a 14 plate van purely because it’s what I can afford and what fits my daughters wheelchairs. Can’t even afford the cars from the motability scheme as it’d cost me 3 times more than my current van for the deposit of one of theirs that might be taken away if DLA decide my daughter no longer qualifies despite she will forever be in a wheelchair and will forever need 24hr care

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kylehyde84@reddit

My old job had a policy if you took car allowance it had to be less than 5 years old. There ended my bangernomics. Since I left though I've not changed car, my 18 plate giulia is paid off, so I'll keep it until the electrics inevitably fail

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mozzamo@reddit

You won’t get any sense on this topic in r/AskUK, UK Redditors are a tightfisted miserable bunch 😆

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

😄

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callardo@reddit

It used to be a big thing when it was going through the alphabet now they just look like random numbers that only car nerds can decipher and tell you what time and where the car was registered

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

It's still quite easy to tell the year. 24 and 74 mean 2024, with 74 meaning it was registered later in the year. 64 and 14 are 2014, 54 and 04 are 2004. Telling where it was registered is more difficult as the letters are arbitrary

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breadandbutter123456@reddit

My car is 06 plate. It looks pretty rough. But then I don’t owe anyone a penny and own my house outright. I go on several holidays a year. What keeps me awake at the moment is having no pension. But I’ve got a plan. I’m 40+.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Hope it goes well for you. Alternatively, you can sell up your house and retire in a very low income country

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breadandbutter123456@reddit

Maybe. We will see.

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Huxleypigg@reddit

Don't worry about it, you might not even make pension age, not everyone does!

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breadandbutter123456@reddit

Exactly! Both my parents did not. As long as I have enough for dignitas….

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Cadbury2014@reddit

I’m like you and drive an older car, a 1999 BMW. Personally I’d far rather have an older ‘quality’ make of car than a cheaper branded new one that will be worth nothing in ten years’ time. My car has lost no value in the 11 years I’ve had it and is now starting to climb in value.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

There is a fine line between old and vintage

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Filfield_no1@reddit

Got a 2003 VW Lupo, 122k going strong! Still reliable and it's also small for easy driving and parking, it's pokey too. Great little car for getting around, electric windows too 😃.

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ConsistentCatch2104@reddit

I would never drive a car older than 3 years old. Get a new one every 3 years. Just don’t want the hassle of having to get things fixed, worry about my wife and kids breaking down somewhere… rattles, knocks, and squeaks. Plus I love my tech.

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Huxleypigg@reddit

So you've never had any engine management lights come on the dash of these less than 3yr old cars?

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ConsistentCatch2104@reddit

Never. The only warning light to have ever come on in any of them was a tyre inflation light.

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Huxleypigg@reddit

Well I'm surprised. But, even tyre pressure sensors are just another needless thing to go wrong

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ConsistentCatch2104@reddit

It costs £1 at the petrol station to top up the air! Plus I’ve always done work salary sacrifice schemes. So never have to think about servicing, maintenance, mot’s, insurance. That is all included. This last one was an electric. The 3 years is up in June. Just ordered the new replacement - Audi Q6. Will never go back from electric.

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Huxleypigg@reddit

I know! It's not the air that's the issue, it's the sensors that can go wrong!

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ConsistentCatch2104@reddit

Never had to have a sensor even looked at! Not much goes wrong in the first 3 years. It’s after that things start to go wrong.

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roebar@reddit

Nah - my husband has an 04 Audi A3 (as old as our marriage) and we all fight over driving it because it’s so fun. I drive an 09 XC90 and I love it. Tows like a dream and is super reliable. My eldest has a wee ford fiesta which is a 14 I think. Brill car. We’ll drive all of them until they irreversibly break.

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PumpkinSpice2Nice@reddit

I honestly don’t know how to tell what the numbers on the plate mean. That’s how much I care.

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Marsmanic@reddit

I much prefer older car less mileage, than newer car higher mileage. So when buying (always second hand) I will happily take a 2/3 year older reg if it has 40/50k less miles on it. I know 2 Millionaires, one drives a 2023 Bentley the other drives a 2012 Ford Focus... I know which one will stay a Millionaire.

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lilcheese840@reddit

All the cars I want are older cars so fuck what they say. Yeah new cars may have a lot fancier tech inside them but old cars look so much nicer. Give me a ‘97 mx5 over any new car any day

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Real-Apricot-7889@reddit

I do not think the desire to drive a new car is related to classism necessarily. I think while obviously there are lots of middle class people who drive expensive new cars, and working class people who can’t afford a new car… it’s also quite middle class to drive an old banger and not care and can be quite an aspirational thing for many working class people to want to have a new car.

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funkmachine7@reddit

Why care? sure if i was planing to sell it i might care but im not.

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Equilateral-circle@reddit

Don't worry, the people driving 25 plates are as broke as you, its all finance

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xsorr@reddit

No. Give me the easiest number plate anyday

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Lazy-Contribution789@reddit

Not seen a car question for a while, they always end up with every owner of a 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier telling the world how it's a perfectly decent car that only cost them £300 and anyone that spends more is a fool and a show off. I'm going to take a punt that this woman wasn't ridiculed about her 2014 car.

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threeca@reddit

My mum REALLY cares. I had a private plate on my previous car because it was a 69 plate and I couldn’t stand my brother beavis and butthead laughing at it whenever he saw it. Now I’ve got a 19 plate and I’m happy with it, no need for a private reg anymore! I hope to keep it for at least 10 years so ask me then haha. My mum thinks I’m the worst for not sticking a private reg on it because it’s “old” eugh

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Huxleypigg@reddit

Glad she's not my mum, sounds like a horrible women.

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SchemeIllustrious815@reddit

No, I don't give a toss. Ifs a hunk of metal with 4 wheels that gets me ftom A to B. Nothing elae to it. As long as its MOT'd and taxed it does not matter. P.s I have 12 plate

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Legit_Vampire@reddit

I've just parted with my 2010 car ( little things started constantly going wrong so time to get another) got a 2015 ( immaculate, 37,00 genuine miles, full service history etc etc) picked it up last Friday it was a dream to drive back home really nice car. Next morning get in it & there's no clutch, managed to get back to the garage they've taken it in & gave me a 24 plate as a courtesy car .... It's horrible visability is awful ( windows are so small, everything is electronic - took forever to figure out the radio etc etc). So give me an older plain & simple car any day. Hoping to get mine back today/tomorrow. ( It's been bank holiday weekend hence the delay)

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Quaser_8386@reddit

Our late Queen had a 50 year old Land Rover that she drove around Windsor Castle in. Didn't bother her or the Duke one iota.

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FuckGiblets@reddit

03 Toyota Yaris here. Still runs like new. No one’s ever going to steal it. I really couldn’t give a shit about the cars around me.

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tcrhs@reddit

I don’t care.

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matweat@reddit

I’ve got a 2023 Seat Ateca. Pointless upgrade from my old 2007 ford focus. I wish I had stuck with the ford. The seat has been at the dealership being fixed for over a week. Maybe I chose the wrong car, but newer cars seem to be built badly

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Scarboroughwarning@reddit

Nope, doesn't interest me. Cars are liabilities, not assets. That said, I spent silly money (for me) on my current 2015 car. Literally equal to all the others combined, in 31 yes of driving

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WranglerAltruistic53@reddit

I care about the year in the sense that I don’t like how some cars looked before certain years For example, Toyota Yaris cars before 2012 or Kia picantos before 2017. But when it comes to the actual year and having an ‘old car’ I don’t care

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ambergriswoldo@reddit

Weird. I’ve got a 2010 car, it runs fine and the mileage is still well under 100k. I’ve exchanged for second hand cars for years and personally can’t understand the point in buying a brand new car for crazy money.

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Rastapopolos-III@reddit

I was looking at getting a private reg for my bike because I didn't want the 24 on the plate. Makes it way more nickable.

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raccoonsaff@reddit

Nope, don't even look. My mum does sometimes look, if a car looks really new, but it's only to go 'oooh, new car'!

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harris_kid@reddit

Recently car shopped and I didn't care what year, I just wanted Android Auto, climate control and cruise control. Ended up with a 68 plate.

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Did_OJ_Simpson_do_it@reddit

Yes, I hate bangernomics. The only thing I hate more than bangernomics is public transport.

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Smudge3108@reddit

My car is a T reg lol

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craftyorca135@reddit

I only care if they're going slowly. Like say...40 on a 60. Then I start wondering if it's the age of the car, or a bad driver. I don't really care in a snobbish sense, it just annoys me wheh someone's going stupidly slow.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I think that's got more to do with the driver than the car as even the old ones can go really fast

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Jolly-Bandicoot7162@reddit

I don't care in the slightest. Until last year I was driving a 14 year old car and husband's was older than that. Sadly mine died completely or else we'd still have them both. If anyone wants to make assumptions about us based on our cars, that's up to them. I don't feel the need to let them know our actual situation!

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Best way to go about it, really

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brithefry@reddit

Lexus, The Japanese Mercedes

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Very dependable and drives smoothly

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Illustrious-Log-3142@reddit

Honestly I judge people who always have a new car more, it says alot about a person. Worked at a charity and my old boss had 2 brand new cars, he made sure everyone knew about them. It was insanely insensitive when many staff and clients relied on food banks.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed. It immediately gives poor financial hygiene

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Pauliboo2@reddit

I don’t like the September plates, so 62,64,72,74 etc, I drive a 12 - I think it’s a psychological reason, and I don’t need to work it out.

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Dotty_Bird@reddit

2004 Citroen xsara picasso and I love her. This is my second from the same year. The first went 1.5 times around its clock so to the moon and back plus a bit more. Lol This one is also getting up there. I shall be very very sad to see this one go.

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BorderlineWire@reddit

Our car is 25 years old. No one cares how old it is. I have been told by multiple people it’s ugly, but that’s got mostly nothing to do with its age. It’s never been a mean thing, though and I don’t really mind because I love the silly orange cockroach of a thing.

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adreddit298@reddit

Have had brand new cars. Have had fast cars. Have had big cars. Currently have a 13 year old Mondeo diesel because it's cheap, reliable, comfortable, and spends 2/3 of the time on my drive. Perfect car for me at the moment. Well, except for the times when I wish it was just a little more exciting to drive.

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WorriedHelicopter764@reddit

Couldn’t give a shit tbh.. I drive an 09 Toyota and proud

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victotororex@reddit

I don’t even know how to tell the year from the number plate, would never occur to me! I drive them until the cost of fixing becomes more than the cost of a new car. Super scientific.

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blackmamba0302@reddit

Latest cars mean pcp to me.

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Far_Kaleidoscope_102@reddit

I have a 2016 car with RI21 *** private plate. People ask me all the time how have I got a 21 plate reg on an older model and I realised I’m practically driving on a 98 reg and that’s how I get away with it.

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Snoo-84389@reddit

I have a 2017 car. It came with a personal plate so the year is not at all obvious - well, if you know the model well then you'll know the year it stopped being made. But the car and the paintwork are both in excellent condition so most people probably wouldnt have a clue of the age. Either way I love it 😀

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AvatarIII@reddit

No I just want the last 3 letters to be fun.

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blainy-o@reddit

Couldn't give less of a fuck.

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mottledmirror@reddit

Not in the slightest. I have an 2006 and a 2019. Cant see any reason to replace either . If any the 2019 will go first

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blissnabob@reddit

I care in so much as older can mean less reliable. In terms of image couldn't care less.

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folgato@reddit

No, but after having worked within the motor trade for around a decade I definitely care about the year in the registration of other vehicles I see.

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PatserGrey@reddit

Ha ha, our newer car is a 09. We just don't do the mileage to warrant a proper spend on cars but we do regularly need to be in two different places at the same time so we own two of them. My 07 mazda 3 only has 66k miles on the clock, im getting that car to at least 20 out of sheer respect, it has cost me next to nothing in maintenance

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PigletAlert@reddit

I care about safety. Old cars are statistically more likely to be in a fatal accident. My old company had driver training that recommended you consider a new vehicle from 5 years.

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satrialesporkstore1@reddit

Handed back a 23 plate company car I had from new and bought a 19 plate because I preferred the car and didn’t want all the utter CRAP the 23 plate came with. Chimes when you get in, get out, belt on, belt off, computer everything, radar cruise control that I HATED and couldn’t be disabled. Couldn’t even move it 1 inch to re-park without putting my belt on. Wouldn’t move. Fully touch screen. Assisted this. Assisted that. DETESTED IT. Went for a lovely 19 plate with none of that crap. Don’t care about the plate, care about the car.

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Appropriate_Dig_252@reddit

I drive a 2010 and don't mind in the slightest. I prefer older cars, such as they look less shit, generally don't have these massive screens (have seen a 2010 Seat with one tbf). Not many features a newer car has that appeal to me, except maybe a blindspot sensor on your mirrors. I don't want a car to brake for me, I can park without a camera. That said I have been looking at a newer car for when the time comes on my girl because there's always the risk of the older car being a lemon. Can't trust anyone, they never have the service history. I know more now and can do some checks than the past but I am no mechanic.

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RevolutionaryPace167@reddit

No. I come from Devon and we keep our cars until they die

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

...Until they're begging to be scrapped. Can I be from Devon too?

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RevolutionaryPace167@reddit

Probably

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nathan0031@reddit

Couldn't care less until the yearly vehicle tax letter reminding me I'm to be financially punished because my car is old and emits more in comparison to magic city electric cars.

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Zealousideal-Cap-383@reddit

Bought a VW camper and there's a bit of a culture in the VW-sphere to put your own reg on and personalise. Actually got accused by some friends of cheaping out and hiding its age! They don't get it. I couldn't care less.

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zonaa20991@reddit

Only for insurance purposes. Although once I start driving I would like a private plate for reasons relating to my name and birthday making an obvious number plate without too much ridiculousness of having 4’s for A’s etc., and an added bonus is the general public wouldn’t even know how old my car is. Yes I am the sort of knobhead who has a private plate.

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Specialist_Emu7274@reddit

I can’t say I even read numberplates most of the time, so I would only guess the age from how the car looks. My car is 2012 and it’s the newest car in my family. We keep cars until they are only fit to be crushed

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Better_Concert1106@reddit

My car is 17 years old. I couldn’t give a monkeys.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

The last part is the best part of driving an older car. I just don't care if it gets scratched - and people with the latest ones have to be careful around me 😀

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Better_Concert1106@reddit

Indeed, nothing really to lose! Comes in handy with enforcing merge in turn situations, the knob in the new BMW can try and stop me merging, but it’ll be them crying about their new car being damaged because I’m not stopping 🤣

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

And in two days, I'm back on the road with another 06 banger while they're still trying to sort out insurance and new finance for another 25 plate 😄

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hallerz87@reddit

I know some people who put a lot on emphasis on things being new. They tie it to status. They would happily pay a premium for a new build home over something 10 years old. Same with cars. Not something that bothers me (I drive a 2007 car). Those same people regularly suggest I get a new car but I just don't see the reason!

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I know someone like that - even married a virgin as he wanted new!

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bigfootsbeard1@reddit

Literally no one has ever said anything to me about my 2013 car except to say how well it still runs even though I don't maintain it properly. I would love a newer car but only for comfort purposes. Otherwise I'm happy to drive it until it dies.

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MercatorLondon@reddit

I don’t care what other people think.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Me too!

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MercatorLondon@reddit

I don't care what you think eighter :)

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

😄😄😄

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daxamiteuk@reddit

No… but I hate driving in general, and I hate other drivers . So I’m the wrong person to ask 😂 I have an old Toyota Yaris. It functions . I only use it to do errands for my elderly mother and use it maybe once per year for myself so there’s no point me being invested in a car. Sometimes I daydream about owning a nice shiny modern car that’s easy to drive and has helpful functions etc but … 🤷🏽‍♂️

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

What's your average monthly cost? Is it better to take Uber on the odd days out?

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daxamiteuk@reddit

I have thought about that sometimes - all the costs of insurance , road tax etc plus I struggle to find parking spaces etc But Ubers are no longer reliable and I still prefer the flexibility of having the car … for now. But It’s entirely possible that when my mum passes, I’ll just get rid of it. Insurance is about £40, petrol is maybe £10, road tax is about £20 so that’s £70 per month I guess. Damn, maybe an Uber + membership would make sense after all….

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

£70 is a steal. You must drive so little if £10 takes you through the month. I buy £40 to £50 fuel every week.

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daxamiteuk@reddit

Yeah it’s about £40-45 to fill the tank, and I only fill up every now and then (today in fact!). Hard to burn much petrol when the entire area is a 20mph zone ….

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Buzz me if and when you want to sell, I might be interested haha

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Ill-Appointment6494@reddit

Couldn’t give a toss. And I think people who buy personalised number plates are a special breed as well. What’s the point?

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North_Compote1940@reddit

My mother bought my father one for a big birthday. They're both gone and the plate is now mine on a retention. Do I use it? Do I keep it on retention? Do I try and sell it? When the retention runs out do I just let it go back to DVLA? I'll probably stick it on my car for a while and see how I feel.

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Kat8844@reddit

I really don’t care what car someone drives, yes I have a quite new car but the idea of caring or judging someone else about how old their car is or what make it is just seems really odd to me.

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iwantmorewhippets@reddit

I have a 2011 Volvo and have no plans on changing it any time soon. It has most of the features of more modern cars and the quality of the interior is superior to modern Volvo's. The only thing gone wrong with it is the air con compressor. It's on 110k miles and drives like a dream still. I would much prefer a decent quality older car than a newer, lower quality car. Also I don't care what anyone else thinks about my car, it is perfect for me and my family. If anyone ridiculed me for having an older car I would probably laugh at them for being so pretentious.

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Santsuh@reddit

I don’t know how to read make years on plates. So I couldn’t care less

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Ill_Reserve_2988@reddit

F

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setokaiba22@reddit

I saw an advert at a match on the weekend advertising new year number plates on sale. Like who cares?

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vipros42@reddit

Have you met other people? Why the fuck would I care what they think?

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furrycroissant@reddit

Absolutely not. Salesman tried to sell me the same make and model I was driving, for an extra £50pm. When I queried why on earth I would do such a thing, his only response was "because it's a newer plate".

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Famous_Break8095@reddit

Old money= old car. New money= new car on finance

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Liamzinho@reddit

Reminds me of when I got taken the piss out of for wearing cheap Hi-Tec trackies in year 8. It’s only an issue for people with the mindset of a 13 year old.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed

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IhaveaDoberman@reddit

Depends on the car.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I'm what way?

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IhaveaDoberman@reddit

Make, model, condition.

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LopsidedLobster2@reddit

When I see someone in a new car my first thought isn’t they must have lots of money, it’s they must be up to their necks in debt

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I lowkey have this mindset. I feel guilty thinking that way sometimes 😀

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Up_The__Toffees@reddit

Yes. I buy newer cars that are still in warranty and sell when the warranty ends. That’s the only reason

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Odd_Cryptographer941@reddit

I drive a 11plate Nissan, and I love it, Comfortable, Reliable, and Paid for! And while its running right I have no reason to change it. When it starts to cost big Money then I will Change It!

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umognog@reddit

I dont care, but i know people who do.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I think I know people who do too

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Ok-Union3146@reddit

Not at all but I like older cars. I can also respect that some people just dont care about cars and would rather use their money on things they enjoy, some of the wealthiest people i know drive non flashy cars and then I’ve known some cleaners with a new bmw on pcp

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buster1bbb@reddit

I honestly couldn't care less how old my car is, so long as it runs ok and is roadworthy its fine by me

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jasminenice@reddit

No, as long as the car is roadworthy, all good. I couldn't take somebody seriously if they judged me on the age of my car.

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FarIndication311@reddit

I've never given it a thought until now. Perhaps it's one of the reasons some people buy vanity plates, but I'd bet most people couldn't care less. Looks like there's a bunch of people who see this as a big thing.

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badpersian@reddit

I was 50/50 about plate year. Sort of had the thought that people would think "you earn enough, why drive such an old car", but I realised as I got older people will always say some shit about you and what you own. You don't live for others and best thing is to not have debt. I used to drive an 18 plate Honda CRV. It was a lovely family car and repayments were too bad £300 a month. I unfortunately had a crash and it was written off and insurance paid out the final 2 years left on the finance. Soon after, my wife and I lost our jobs because of an issue between the ceo of the company we worked for (I threatened him when he tried to be inappropriate towards my wife). I bought the 06 Lexus with no debt and happy about it. It's a solid car, comfy and reliable. I owe nothing on it and don't worry about people liking it or not. It's a larger engine so drinks a bit of fuel but I enjoy it. If you want opinion, if buying a second hand car, go to the top of the range kitted out model you want because it's more likely to 1. Have been owned by someone who could afford to take care of it and 2. Will have features which would be someone akin to present day models. In short, screw what others say buy what you can afford and enjoy. 🙂

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed. If I wanted to upgrade to something recent due to all the new tech and stuff, I'd maybe go for a 2016 and try to buy one of the best cars of 2016. Chances are they already have some of the latest features

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badpersian@reddit

Yes so when I bought my last car, I went for Japanese brand that was seen as less premium rather than BMW or Mercedes that all my friends went for. I bought the EX model which had all the additional extras etc whereas my mate bought the 3 series with basic options and still paid more on monthly repayments as a lease whereas mine was HP finance.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Wise choice

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MFingAmpharos@reddit

I have a plate that makes the car look 1.5 years older than it is. I don't give a toss because it spells something cool.

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robbeech@reddit

A few years ago I was essentially ridiculed by a couple of friends for having a 2010 car as part of their elaborate showing off session about the new almost £50,000 vehicle they’d just purchased (with a little help from a parent on the deposit and then a 5 year finance deal). I found it somewhat amusing, and a few years on when my same car has lost around £4000 of its value and theirs has lost nearly £40,000 of its value I do wonder if they are still happy to make fun of my car. I’ve often found new fancy cars to be compensating for something, and whilst I’m certainly not against the idea of them for business purposes where it makes financial sense / works well for tax purposes I do find it bizarre that so many people are happy to pay figures often amounting to nearly 50% of their mortgage cost on a car that they’ll either give back and have nothing to show for or be stuck with with far less value than the money they’ve paid.

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SoggyWotsits@reddit

My favourite runaround is a 25 year old Land Cruiser. Automatic, full leather, heated seats, air con, heated electric mirrors, can carry 8 people with the third row of seats down, or with all the seats up can carry all your worldly belongings and more. Will also tow 3.5t all day long. It’s done around 300k miles!

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Smeeble09@reddit

I care about the car I drive rather than the age. A chunk of my dream cars are "older" ones, XJ220, f40, focus mk1 rs etc. If someone has an older car or a newer one it means nothing to me. If they have a nice car then I'm going to look/listen to the engine.

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Valuable-Wallaby-167@reddit

My car is an 06 plate, it also has several dings and a different coloured wing mirror. I've had 0 grief about this, even working with teenagers. If an actual adult made fun of me for my car I'd be so embarrassed for them.

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BlueChickenBandit@reddit

I'm sure teenagers have a strange level of respect for people who just don't care what others think and are happy with what they have. They probably think you're pretty cool (or whatever the current teenage equivalent is), although they would never say it.

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Smooth-Bowler-9216@reddit

I usually buy about 3-3.5 years old and then keep it until it’s hit the 10 year mark, then sell up. People chasing a new plate will be depressed every 6 months when the next batch come out. And that’s without stating the obvious…who the fuck bases their worth on a bunch of letters and numbers

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-bambalam@reddit

2003 Peugeot 206 SW. the only panel that isn’t dented or scratched is the roof. Bought it off a dear old lady (only owner) for £700 1.5 years ago. Only had 50k miles on the clock. Love it.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Gotta love the freedom to drive without having to think about every tiny dent or scratch

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-bambalam@reddit

Not only that but people always steer clear when I’m trying to merge because they think I’m a crappy driver, that’s a win every day 🤭. And people don’t park next to me in the supermarkets. The car itself is faultless to drive, so smooth, cruises along at 70 so comfortably. So much so that I prefer it to drive over my partners 10 year newer car!

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Haha 😄. You just can't seem to go wrong with an obsolete car!

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WatchingTellyNow@reddit

If I like the car and it's reliable, I couldn't give a shit.

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Otherwise-Winner9643@reddit

A car gets me from A to B, that's all.

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Sexy_Worm@reddit

Mine is 2011 plate. And i honestly don't care, I love the car, and it fits my family perfectly. I don't think I'd ever want a different one. Especially as they don't make my car anymore, there aren't any new new models anyway. I'd honestly be devastated once I have to upgrade.

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jamiekayuk@reddit

People do care. They are very sad boring people. Beat staying clear of them freakshows, they will drain your energy.

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wereheretobeus@reddit

It gets me where I need to be, has low mileage, its a 2009 car, I'm happy with it

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Wizzpig25@reddit

I consider my older car a small badge of honour.

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Green-Froyo-7533@reddit

I don’t care I went from having no drivers licence to now having one and I can get from A to B in such a shorter time with my kids. My car’s 6 yrs old I was lucky enough to have the money to buy a second have vehicle aged almost 4 yrs old when I passed my test. I won’t look at getting a newer vehicle until my current one is unable to be reliable. I grew up with not much money, my dad repaired his own vehicles, bought parts from scrapyards and searched around for the cheapest insurance back when you had to actually phone the places up. I look after my car, get it serviced and sort out things as soon as needed and I love the fact I have my little car in front of my home and can just go when I need to. Today for instance my partner had a hospital appointment and two years ago it would have been 4 buses to make that journey and taken up a whole day rushing back to grab the kids from school or arranging for someone to get them for us. Today we got to the appointment 20 mins after setting off and we’re back home before lunchtime. It’s changed my life. I wouldn’t judge anybody on the vehicle they drive unless they are driving it illegally

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed. I go on walks in the country and when I didn't have a car, it used to take me 3 hrs to get to the starting point. Now I get there in 30 mins to 40 mins or less. My car gives me comfort and doesn't let me down so no need to change it. I hope no one is offended seeing my 06 next to their 25!

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Green-Froyo-7533@reddit

I live close to the Peak District and now we have the transport we often go exploring the area. Before it was local parks and waiting around on hot days or rainy and windy days for buses. The transport is terrible in this city and being not so flat even walking far becomes a challenge for us because of the steep terrain in places. We’re no mountain climbers but we enjoy being outdoors

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I've been to Buxton twice recently. Absolutely lovely place. One day, my friends and I met somewhere and while we were dispersing, everybody got into their car and left. I went to the bus stand and it started raining. After that day, I decided to get a car! Nothing fancy, I just did not want to wait under the rain for buses anymore or travel 3 hours to walk

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scare_crowe94@reddit

Yeah it’s 1999 so pretty cool to me anyway

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anabsentfriend@reddit

I had to scrap my Focus last year that I'd been driving since 2008. I was devastated. My friends were impressed that it had kept going for so long, they certainly didn't mock me (who has friends that mock them?).

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e-pancake@reddit

my car is 08 and I feel fancy because my last one was 55 lol, I’m really not fussed. I also think cars from 1990-2010 look the best anyway so I’ll cling onto mine as long as I possibly can

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AdPale1469@reddit

cars are money pits. I think it must be a psi-op to make people waste as much money as possible on the most depreciable asset there could possibly exist. Keep that Lexus going for as long as possible.

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cdh79@reddit

62 plate hyundai i30. Its still on its original exhaust!!! When I started driving in '97, a 5yr old car would need bits of exhaust replacing as often as the air in the tyres. 138k miles!!! And it's never blown a head gasket!!! I had a two year old '08 bmw 520d. Great car to drive, bag of shit transport. Everything that went wrong with it was because of poor design choices. Everything was £1.5k to fix if you went to bmw. Turbo. Wiring loom. Locking and Radio receiver system. Install the Bluetooth chip. Everything £1.5k.... A cars a tin box, I dont judge what you have (unless it's a chelsea tractor and you've even got the tyres muddy), i judge how you drive.

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syphonuk@reddit

If people care that much, private plates aren't that expensive.

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VolcanicBear@reddit

You're not allowed to misrepresent a car's age through a private plate. Ie I can't put my private plate that has a "14" in the middle on my 2010 fiesta.

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PublicClear9120@reddit

You can get Northern Irish registered plates which are dateless. They come in the format 3 letters 4 numbers and are about £30 For example TIL 6571 no one would know what year that was

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syphonuk@reddit

Yep. My point was more that having a private plate hides the age of the car. There's no need to misrepresent it in that scenario.

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Second_Guess_25@reddit

A false economy in the digital era; a quick search online will reveal the vehicles age 💻🤷

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627UK@reddit

Only to those who care & can be bothered.

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Second_Guess_25@reddit

Same can be said buying a private plate to hide the age of your vehicle.

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atsevoN@reddit

No lol, my car is an R reg, 2010 is fairly new to me. I don’t really care what car people drive aslong as they don’t crash into mine. I have noticed it’s less the age but more the model of the car that has developed a stereotype

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed. Starting to see a tilt towards Audi, Mercedez, BMW, Range. What has been your observation?

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atsevoN@reddit

I have sorta figured out with cars I need to pay extra attention to and I will automatically assume they are not a very good driver, a few would Honda Jazz, Vauxhall Mokka, Nissan Juke & Qashqai, Nissan Micra, Toyota Prius and of course the MK2 Vauxhall Zafira driven by the yummy mummy’s on their school run, these absolutely terrify me and if I see one approaching I genuinely fear for my life

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I get what you mean 😄

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Ergophobe470@reddit

No, I drive a 2013 plate and I really don't care. My previous car, which I scrapped 6 years ago, was so old it had a letter registration rather than a year.

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Macaroon-Flashy@reddit

I don't notice when people are driving older cars, but I do notice when I'm next to a new car. Which makes me want a new car. I've just upgraded from a 2016 to a 2020 plate and I do feel better about it, and probably will for about 3 years, when I see the 2028 plates and will then want at least a 2023 plate 😂

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Are you financing our buying outrightly?

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Macaroon-Flashy@reddit

Financing, I had 2 years left on my old 2016 car and have signed up to a 5 year finance on this one. Annoyingly, it does cost more money. But I justify it to myself because I drive about 30,000 miles a year for work so having a newer reliable car is important. I've also swapped back to petrol from diesel and realised just how much cheaper diesel was. So, that's also annoying 😂

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Well, so far you're not judging others for driving an older car! If and when I eventually upgrade, it'd either be because the car had to be scrapped or that I just wanted some of the new comfortable car tech

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Macaroon-Flashy@reddit

Nah, it's not my business what other people drive! I personally adore the tech aspect, heated seats, heated windscreen Android auto and Bluetooth connection are so important when you spend so many hours behind the wheel 😅

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed! These are the reasons why I've visited car dealership websites recently, but I'm still not convinced I need to buy a new / latest model. I use an FM transmitter for my 06 and it misbehaves sometimes

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luker1771@reddit

No. I have a real problem with Z's on a number plate though.

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WulfyGeo@reddit

Only because it’s 69

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SavlonWorshipper@reddit

I am patiently waiting for 2017 cars to reach my budget, so I can get an EJ17 car. I don't care about the last three letters, just wanna be an eejit.

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Educational_Way3900@reddit

I dont care to be honest, however I will die on the hill that 66, 67, 68 reg cars feel a lot newer than 16, 17, 18 etc. Almost to the point where I would fleetingly view 67 as newer than 18 😅

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

😀😀😀

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PublicClear9120@reddit

I've just sold my dad's S reg (1998) Toyota after 22 long years of it being in the family

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chaosfollows101@reddit

I'm driving a 2010 BMW and I couldn't give a flying fuck. There's nothing we wanna get instead right now and it works. I judge people more for driving a 2025 car on finance that eats all their spare cash.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I lowkey judge, too, but I don't think we should.

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YGhostRider666@reddit

Nope, couldn't care less

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PurplePlodder1945@reddit

We’ve always bought cars a year or two old then kept them till they died. We do now have a 72 plate duster on PCP because we needed a bigger car to fit our dogs’ crate but it was a steal because the second hand market was good when we traded our other car in which was coming up to 7 years old at the time. I did hesitate because I hate the idea of having to keep paying for a car, but at the age of (then) 52 it was nice to be able to pick the colour for the first time in my life Our other car is a 62 plate i20 which obviously came from a faulty batch because almost immediately the paintwork above and below the rear window started bubbling with rust and running through the paintwork, and I’ve seen others the same. It’s red which doesn’t weather well so the bonnet is faded. You have to pedal going uphill. My husband uses her to get back and fore to work and also for dump runs. She’s not pretty and looking a bit green and mouldy, but she’s a good starter so we have no intention of getting rid of her any time soon I recently came back from a visit to Rhodes and I couldn’t help noticing that they generally don’t seem to care about having nice cars. So many had faded paintwork, especially in the bonnets - possibly due to the climate? You can tell their vehicles are just to get them from A to B My dream car is a mk2 RS2000 to play with and an ‘old’ defender 90 as a runaround (new ones are awful) but sadly I can’t afford either and wouldn’t have an RS2000 without a garage to put it in

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Steve8557@reddit

I barely care about the car itself let alone the number plate

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bishsticksandfrites@reddit

Nah. I’ll take my 2015 435i over most cars on the road tbh.

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ok_chippie@reddit

I drive a 2006 Accord. I bought it for 4750 in 2013. It has 13000 miles. It has heated leather seats, cruise control, 200hp, auto tailgate. I only replaced the exhausts. It looks great, is cheap, and no monthly payments. Imo most newer cars just have more screens and are quieter, but don't offer advantages over older, reliable cars. Honda, Toyota and Lexus are especially reliable. I also genuinely enjoy driving my car! Most people who buy new cars are paying a lot of money monthly for an entry level car. Older cars definitely have a strong following in the UK. There are loads of Utube channels dedicated to them!

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SpudFire@reddit

I knew a guy that used to drive a crappy old people carrier. Always called it 'the donkey' and other than an annual service, didn't give a shit about it. When it finally died, he bought another crappy old people carrier. I'm sure plenty of people judged him when they saw him driving that. He didn't care, he was quite proud of those cars, how bombproof they were and how much crap he could take to the tip in them. It also saved putting too many miles on the clock of his Aston... As for me, I don't really care as long as it runs OK and is reliable. I've actually just replaced my car with a vehicle that is 5 years older. I'd never buy a brand new car unless I win the lottery, the value drops so much as soon as you drive it out the dealership. Caring so much about having the latest plate number seems to be very much a 'keeping up with the Joneses' thing.

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Far-Bug-6985@reddit

I care what age car I drive, in that the older cars get the less reliable they *can* become and I’m not mechanically minded and I don’t like the stress of breaking down or having huge garage bills. If my husband or myself was a mechanic then I’d not care. I did just go from a 2010 plate panda to a 2023 plate suv but only because I’m pregnant and I drive on the motorway a lot so wanted a bit more space/safety features.

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Andagonism@reddit

The best thing about my 2011 model is, I only pay £20 road tax. I also dont have the worry about having to take two parking spots, worrying about whether it will get dented. I also dont have the worry about my car devaluing, once it leaves the show room. I get to enjoy driving, instead of the worries about Paint chips, marks, dents, devaluation etc.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed. If your old car starts to give you constant issues, it's time for an upgrade

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bimmerscout@reddit

Yes. Because in my case the year usually correlates to the model and engine in the cars I like (a 95-98 540i means it’d be an e39 with the M62 pre VANOS, which I’d prefer offer the M62TÜ). But apart from the year determining what car it is, I could not care less.

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baechesbebeachin@reddit

Always wanted a 69 plate

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Qyro@reddit

I don’t judge the driver, but it is interesting seeing who has new plates and who has old plates. Sometimes it’s nice when you see a 53 driving around, because they’re getting rarer and rarer with each passing year.

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627UK@reddit

Confuse anyone who'd care - use a private plate. Mine: 1992 plate hiding a BMW produced between 2007 & 2013+ WBAC would give me £1K for it, but in a good light it can pass for something more respectable.

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ladyatlanta@reddit

I personally prefer to drive a newer car because I enjoy those small comforts. But I genuinely don’t care what others drive as long as it’s safe to drive.

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Sensitive_Pound7131@reddit

My inlwas are like that, I drive 2012 ford, gets me from A to B reliably and they keep telling me about how easy and cheap is to get a “nice” car on plan and give back after 2/3 years to get new one. I tell them it’s even cheaper to pay 0 and keep driving what I have.

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No-Pudding7837@reddit

I don’t care, I’d rather have a car I like and feel comfortable driving but going off my neighbours cars then i’d say a lot of people do. We recently moved and I’ve never seen as many cars that are less than 5 years old

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GreenWoodDragon@reddit

I really don't care, it's a car. I don't get why it bothers people so much but I guess advertising works.

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OwlPatient7252@reddit

The older the better, I drive a 91 Mazda Eunos

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mellotronworker@reddit

I'd be amazed if anyone but the most vapid even think about this. I was once asked why I didn't drive a much bigger 'status' car due to my job. At that moment I knew I was looking into the eyes of someone impossibly shallow, without any functioning brain or common sense.

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MaleficentAnalysis27@reddit

I only found out a few months ago the numbers on the plate are the year (not from the UK originally) after driving an 11 for a few years, recently updated to a 19. Does it really matter? I mean you can tell how old a car is without the number plate, can't really understand the issue

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dobber72@reddit

I don't, the older the better.

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Fine-Huckleberry4165@reddit

I grew up in County Down, so we never had this latest reg thing. Even though I'm now in Sussex, I still have a Co. Down reg. However I've always felt very self-conscious, embarrassed even, when I've bought a brand new car and haven't yet got my plate onto it. I'm much more comfortable with either no age identifier, or one that's a few years old, than having the newest. Mind you, one new car was registered in the last week of August 2010, so it was comfortably old within the week.

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Specialist-Web7854@reddit

I actually have no idea what years what plates are, I’d have to google it. So no, I don’t have any idea how old my car is because I don’t spend any time thinking about it or looking it up, so long as it’s working fine I don’t care.

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KayC720@reddit

It doesn’t bother me, all my cars have been at least 10 years old. My in laws think it matters, I haven’t heard any comments since I stuck a private plate on it

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HeverAfter@reddit

My car is 2004. It gets me where I need to go. I give zero fucks what people think.

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newfor2023@reddit

Not even sure what our reg is even for the car or motorbike.

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Distinct-Quantity-46@reddit

Mines a 2011 Volvo c30, sailed through its mot last couple of years, cost me about £200 in repairs this last 12 months plus my tax (£35 a year) and insurance that’s all, would rather have money in my pocket to spend on fun stuff than a monthly car payment

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-mmmusic-@reddit

2010, and i couldn't give a shit. my car works, and it's safe, that's all that matters to me!

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SnooCakes1636@reddit

My dream car is an E46 BMW 3 series, so nah, no judgement here - for those who don’t speak BMW they were only made up until 2006, so the newest one is still 19 years old.

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explodinghat@reddit

Yeah, because it’s 69 and I’m massively immature

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DucksBac@reddit

I love my 06 plate E90 and the personal plate I have for it ages it 2 more years (though many people would know the year because of the shape, I suppose). I care that I own it outright, for not much money and I care how much I love caring for it and driving it😆

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Pusser52@reddit

I think the aging of cars has definitely slowed in recent years. I drive a 13 year old Golf but to me it still looks and feels like a fairly new car. My first car was a 12 year old 98 Fiesta and it looked like an absolute pile of shit and was basically falling apart already.

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PalpitationSelect584@reddit

Probably, but I couldn't care less. A car is a tool. My 61 plate is still going and keeping it going is costing less than a new one.

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UnusuaI_Water@reddit

You say 61 plate as if that's old! cars a bit liem phones, in the sense that new models are constantly being bought and it makes you feel like you're behind.

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PalpitationSelect584@reddit

It's the newest car I've ever owned in fact. But it's 14 years old, by today's standards that's old isn't it?

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Chilli-Bomb@reddit

I have a 22 plate, leased A3. It was leased through my company and I subsequently took on the lease. It’s the only time I’ve ever had a leased car, all the others were bought outright and run for years. This poxy thing goes back to Audi next year, they can keep it and then I’m reverting back to type and buying a 10yr old Volvo, a 10yr old Merc (that’ll match my 08 plate Merc) or a 10yr old 3 series. I’ll wear that old number plate as a badge of pride. As someone else posted, if you judge me on my number plate then you’re probably not the sort of person I’d want to have a pint with.

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Academic_Vanilla_736@reddit

Current car is a 2014, bought 6 months ago to replace a 2009 plate with 250k on the clock. If it gets me from A to B in a bit of comfort, I'm for it!

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OrdoRidiculous@reddit

The car that I get the most attention in is 30 years old.

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Rude-Possibility4682@reddit

My brother in law drives round in a S reg Volvo Think it's an S40. It has greenery growing on all the rubber trim, it passes it's MOT every year,and he bought it for £800 over 10 years ago. He says he doesn't see the point of having a new car, when this gets him from A-B, and won't be buying a car until that one finally dies on him.

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reelmonkey@reddit

Don't give a shit. I want it to be reliable. I also told my wife that I never want a personalised number plate. Someone I used to work with got one and was banging on about it and how much it cost. It was a bit of a tit and I was telling my wife about him and said I never wanted to waste money on one.

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Cyclesteffer@reddit

I'm driving a 2016 1.4 diesel and it's incredibly free to tax still, so I'm gonna drive it for as long as possible.

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PariahExile@reddit

Anyone who still allows people to bully them like this over trivial shit in their adult years needs to take themselves outside and have a word.

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sofiestarr@reddit

On kinda the other end of the scale I have a 51 plate on a 2019 car

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MobileFluid1174@reddit

Not long bought a 14 plate car, legit the nicest car I’ve ever owned in 26 years of driving! As long as it starts and it’s reliable I don’t care!

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InternationalRich150@reddit

My little vauxhall corsa is a 57 plate and I couldn't care less cause I'm a learner and well,I just don't care at all. Gets me where I need to be,runs really well. Nothing is complicated or computerised. I don't think my ex husband has ever had a car that isn't at least 8 years old.

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buck2217@reddit

I drive a 1990 Saab, my wife drives a 1993 Hilux, (and uses it to tow a horsebox) The Saab does 100+ miles a day commute and apart from brakes and tyres plus regular oil changes minimal other maintenance is required. Both cars go in the garage which probably helps. We could afford newer if we wanted but prefer to spend our money on holidays and fun things.

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Guiseppe_Martini@reddit

I have a 1996 Volvo estate with a private reg which happens to be an E reg - IE 1988. I couldn't give a toss really.

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JusNoGood@reddit

I don’t care what others think. More important is to set yourself up to be financially secure and if you can enjoy your drive

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Preacherjonson@reddit

It's no different than children boasting they have [insert expensive/designer clothing here] and reaks of little dick energy. Couldn't care less myself.

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jasovanooo@reddit

i don't care but plenty of people like to tell me my car is too old or too expensive or go on about how it'll ruin me etc. its 2013

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StrawberryIll9842@reddit

I do. If it was made after about 2010, i don't want it. Too many electronics and distractions, constantly something beeping and thinking it's more intelligent than I am. Don't get me started on "infotainment screens" I just want a radio and a heater with buttons I can press without looking at them, and a speedometer that's just a needle that moves around a dial.

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GDH26@reddit

I draw the line between 2004 & 2009 depending on the manufacturer.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

So you've never owned one made after 2010?

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StrawberryIll9842@reddit

No, driven more than a few though and the newer they are the worse they are for driver AIDS. 2010 is my cutoff for when they were really getting too much, but the rot was setting in even then

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cloche_du_fromage@reddit

I used to earn close to £200k. For most of that period I drove a 12 year old ford smax.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Smart

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cloche_du_fromage@reddit

If you have a lot of money you don't really need to prove anything to anyone by the car you drive. I used to work in investment banking. The real big boys turn up dressed like they have come in to fix the air conditioning. It's usually the 'hod carriers' wearing the big pin stripe suits etc.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed. Are you retired now?

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cloche_du_fromage@reddit

Semi retired. Work 2 days a week doing a job enjoy that involves driving, and volunteer at a charity for 2 days. And now drive a much nicer car. But still intend to run out until it dies.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I'm not leaving my 06 until it's begging to be scrapped

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JustMMlurkingMM@reddit

Does anyone really give a shit? I don’t even know how to work it out. The lady who claimed to be ridiculed for driving a ten year old car either has really shallow friends or, more likely, is really shallow herself and is trying to justify buying a new car to either herself or her husband. I’m in the top 5% of U.K. earners. I drive a twelve year old car. It’s reliable and comfortable and will probably last another ten years. I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks about it. I’d rather have another couple of holidays each year than a new car every three years.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Apparently people do, just from what I've observed lately

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JustMMlurkingMM@reddit

I think they used to, back in the 70s and 80s when there was only one release of number plates per year and everyone waiting until August to buy new cars. I thought that went away after they went to twice yearly changes. I couldn’t even tell you what this years numbers are.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

25 and 75 - 25 early in the year, 75 for later in the year

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Daisy5915@reddit

Anything with a 2 at the front is new

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imginarymarsupial@reddit

I have a newer car but the one I drive daily is a K reg, so 1993. I drive it because I like it and couldn't give a shit what others think

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woodsmanoutside@reddit

58 plate silver, dented, scratched focus. It passes MOT and is cheap to run. I had a van and now company car so can lend my focus to my dad worry free.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Once the car passes MOT, that's all that matters, so far you take proper care of it until the next MOT!

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woodsmanoutside@reddit

Yep, always gets a full and interim service. Has 140,000 miles on the clock but starts every time.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Don't tell anyone but mine's over 160k and still topped up oil yesterday

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theworldsaplayground@reddit

I have a question related to this. Looking to get my daughter a "private" plate for her birthday but it's the shittiest plate. LA73NDB. As I understand it I'm only allowed to use it on 2023 cards or newer which is fine on cars in the next few years but what in 10 years time when she buys a new car and has to put a 10 year old plate on it?

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take-no-shit85@reddit

I’ve been at both ends of the topic. Always had used cars and what I cpuld afford. Then I got wealthier via my business they pelted my ass off for, and brought myself a brand new mg3 out right no finance in august I was actually really proud of myself. Then my 18 year old daughter got a brand new Audi A1 in November which I also paid for outright for her. My husband drives both our cars but his happy with his 2010 Kia picanto which has only done 35,000 miles he literally doesn’t use it anymore but it’s there for emergencies and I had to take it back to the garage today for a safety recall and I gotta say I felt horrible driving that thing! I am no way a snob but to have everything in my car and daughters car makes hubby’s car seem so ancient. My phone just automatically connects to music and sat nav etc and his has none of that I couldn’t wait to get home and give him his keys back!

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Lol... I see what you mean. But I hope you don't judge him for sticking with his 2010

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take-no-shit85@reddit

Certainly not he can afford a brand new car if he wants one but is happy with his little car and who am I to judge him or anyone at all. People should always stay within there means of what they can afford. Which is what I had always done until my business became a success.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Great!

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RobertReddington@reddit

Had this argument with a guy who had parked far too close to me just as I was getting out of my car, basically blocking my door. He refused to move and told *me* to move if I didn’t like it. I told him his car looked nice, 24 plate as well - he must be doing well for himself. Mine was 2011 shitbox with paint peeling and 90K miles on the clock. I told him I didn’t mind bashing up my doors or paintwork to get out, could he say the same? He moved. At a certain point some thing *that* new and *that* expensive starts to own you. It’s the same for watches. So many average people have w watch worth a few hundred or a few thousand but don’t wear it out. Why? They’re scared to damage it.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

This is the point I tried to make on another comment - freedom! Imagine how careful you'll be driving a 25, prolly financed

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manlikenick@reddit

If I was buying a brand new one in April-ish I’d want to make sure I got the new plates rather than the previous years - for sure. 🤣

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geekroick@reddit

I actually prefer older cars because they're slimmer and better looking. Everything looks exactly the same these days, and everything is far too wide and chunky for small English roads. Currently driving an 09 Meriva for as long as possible.

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zombiezmaj@reddit

I drive a 1997 Citroën. People (mostly men tbh) at work made fun of me. Until the other year we had a bunch of snow and I had to go rescue a bunch of colleagues because their brand new BMWs got stuck in the snow. Now they have a healthy respect for it. I still have that car and they're on car 2 or 3 since then... they still can't drive on snow.

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AmbivalentOctopussy@reddit

My car is a 2014 and I stuck a personalised 63 plate on which made it look even older 😂😂😂. I give no shits.

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LongjumpingLab3092@reddit

I changed my 2017 boring audi for a 2012 mx5. Happy with my life choices

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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AutoModerator@reddit

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Raystorm2001@reddit

2009 Renault Laguna 3 Initale 2L V6 diesel. A bit battle scarred from the previous owner, and a couple of niggles like the rear windscreen wash not working and the aircon has a pinhole leak, but other than that it's reasonably low milage for it's age. It goes like a rocket and drives wonderfully!

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gbeo21@reddit

I don’t give a shit.. I drive a 2014 Audi A4. It has served me incredibly well. It’s got over 110k in the clock, I drive it up and down the country, been over to mainland Europe with it - it doesn’t miss a beat. I own it outright, £30 a year tax, about £80 a month on diesel, £29 a month insurance. Never had anything go wrong with it. Passed every MOT, I’ve only ever had to do normal maintenance on it, for example new tyres, new brake discs and pads, oil changes general servicing etc.. Everyone else I know have their newer cars on finance, and their cars always have little things here and there going wrong. One friend in particular upgraded her and her husbands car, so are £700-£800 a month on finance (for both) plus all the other stuff and less than 6 months in her car is in the garage as there is a massive issue with her car - she saying just as well it’s under warranty otherwise it would’ve cost about £3k to fix.. So, yeah, I feel a bit smug! I’ll be driving my trusty Audi until it dies on me, and is unfixable.

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Plus_Sherbet460@reddit

The more expensive a vehicle is then the higher the likelihood it's being leased. I own my 2014 car (diesel estate) that I bought for cash 5.5 years ago. I've done approx 65k in it. It gets 57mpg. My friends 2015 hybrid barely gets 45mpg. Loads of room, it's comfortable. No toe rags will want to joy ride in it etc. I love it. And will continue to.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

What is the make and model please? I might upgrade for better mpg, and not because I feel intimidated by newer cars on the motorway

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Plus_Sherbet460@reddit

It's a Honda Civic tourer SR dtec on a 63 plate. Boot is massive with seats down. But big even with seats up The rear seats also fold up like cinema seats if you need to transport a plant for example.

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Silvagadron@reddit

My negativity around old plate cars is that they’re likely less efficient… and the smell of an old engine lingers for ages after they’ve driven past. We’ve just changed from a ten year old car to an EV and it’s wonderful not being met with fumes every time we park up.

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Dutch_Slim@reddit

2018 2 series Gran Tourer. I’ll drive it til it’s dead. Alternatively 2008 Passat estate that my husband bought for £500 about 18 months ago after selling his much newer Merc. My car is massive inside, can fit kids, dogs, or large items for eg DIY. It’s perfect for me and that’s what matters. My previous car was stolen, I didn’t trade in/up for this one. I don’t care what car you have unless there’s a chance I could damage it and have to pay!

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pengtoasterllamas@reddit

I love my 1997 daily driver, and my 1996 second car, and my 1991 third car😆 I must admit my 2003 motorbike is lacking in the power department but I'm only on a CBT.

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ghodsgift@reddit

Nah, but after having years of older cars failing on me at the worst possible time, I now PCP cars. Yes, it's more expensive, but ive got the peace of mind that I'll get from a to b, more than likely.

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EeveesGalore@reddit

Sales go up in March and September, so a substantial portion of people do care about getting the latest plate.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Right?

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Pink-socks@reddit

57 Focus . Starts first time every time, even in the coldest of winters. It has knobs and buttons, it has cruise control and never lets me down. As it's a mk 2.5 it looks a bit like a cute mouse too.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Knobs and buttons :)

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InstanceExcellent530@reddit

I run a 55 plate Xsara Picasso (mint condition, less than 70k on the clock, first owner was a little old lady) and an 08 Megane estate (scruffy af, but with the 2.0 16v lump, it's a quick load hauler, bought it for the reg tbh). I like the quirkiness of French motors, always have done. Would rather have an old, interesting machine than today's white goods on wheels.

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Unhappy-Preference66@reddit

It's poorer people who worry about such things. They are told they need to be in debt constantly to project silly things that successful people don't care about

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MattySingo37@reddit

Only had one person take the mick out of my 07 Rav 4 in work. He had no taste - VW Twatsporter owner.

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MountainMuffin1980@reddit

Couldn't give a fuck. If I'm being completely honest, as a 40yo UK native I actually have no idea which plates are new and which aren't.

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cupidstunt01@reddit

I use my 56 plate Hyundai Getz to get to and from work every day. Does the job perfectly well. I don't care what other people think!

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Wonderful_Falcon_318@reddit

Not any more. Due to finance anyone it seems anyone can own a new car,it just isn't a thing anymore imo.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I know someone earning peanuts and paying close to £500 per month on car finance.

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iamuhtredsonofuhtred@reddit

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, she's just getting warmed up.

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Personal-Border5777@reddit

My car is a 53 plate and I love it!

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Biggurlpretender@reddit

52 here, it’s an old rust bucket that squeaks a lot but it’s my car, and it’s never let me down!

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Personal-Border5777@reddit

Let’s tempt fate! Mine’s never let me down either. Ever.

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Alarmed_Tiger5110@reddit

The year, no. Our current vehicle in a 67 plate, but it's lease ended and although I'd like to keep it, I'm neither allowed to extend the lease, or buy it at the end of it - we've only still got it now because the replacement is going to take a while to be made. So sometime late this year, it will be replaced. Having said that, I've a friend who's the opposite; he got a brand new car last year; because one of his friends has now changed their car, and has the model 2 specs higher than the one he's got (which has more toys), he wants to trade it in early and get a newer model - how sad is that? In my time, I've had cars that varied from 900cc to 3 litre engines, and in age from 'brand new in showroom' to around 20 years old - it's made little difference in terms of reliability or enjoyment - in fact to some degree the older cars have been 'better' because their easier to call it a day on when they become a money sink.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

I hope your friend is rich and can afford changing their car every 2-3 years. Imagine putting £400 in a savings account monthly, with compound interest for 30 years on an assumed interest rate of 4% - that is £277,620 in the end!

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Princes_Slayer@reddit

Nah not arsed what people think. I’ve bought all my cars outright so they all tend to be 10 years old when I get them. I’ve rarely had issues from them, with MOT passes being the norm without any failings. I am a fan of cars driven by older generation though, and since they tend to buy them new and look after them, I find I get a good deal.

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NorthernOverthinker@reddit

I personally don’t but I work in the motor trade and I’m absolutely amazed by the sheer amount of people who do. It’s mostly not even for personal gratification but more of a ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ thing.

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CurvePuzzleheaded361@reddit

We recently replaced our 2014 plate car. Drove it to its death. 200k on the clock. Not bad for a fiat 500. We got every pennys worth out it. Why pay to replace a car that works fine?

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SimplySomeBread@reddit

2014 corsa. cost me £4,700, was my first car (only bought it in september), it's a good wee car and the insurance shouldn't be too mental once i pass (🤞) i'm personally pretty judgemental of brand new audis etc that have P plates on them

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SimplySomeBread@reddit

2014 corsa. cost me £4,700, was my first car (only bought it in september), it's a good wee car and the insurance shouldn't be too mental once i pass (🤞) i'm personally pretty judgemental of brand new audis etc that have P plates on them

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x99kjg@reddit

Couldn't care less, an old E36 M3 or a brand new MG ZS? I know what I'd choose.

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OppositeWrong1720@reddit

It's a matter of pride that my car lasts at least 20 years. It's a bit sad if people on average incomes have nothing better to spend their money on than a bit of tin. Why not holidays, theatre, pension, meals out etc? Just spent a month in the Cartibean at Christmas.

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TwirlipoftheMists@reddit

No, I think that’s silly. My car is ideal for my needs. It’s no longer manufactured (the “newer version” is not as suitable). I’m used to it, it’s extremely reliable, and it gets very good mileage. Unless circumstances change, I intend to look after it and run it for as long as possible.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Agreed

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MsUncleare@reddit

I drive 25 year old fiesta and love her more than anytging else I own. So in terms of caring about the age of a car, I suppose I do as I'm damn proud bumbling about on the old girl.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Wow

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kernowjim@reddit

I couldn't care less. I buy a new Toyota every 15 years - it takes me about 5 years to pay it all off, the current one is just over 3 years old (71 Plate) and is getting better and better as it beds in. In my experience new cars aren't as good to drive as 5 year old cars, they need time to settle in. A massive monthly payment for a metal box with wheels isn't the flex people think it is.

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missxtx@reddit

I have always had older cars, much prefer them. Infact my 03 plate mini was great.. I had it for years, passed all mots. I have a 67 plate now.. great car, but when a light comes on etc the whole car goes wrong and needs diagnostics.., was much easier to fix older cars. Me n my friend have bought 2 old novas.. 1 for the shell and 1 for the engine.. loved these wee cars xx

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F1nut92@reddit

I don't care really, currently drive a 67 plate after driving a 57 plate for just over 10 years, absolutely no plans to get rid of the 67 plate until its not cost effective to keep it on the road anymore.

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MattyLePew@reddit

Just got myself a new car on a lease as part of my company benefits in form of a tax relief. I couldn’t care less but after running the numbers for tax, insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc. it’s not too bad. Obviously more expensive than buying a cheap car outright, but I liked cars so I don’t mind. I’d never judge anybody for driving an older, or even poorly looked after car. Not everybody shares an interest in cars, so it makes sense that some people pay more, some people pay less.

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No-Body-4446@reddit

Reddits obsession with new cars and number plates, mainly private ones, needs to be studied. I honestly think very few people care about the age of their car. Some will of course, but most don’t Most new cars on the road are company cars or motability.

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Codders94@reddit

Couldn’t care less, as long as it’s reliable and comfortable.

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Gadgie2023@reddit

Couldn’t give a fuck and people who do are shallow cunts. Same applies for clothes. The things that matter in life can’t be bought.

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Saw_Boss@reddit

People enjoy or want different things in life shocker.

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VolcanicBear@reddit

Nope. 2010 fiesta. I'm not a car person, but the people who I know that are into cars don't care about what year it was made, more what the car actually is.

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Realistic-Analyst-23@reddit

Definitely wouldn't care about the aesthetics of it. I wouldn't have a really old car because of the pollution aspect. My car is from 2016 and my in laws keep saying when are we getting a new one. Buying a new car is a complete waste of money. I'm very tempted to go electric but otherwise I will keep this car until it starts to break.

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amBrollachan@reddit

Don't give the slightest fuck and if someone ridiculed me for it I'd have the same response as if they smelled faintly of shit. That is, a strange mix of sympathy and not wanting to spend too much time in their company.

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Buell247@reddit

I think in years gone by it was quite a status symbol to have the latest reg but since they made it twice a year and everybody has finance anyway it’s not quite the flex it used to be

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PlasticFannyTastic@reddit

52 plate and hanging on! Cheap to tax, run and maintain, although the old girl is getting a bit weary, she’s still got personality and brings a smile to my face. Don’t give a toss what people think.

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Individual-Key-4821@reddit (OP)

Cheers to more years hanging on. I'm gonna drive my 06 until it's begging to be scrapped!

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VolcanicBear@reddit

Nope. I'm not a car person. Anyone who judges people based on how new their car is, is probably a very bad judge of person.

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semenonabagel@reddit

Ours is an 11 plate so based on the standard scale of 1 to 10, I feel great about driving it.

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Paspalar@reddit

Recently ish went from 2002 to 2007 car. If they are reliable I'll buy. No interest in keeping up with the Jonses etc.

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IntrovertedArcher@reddit

I’d feel more self conscious driving a new car personally.

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Standard_Response_43@reddit

Couldn't give a crap. When younger, sure, I mean nice/flashy things impress potential partners. Older...forget it

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rositree@reddit

If a flashy thing impresses someone so easily, do you want them for a partner? Unless you mean 'partner' just for a night or two then I don't suppose it matters.

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smith9447@reddit

Don't care - tended to buy fairly new as I did a lot of miles (25K/year) but kept them until repairs were unecomical - last one did 170K. Now doing less miles so bought a 2009 Merc, main thing I looked at was the mileage

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baeworth@reddit

Not at all. I have a 16 plate and really don’t care. I probably feel more pressure to get a private reg plate, but there’s literally nothing I want and I don’t care about that either

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CONKERMANIAC@reddit

Private reg plates are exclusively for wankers mate, don’t do it.

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Shoddy-Computer2377@reddit

Even Jeremy Clarkson hates them.

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baeworth@reddit

My thoughts exactly. Unless I got something which translated to “wanker” or similar, then it may be worthwhile

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Coat-Trick@reddit

I just bought a 2007 astra for a couple hundred, literally no shame driving around in this. I can go to the shops, if it's gets dinged, meh, hit one of those massive pot holes, no real issue, it's great 😆 gets me from A to B is all that matters

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The_Sown_Rose@reddit

Mine’s not that old yet (2015) - I don’t care what year it is, but on the odd occasion I’ve been asked when I’ll get a new one and some people are surprised when my answer is, when this one no longer works. I just don’t see any other reason to replace it.

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jimmysavillespubes@reddit

I couldnt care less. I buy exclusively German cars that are a 3 to 8 years old and put my plate on them. The only people who would know the difference are car nerds, and i don't care what they think.

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peobarionboy@reddit

My last car (3 years ago) was 15 years old. Loved her.

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Chungaroo22@reddit

Through sheer chance my number plate has me and partners initials and is also a 69 plate. Much happier with that than a 25 plate and will probably hold on to the for a bit longer..

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HollywoodBrownMusic@reddit

Yes, as in the older the better. I dislike pretty much all new cars.

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Shoddy-Computer2377@reddit

66 plate and I actually prefer it to the newer generations of the same car. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it and it's never the oldest car anywhere I take it.

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No-Structure-8125@reddit

Nope. I drove old 1L shit boxes for years. My last one was a 10 plate Punto. Now that I have a bit more disposable income I thought I'd treat myself to a newer car. I'd always wanted a Golf, it's just always been a car I really liked. What did I end up with? A 10 plate GTI. So it's a much nicer car, but still just as old as all the others I drove. The number really means nothing to me, it still has some of the mod cons you'd expect from a newer car like a touchscreen radio (after market), and parking sensors and stuff.

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bobaboo42@reddit

We bought a new car (only time we've done so) and immediately slapped a private plate on it. Couldn't care less

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Howard1981@reddit

In 27 years I’ve never owned a car newer than 2001. The older the better in my view!

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toady89@reddit

I don’t. We’re in the process of ordering new company cars (been going on a few months) and my manager keeps talking about hoping for a 25 plate, personally I’ll just be happy with one with less random dashboard warnings than my current one.

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West-Ad-1532@reddit

I buy a new vehicle for my business every 2-3 years and benefit from the capital allowances and the tax rebate.

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Medical_Translator_6@reddit

2010 hyundai santa fe here. It's mine. No finance. Parts in abundance if needed. Easy to repair. I love it and the people who ridicule older vehicles are probsbly paying 400 quid a month rent to a finance company for theirs. Fuck 'em.

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Minimum-Platform518@reddit

Absolutely! If I see a car older than my 24 plate, then I'll be ramming it off the road.

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WVA1999@reddit

Only for those that make their car part of their "personality" See also 4D number plates, excessively oversized 4x4s etc...

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elliottj6325@reddit

Not at all, and I don't judge others for it either. I have a 15 plate, one of the smaller cars on the road too, but I've had zero issues with it (aside from when I first bought it as it'd be standing idle for a while). It gets me from A to B and is safe. Simple as that.

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SixFiveOhTwo@reddit

I had a 62 plate car in the very first week of September 2012. Wasn't deliberate - we just ordered a car when the previous one looked like it was about to die and that was the week when it turned up. I never even thought about it until I parked it in the carpark at work and some of the more snobbish managers started getting pissy that a mere entry-level grunt had the latest plate before them. Then it became funny.

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nali_cow@reddit

Why on earth would I give a shit what people think about what car I drive? I drive a 2014 bog standard hatchback, and it gets me around with (thankfully) minimal problems. I guess the only way others' opinions come into it is that I keep the inside clean & tidy in case I'm giving anyone a lift.

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Alundra828@reddit

I don't care about it from a flexing point of view, i.e "look I have the newest model! Look how wealthy and affluent I am". I look at the year in the plate as an indication of how old the car is, and therefore how likely it is to break.

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bzzklltn@reddit

I don’t care about what I drive, but I really enjoy spotting my first new plate once March hits. If I’m driving and see 2 cars that are the same, I’ll check the plates and announce a winner based on who’s newer.

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aDragonfruit@reddit

No. Age of a car doesn't mean much to me, I'm more likely to judge based on the condition of it and the make/model. My car is normally covered in mud and dirt because I live in a rural area and also work in a rural area, so I might get self-conscious when I park in a town it looks like I haven't cleaned my car for 3 months even if I washed it 2 days ago Also if someone knows about cars then they will know what year it is from even if it has a private plate, so I don't see what the point is in trying to disguise it.

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Ok_Young1709@reddit

Nope. Mine is a 08, brilliant car. The new cars are often shit and breakdown a lot. The more electrics you have in a car, the more things to potentially go wrong, and especially wrong if it's french or Italian. If someone cares about the age of a car, all it tells me is 1. They are an idiot and 2. They probably know fuck all about cars and therefore their opinion means nothing to me.

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Ok_Young1709@reddit

Nope. Mine is a 08, brilliant car. The new cars are often shit and breakdown a lot. The more electrics you have in a car, the more things to potentially go wrong, and especially wrong if it's french or Italian. If someone cares about the age of a car, all it tells me is 1. They are an idiot and 2. They probably know fuck all about cars and therefore their opinion means nothing to me.

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perrosandmetal78@reddit

No as long as its in reasonable condition. I have a 13 plate Kia that's doing very well. I had a 10 year old focus before that was starting to rust and I did feel a bit of a peasant parked next to all the newer cars.

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Critical_Pin@reddit

I've got a 2007 plate .. so no ..

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iamabigtree@reddit

Numberplates in themselves are a car sales tactic. Spanish plates which are just ABCD 123 are a much better way to go.

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durkheim98@reddit

I don't care what some rando on the motorway thinks.

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