Is buying shite hereditary ? Discuss

[clayts450]

Inspired by this topic http://autoshite.com/topic/28812-this-is-where-it-started-for-me/ (and I expect it's been done before many moons ago)  it'd be interesting to know of familial shite traits.

 

My Dad was an ace shiter - rarely kept a car more than a couple of years, never bought new, always paid less than £100, was always working on cars until he really couldn't be arsed anymore, and worked on the 'MoT to MoT' theory - if it failed and cost more than £100 to fix, off to the bridge it went.

 

His CV is pretty impressive - I don't think any of these were less than 15 years old when he got them (I'm sure I've forgotten more than I've remembered):

 

(before I was born) Ford Prefect

Austin A40

Austin 1100

Wolseley 15/60 (still my favourite car of his ever - was my Grandad's before, reg 5214RO)

Cortina Mk1

Cortina Mk2 estate (sadly stolen)

Triumph 2000 estate

Cortina Mk3 estate

Austin Maxi (hire car, in bright yellow)

Vauxhall Cavalier (a couple)

Peugeot something (this was his last car and went on for many, many years - to me it was a box on wheels as this was during my 18 year semi-retirement from driving)

 

I'm convinced bangernomics/shite-ing is hereditary.

[Bren]

I would'nt say it was. But if your parents struggled and did'nt spend much on luxuries such as wheels the chances are a tiny bit of that may rub off.

[stripped fred]

My dad used to buy cars at the cheaper end of the market and fix them on the drive so yes, I hold him responsible! Memorable cars were triumph 2000/2500, Capri 1.6, jaguar mk 10, 3 scimitars, a volvo (can't remember which model but it had a v6 engine) and he also bought a triumph renown to restore.

[stripped fred]

I think it's the same as football. My dad wasn't interested so I'm not and neither are my two sons, but they do like cars!

[jonny69]

I'm into cars because of my dad, but he was definitely less into rubbish old shit than I am.

[Tickman]

Not hereditary here, my Dad only had shit cars when he couldn't afford anything else then when he could he bought new and kept for as long as possible. He always went for the base spec models as it was just a car and nothing more.

Me however shite cars everywhere!

[Mally]

My dad had old motor bikes, so did I.

Then I graduated to old vans, followed by old cars.

I could afford a newer car but never have.

My wife's family had old cars. As soon as she could afford a new one she bought one.

I borrow hers.

Edit.  Just remembered, I bought an almost new Harley twice, sorry about that.

[hpi_matrix]

My dad had company cars throughout most of my lifetime, then we he retired he enlisted me to get him some shite. Maybe I rubbed off on him? (Thats sounds so wrong but you know what I mean!)

[cpjitservices]

Defo some influence from the old boy and my grandad over the years. My Grandad was a mechanic in the Army and always kept his Mk1 Fester in top tip condition. My grandads friend had a Chevette which was always going wrong to which one day the engine seized - grandad stripped the engine and worked his magic and got it working again. Its in the blood lol.

[eddyramrod]

I have mixed feelings about this.

When I was small, my dad had his own business and kept a new car for that reason.  This was the 60s, so we're looking at (all Fords) a 307E van, a Corsair 1500 two-door, a Zephyr 4 mk3 and finally a Cortina 1500 Super mk2.  After the Cortina he was ill for a long time, so the nice cars had to go and he bought whatever he could afford, starting with a 100E Popular.  From then on all our cars were one step away from scrap.  I "helped" him to maintain them and must have learned something along the way.  It probably helped that he was a mate of Ginger McCain, the racehorse trainer, who had a used-car lot.  I know we got at least two cars from his unwanted trade-ins.

I have continued in the same vein, buying, well, the rubbish nobody else wants.  On occasion I've stepped out of line, but that's really only since I met MrsR.

Meanwhile my sister started her motoring life one step above our level; her first car was a Hillman Imp that was a mere 12 years old.  As soon as she could she started buying new, and continues to do so.

So if there is a gene, I've got it and she hasn't.

[Junkman]

Both of my parents never entertained the idea of buying used cars and both of them aren't car people at all.

They are a brainy bunch and their eccentricity challenges even the demanding standards set by British intellectuals.

Especially my mother, who ran a fashion house, loathes anything older than a season - "What? Christmas? Again?

We had Christmas last year, we need something new"!

 

My chod addiction was always seen with suspicion, like a behavioural disorder, that might need treatment by one of those soul plumbers.

When I returned from a trip to Berlin aged 19 with my first car, a 1960 Buick LeSabre, they were seriously worried about my mental health,

they told me one day.

 

A bit like in Harold and Maude, my mother was deeply concerned that I usually bought stereotypical 'dad' cars when I was an SYM.

I tried to alleviate her solicitudes in form of purchasing a shonky beige Iso Grifo 7 Litri, but that weirdly didn't have a soothing effect

on her either.

 

So no, I don't think buying shite is hereditary.

[flat4alfa]

Of course

 

Because when I was young we had to eat coal

[danthecapriman]

I don't think it's hereditary.

 

My parents aren't car people, they just bought what suited their needs and was within budget. They've never been well off so made the things they did have last. What old fashioned thinking that is these days!

My grandparents were much the same.

 

No idea why I'm into old cars. I just always have been as long as I can remember. It's always been old cars though, I've never liked moderns or lusted after a modern car like I do for old stuff!?

People have tried to get me to buy 'normal' cars and get myself a good dose of associated debt that comes with all that shit but I'm a bloody minded sod and just continue doing my own thing.

Most people I talk to about cars think I'm mad but I don't care, I love old cars.

[sierraman]

When I was a kid we weren't skint but by the same token we had to be careful with money like most people. My old man used to buy ex fleet stuff at 6-7 years old and keep it as long as possible, we always had second hand stuff so it was the norm to us, as it's the norm to me. I think years ago he'd be inclined to 'have a go' at jobs to save a few quid.

 

If there's anything I've learnt from my folks it's understanding the value of money, not this mentality of living on the never never because we didn't do that. If we couldn't afford it we didn't do it simple as.

[flat4alfa]

Dad owned a Wolseley 1500 because cheap and unwanted, and I thought the wood was impressive, being a young boy.

Three decades later I owned a Wolseley Landcrab full of wood.

 

Dad owned a Victor FB and spoke well of it, but I have no memory; because toddler.

Five decades later I own a FB VX4/90 and speak well of it, as so underrated.

 

Dad owned a Victor FC Estate and I remember Mum speaking well of the carrying ability.

Three decades later I owned Victor FC Estate and moved house with it.

 

Dad owned a Ford Thames 300E van because no PT (VAT), put windows and seats in to become cheap estate car.

I've got a similar idea on an old Express Dairies milk float.

 

Dad owned a Lancia Beta Saloon, post-scandal, because cheap and unwanted.

Three decades later I owned two Lancia Beta Saloons along with a Trevi for good measure.  I'm better now.

 

Uncle in Cheshire owned a succession of Maxis, taking us out on fantastic day trips even though they gave trouble.

Four decades later I owned an Austin Maxi 1750 (in Limeflower) for picnics with my new young family.  No trouble.

 

Uncle in Cheshire also owned a succession of Honda, taking us out on fantastic day trips with never a FTP.

Four decades later I inherited a broken Accord Aerodeck and owned an Acclaim.  Acclaim went bang on next owner.

 

Uncle on IOW had a succession of Daimler XJ.  Very impressed with those when I was a lad.

Four Decades later I owned a Daimler XJ40.  Not quite so impressed as it seemed to be built like a Fiat.

 

Dads and Uncles never owned a Rover.

I've had 7 of those.

 

Dad is french so I've been influenced by frenchness.

I bought an Avantime and it exploded within the week.

[kinkersaab]

Not in my case, i think thats why i do... My Dad  likes "new" and is obsessive about low mileage and if it has to be used it seems to matter how many people previously have owned it even though he dosnt know them.... The slightest rattle, he goes off it and replaces it as its "going to give issues"    I dont get it, so we dont talk "cars", even though i am a car dealer, i dont and wouldnt want him as a customer..shame really.... I used to get him nice old flashy cars...but he would never share my enthusiasm for them.... always liked to point at stonechips and signs of wear on carpets and seats....  Patina is beyond him , it pisses me right off

[mercrocker]

In my case I have to say that some of reasons for being a shiter are indeed inherited.  

 

My parents had/have no interest in cars (except Dad always wanted a Jowett Javelin and I think still does) and other people's cast offs (preferably dull and under-specified) have served them well.    They had a deep fear of massive depreciation and unreliability - to have a car breakdown was akin to burglary/discovering adultery.   I sometimes think the reason I have four vehicles is to ensure some kind of reliable motoring service.

 

Their miserable CV from 1969 (before which Dad had a succession of decrepit mopeds and step-thrus) reads thusly - 

 

Hillman Minx V (5 years old, bought from an Uncle as dull and grey as the Minx itself).   They even covered the green seats with grey "Customagic" stretchy nylon things.  

 

Vauxhall Viva HB.  1159cc of unsuitable five-person "power".   Bought from another Uncle.   Mum managed to take out an Amazon with this.... 

 

Vauxhall Victor FD Estate.  2000SL flavour.   Only car I remember them buying from a used car lot - Dad toured the local ones for about a month, rejecting such delights as VX4/90s and Volvo 145s that I helpfully pointed out to him. 

 

Opel Rekord D Coupe.   At last a stylish conveyance in metallic blue with matching perforated vinyl interior.  I loved this car and had fond hopes of taking it on when they announced they were emigrating.   Alas they sold it under my nose to a local pie key for a one-r the day before they went. 

 

Since being in Canada they have gobbled up a series of under-whelming local vehicles, starting with their only new car ever - a Plymouth Reliant 4 door.  

Dad waited until I spent a couple of weeks with him one summer to have his one and only accident - stuffing it into a culvert on a deserted two-lane blacktop.  He was fucking about....Worth it for the screaming ambulance ride with him in a Dodge Tradesman conversion.   

 

After that my sister married a Canadian Nissan mechanic so ever since then they have had a run of Sentras, Serenas and various other implements about which I neither know nor care.   Last one of his I encountered was a Voyager - I still have scars on my fingers from changing a running light bulb for him.   Think he has a Note now..... 

 

The afore-mentioned dull grey Uncle (mum's brother) had a pretty impressive shite run...

 

Morris Minor

Hillman Minx V

Hillman Arrow Minx

Marina 1.8 

Marina 1.3 coupe 

First gen. Civic 3 door

2nd gen. Mazda 323

Kia Mentor

Mazda 121

Mazda Demio

Mazda 2 

[plasticvandan]

Without a doubt!

Some of my dads cars that i can remember are:

Reliant Regal van

Morris Minor van

Minor Traveller

Minor Pickup

Austin Maxi x3

Morris Marina coupe

Mini x3

Rover P6 X3

Triumph 2000

Triumph Herald

Cortina mk5 estate

Cortina mk5 saloon

Mk3 Escort Estate

Saab 99

2CV

Acadiane

Skoda Estelle

Skoda Rapid

Skoda Favorit

Fiat 127 Fiorino

Volvo 360

Volvo 240

Vauxhall Viva HC fastback

Vauxhall Cavalier mk2

Cav mk3

Fiesta mk1 x2

Fiat 126

Maestro van

Faithorpe Electron Minor

Bond Equipe

Morris Oxford x2

Dolomite x3

Triumph Spitfire

Scimitar GTE

Golf mk2 x2

Polo mk2

mk1 Mondeo

Volvo 340

Vauxhall Belmont

Ford Consul

Etc Etc Etc

[bramz7]

Dunno. My parents had some very interesting stuff for a few years but my whole family probably influenced me as a whole.

 

My parents have had, during my lifetime:

 

1988 Ford Sierra GL.

1990 Subaru Legacy GL (which was the only one I ever saw when we lived in Bexleyheath back in the mid 90s)

1995 Subaru Impreza GL (Boring non WRX spec Estate, but it's still on the road amazingly)

2003 Citroen C3 Desire

2005 Citroen C3 SX (Which my mum kept for 11 years, that might explain my slight lust of Citroens)

2014 Fiat Panda 4x4, which my mum bought as I recommended it to her.

 

My various Aunts and Uncles have had some superb stuff over the years, I had a Maestro diesel obsessed aunt, one of my uncles had a BX estate, another aunt had a Volvo 343, 205s etc, my farmer uncle had about 25 years in a row with just Isuzu Troopers. Another one collected old minis and had about 20 at one point.

I'm the only one of my cousins with an old car obsession though. 

 

Oh and my mum had a Lada once upon a time. 

[angle]

So what you're saying here Bramz, is that you've owned as many cars in the last fortnight as your parents have had in your entire life?

[bramz7]

So what you're saying here Bramz, is that you've owned as many cars in the last fortnight as your parents have had in your entire life?

 

 That is correct. And my mum still won't let me drive her car. 

[2MB]

My dad generally had 3-5 year old cars that he changed every year due to getting bored, until the cambelt went on his Alfa 156 V6, which had to be sold to cover the cost of repairing the engine. Seething, he picked up a slighty rough '91 Saab 900 turbo 5 door, for a few hundred quid, which was brilliant, just had the 'rightness'. A series of early 90s shitters followed, which was good fun and probably showed me that old cars can be reliable, interesting and cheap as long as you don't care too much about impressing people you don't know. The age of his cars has been decreasing recently, but he wants to have a day looking at Saab 9000s so he's still got the bug.

My 1 year old son has a Moskvitch pedal car for when he's a bit older. It will be interesting to see how he turns out.

[mercrocker]

Sadly, I think the shite gene might rest with me......My daughter had a promising start of knackered Puntos but has now leased a 1 series.   Where did I go wrong?

[reb]

I think my dad's membership here predating mine by a number of years says it all.

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Shep Shepherd]

Grandfather Shepherd was an inveterate car tinkerer, although he only ever owned three cars (Mini 850, Morris 1100, Viva HC De Luxe), so I might be carrying his flame, as Father Shepherd doesn't know one end of a screwdriver from the other and had no interest at all in cars when I was a pup, and still doesn't.

[HH-R]

I'm the complete opposite to my Dad when it comes to cars. He always buys fairly new diesels (around 3 years old) and keeps it til it's starting to be trouble, usually around 10 years old. He had some chod long before I was born and was quite adept at fixing it, but won't really attempt anything nowadays. The stuff he buys usually  ends of being the stuff of dreams on here, but they're just run of the mill cars at the time.

 

I buy old petrols and move them on after a year to 18 months out of boredom. I did dabble in buying newer cars twice, but one got written off and the other was an unreliable money pit so was moved on at 12-18 months but with just a bigger loss - back to cheap tat it is. Got almost the price of the write off back though which was good even though it was nearly 2 years later. I'm absolutely useless at anything using any sort of tools, even though I know the theory of it in most cases. I tend to get frustrated before I've even started because I know it's all going to go tits up, so have a very short fuse before things start getting thrown and smashed. I don't do any fixing or maintenance now, it is entrusted to garages with varying results.

 

Although I'm interested in cars, my desire to drive them gets less and less each year so I'll probably end up buying something mega giffer like a Suzuki Celereo brand new next and keep it for 15 years.

 

I think I've had more cars in ten years than my parents have had put together since the 70s!

[bigstraight6]

My late father wasn't really interested in cars and being a sales rep for all of my childhood meant a series of new company cars, I well remember helping him choose a replacment for a MK1 Cavalier in 1981 and being impressed with the Talbot Solara in dark green when it arrived. Just 4 years later dad was not so impressed when just after I past my driving test I arrived home in a midnight blue MK3 Zodiac, "What the hell have you bought, why couldn't you have a Mini or Escort!" He howled.

 

My youngest son has inherited my car obsession, he passed his driving test last year and loves the year 2000 Polo I picked him up for £500 and really looks after it. He loves driving anything old in particular my Triumph 2000 though the icing on the cake was getting to drive a good friends '59 Cadillac a few weeks ago, he couldn't believe how a car of its age could be so nice to drive. He is saving all the money he can as he wants a '67 Mercury Cougar!......

[fordperv]

Id say its a big influence, the reason behind my obsession was father fp, i grew up helping him work on various shit that he bought (mostly fords) and was working on for other people, it was a way of life

[bub2006]

I think the fiesta is my 22nd car since I passed my test in February of 2015,had about 12 or so more when I was in my teens and a bad lad. My dad couldn't afford much after my mum died so went from shonky heap to heap. I'd be known him buy something in Saturdays admag,start tarting it up,buy another from Wednesday admag to use while trying to flog first one and put this in on Saturday again. Rinse and repeat.

[sierraman]

I've loads of memories of my dad mending our car when I was a kid, can distinctly remember him fibreglassing the bottom of the doors on his Sierra or failing miserably with a Bailcast CV boot on a Mk3 Astra. I remember being fascinated by it despite his ineptness with cars, I learnt off my Uncle who'd worked as an actual mechanic.