Mods as a 17 year old...?

Post by **dantournay** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 4:56 pm

I went though all this when i was a boy and found it cheaper and easier to stick with the 1098 and free up the breathing and exhaust. Lowering the car also makes a massive difference to handling.

Post by **MarkyB** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:13 pm

The awful truth is that just because you have passed your test and have track experience you aren't the best driver in the world, the roads aren't a race track and you aren't indestructible ( I remember being 17 )

The track is a very controlled space compared to the road where all kinds of random sh... stuff can, and will happen.

A standard Minor is an ideal car in which to learn to drive. It will make you a much better driver than some hatchback with ABS etc.

Insurance companies aren't just picking on you because you are young, but because the know how 17 year olds think and drive.

Post by **d_harris** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:20 pm

bmcecosse wrote:Hate to say it (on here) - but you may do better to look at a Mini - since all the later ones came with a 1275 engine - young drivers are rather better tolerated with that engine by the Insurance Cos!
It also handles more like a kart!

Maybe so, but can you fit 9" drums?

Post by **Will_van_Es** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:26 pm

MarkyB, i have not once said i'm the best driver in the world. In fact, after becoming seeded 4th in the UK in only my 3rd seson of racing, i still consider myself to have a HUGE amount to learn. There is no way i'm the best driver in the world, i wasn't even the best driver in my class this year, hence why i finished 4th, not 1st!

The road is exactly the same, and i have plenty of respect for it. I understand the dangers of the road, and also understand it's not a race track.

I may be a youngster, but i'm not stupid. I'm predicted nothing lower than an A in my 10+ GCSE subjects, and even though they don't count for much, i think it's fair to say i'm of above average intelligence.

Just thought i'd clear that up. I want to do this for the LOVE of motor vehicles, not so i can go out and race people on the open road.

Sorry for the rant everyone ;)

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:53 pm

Well put Will, I'd say you were a safer bet on our roads than many new drivers, more aware about your surroundings and having a developed ability to avoid unforseen circumstances , as much as many older drivers.

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:24 pm

Hi Will, at least you are thinking ahead and by asking the questions before jumping in feet first, and at least it gives you some idea of costs involved especially insurance, so keep asking the questions as we need all the young blood we can get on here to keep the ancient ones like myself from getting to set in our way's

Post by **MarkyB** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:51 pm

Sorry, Will_van_Es I was having a bit of a grumpy old Victor Meldrew moment.
I don't know you, and have no right to be so judgemental.

I'm sure you will be a much better driver than most 17 year olds as your car control will be much better and you delusions of immortality will have been tempered by experience on the track.

Post by **RogerRust** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:12 pm

Talking of new drivers,

My neighbour is a driving instructor, today he went with one of his pupis to take her test, She got all the way round with only 3 minor points and then on her way back to the centre turned right at a traffic bollard onto the wrong side of the road. Whoops - better luck next time.