Do Astra Turbo Drivers hate XR5's?

Skid Marx · 16-08-2010, 07:34 PM

I've had a Focus XR5 for about 2 months now and something is bugging me.

I've been driving for 30 years (without ever stopping once!) and, while I would never describe myself as a good driver, I very rarely get any grief from other drivers because I simply avoid problem drivers where possible. I can't change their attitude by 'fighting back' - I just let it go.....and hope they're married to an utter pig!

Anyway, since owning my sexy XR5 I have found it unfortunately attracts an unusually high number of w*nkers who rush up from behind and aggressively tailgate or, much worse, swerve violently across the front of me as if they're trying to run me off the road. These drivers are nearly always in a turbo Astra! I've had more hair-raising experiences in the 2 months I've owned this than in all my previous cars put together.

Am I just extraordinarily unlucky or is this the new version of the old 'Ford verses Holden' rivalry?

chinw3e · 16-08-2010, 07:48 PM

go and join the astra turbo forums and have a look if they have a sticky on 'i hate focus xr5 drivers'

DBourne · 16-08-2010, 07:53 PM

They do like to play, but what they hate is the end result...

Tj-zetec · 16-08-2010, 07:59 PM

Can't say I've had any grief from astra drivers before (I've actually had one pull along side and compliment me, oh and I got a thumbs up from a GTI owner once too) but I cop it from commodores and just about any rice box with a cannon muffler.

I reckon owning an orange one attracts a lot of bell ends, but for the most part people still don't know what it is.

Other hot hatch drivers actually seem to be quite respectful, they know and appreciate what we drive. It's the sunburnt, southern cross tattoed knob in his Chevy badged commodore exec that seem to all act like knobs around my car.

If there's anyone that hates us it should be the Mazda MPS guys because we bag em out so much

All in jest of course.

XR5-Boy · 16-08-2010, 10:38 PM

Yes. Astra turbo drivers hate us. Then again, all holden drivers hate us. Like bourney said, it's the end result that they hate hehehe

leakey · 17-08-2010, 10:10 AM

Yes this goes back to biblical times. Its basically a good against evil thing..

Mind you those XR5 asses were pretty mean.

Skid Marx · 17-08-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leakey

Yes this goes back to biblical times. Its basically a good against evil thing.

I think Jesus drove a Focus didn't he? And they nailed him to a cross. At least I haven't had that done to me yet.

Velociraptor82 · 17-08-2010, 03:09 PM

I noticed that the attitude of other road users changed that day I put the stripes on my car. And it is only a zetec. Not just commodores and ricers but it could be anyone. Isn't if funny how you put your indicator out to change lanes and the guy in the other lane puts his foot down to close the gap and prevent you from merging. No wonder so many people don't use their indicators.

Skid Marx · 17-08-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velociraptor82

(snip) Isn't if funny how you put your indicator out to change lanes and the guy in the other lane puts his foot down to close the gap and prevent you from merging. No wonder so many people don't use their indicators.

Yes, this has mystified me for years. They're quite happy to drive 30 metres behind you at the same speed for miles, but can't allow you to get into 'their' lane. I'd love to hear them explain why they do this. As you say, it basically teaches many drivers not to indicate.

Smoke Pursuit · 17-08-2010, 04:18 PM

Theres only one worse thing than an Astra Turbo, thats an Astra Turbo Convertible.. They seem to attract wannabe Wayne Kerrs!

XR5-Boy · 17-08-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Marx

Yes, this has mystified me for years. They're quite happy to drive 30 metres behind you at the same speed for miles, but can't allow you to get into 'their' lane. I'd love to hear them explain why they do this. As you say, it basically teaches many drivers not to indicate.

In Melbourne we have a saying.

'Don't indicate. It gives away your next move'

I usually indicate as i'm performing the maneuver. Not a moment before!

DBourne · 17-08-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfiipursuit

Theres only one worse thing than an Astra Turbo, thats an Astra Turbo Convertible.. They seem to attract wannabe Wayne Kerrs!

and Wayne Kerrette's.

leakey · 18-08-2010, 08:19 AM

[puts flame suit on...]

I think you'll find most of those drivers are from South Australia.

Yep, I know this for a fact. All ex pat S.Aussies. All of them.

a n d, even if they dont have one, I bet they know an Astra driver...

Its all connected.

ps- I'm an ex-pat S.Aussie......

pps - I actually know a Wayne Carr, and a Michael Hunt. (Mike to his mates)

marg99 · 18-08-2010, 05:31 PM

I am usure why you all blame Astra drivers cause in my experience their cars are forever at the dealer getting problems sorted out. Bought the Focus diesel because their expensive Astra diesel fuel pumps had a very bad reputation for faults (usually just after warranty expired)

leakey · 18-08-2010, 06:14 PM

I love double edged swords..

XR5-Boy · 18-08-2010, 06:59 PM

Speaking of Astra drivers, i had one next to me on the way home from the office. Some young bloke with a baseball cap on and precision cut thin line beard and trace music cranked. I needed to change lanes and he kept speeding up and slowing down. So i dropped into 2nd

20focus05 · 01-09-2010, 10:59 PM

ha ha leakey I know a Wayne Kerr (thats how its spelt)

we just have a CL LS and it will give it to commy owners, the look on there face is gold while you stay with them.

mrbaxr6t · 02-09-2010, 01:04 AM

I find "P" platers hate the XR5 they see hatchback and expect their fooly sick vn to spank it, then when they lose the look of total bewilderment is priceless..

The XR5 to me is like a silent assassin unassuming and un noticed, then the focus launches leaving commodores and other perceived better cars behind it, then it gets noticed..

**DJM83** · 03-09-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbaxr6t

I find "P" platers hate the XR5 they see hatchback and expect their fooly sick vn to spank it, then when they lose the look of total bewilderment is priceless..

The XR5 to me is like a silent assassin unassuming and un noticed, then the focus launches leaving commodores and other perceived better cars behind it, then it gets noticed..

Great description sums the 5 up in 1.

Velociraptor82 · 03-09-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbaxr6t

I find "P" platers hate the XR5 they see hatchback and expect their fooly sick vn to spank it, then when they lose the look of total bewilderment is priceless..

The XR5 to me is like a silent assassin unassuming and un noticed, then the focus launches leaving commodores and other perceived better cars behind it, then it gets noticed..

But those perceived better cars always seem to have an excuse when they lose and still cliam their car is faster. "I wasn't trying to race you" or "my car isn't running properly"

However it is a good thing as I think a majority of the police see it the same way. As such they are more likely to pull over the vn with stockies then the fwd 4 or 5cyl. (At least that's what I tell my self when I get up in the morning).

Miyagi · 04-09-2010, 03:11 PM

The VXR owners are all pretty cool cats. They seem to share pretty common interests.

mrbaxr6t · 06-09-2010, 07:56 PM

talking of the police I got pulled over for a RBT and the focus was in a vocal mood with crackles and exhaust pops and stuff, after passing the breatho I drove off and it was almost asif the car was TRYING to get me pulled over with all the exhaust crackling and popping it was doing, the plod looked long and hard at me as I tried to drive off keeping the car from being vocal but it decided to be vocal nonetheless talk about stress me out sarcastic car..