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Left hand drive cars

  • 08-04-2009 07:42PM
    #1
    Vanhalla
    Closed Accounts Posts: 412 ✭✭


    is there anyway of searchin for left hand drive cars on all the car websites without having to look through all the cars!
    thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Cahit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 36 ✭Cahit


    hi mate, if you go to advanced search (in carsireland.ie) type left hand or just left maybe in keywords you can search for them...try on other sites too...


  • #3
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...speaking of which, for price reasons, I'm thinking of getting left hooker, too.

    Anyone got good day-to-day experience of driving one, here......? Pros/Cons/Costs etc etc.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #4
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...speaking of which, for price reasons, I'm thinking of getting left hooker, too.

    Anyone got good day-to-day experience of driving one, here......? Pros/Cons/Costs etc etc.



    All I can say is you'd mad to use a left hooker as a daily driver here in Ireland with the amount of poor and single lane roads. I considered buying a modern classic that was only made in l/h/d but dismissed the idea as dangerous. Glad I did.


  • #5
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    , well, half this town now seems to LHD, and the car I want is much, much cheaper in LHD.

    Johnny - if you want a RHD classic, try one of mine ! :D (see sig...)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #6
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    galwaytt wrote: »
    , well, half this town now seems to LHD, and the car I want is much, much cheaper in LHD.

    Johnny - if you want a RHD classic, try one of mine ! :D (see sig...)

    Small world as the car I was interested in was build by Porsche but not a Porsche! I did consider a 928 would have also loved 968CS but good ones were 13-15k stg at the time. Ended up with something more pratical and nearly as quick as your motor for very reasonable cost.


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  • #7
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    Small world as the car I was interested in was build by Porsche but not a Porsche! I did consider a 928 would have also loved 968CS but good ones were 13-15k stg at the time. Ended up with something more pratical and nearly as quick as your motor for very reasonable cost.


    Go on, do tell....what part of the island are you in, btw......??

    Fwiw, I don't use the manual Sport at all anymore now - mothballed. Much prefer the Tip. Hence the push, I want to get another bike, instead.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #8
    Seweryn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,503 ✭✭✭Seweryn


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...speaking of which, for price reasons, I'm thinking of getting left hooker, too.
    Anyone got good day-to-day experience of driving one, here......? Pros/Cons/Costs etc etc.

    For price reason - do you mean that you are going to pay more than for the equivalent RHD car? From my experience, the LHD cars are more expensive, especially in the UK.

    I have day to day experience in driving a LHD car, as I have been driving LHD cars for the last 6 years here in Ireland.

    Pros: Design of the car - most of the cars are designed from the day one to be LHD, so you get simply better designed car, especially if it is Mercedes, BMW, and any European car. All knobs and switches are in plece closer to you, etc. There are so many details that has not been changed when the car was re-designed to be RHD, that it would be hard to list them all. For example BMW 5 series has unchanged wiper alignment, some Mercedes cars have the lever to open the bonet kept at the left side, the steering box is not exposed in the LHD model to the exhaust system, etc., etc.
    Also the LHD car is somehow better ballanced, nicer to drive - it is more natural to operate the gear lever (and other controls) by right hand, especially if your car has manual gearbox.
    Parking along the street is handier and safer as well, as you simply get out straight on the footpath.

    Cons: overtaking a big truck on a narrow road may be more difficult.

    Regards.


  • #9
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...speaking of which, for price reasons, I'm thinking of getting left hooker, too.

    Anyone got good day-to-day experience of driving one, here......? Pros/Cons/Costs etc etc.

    Drive a LHD as a daily driver, no probs with it at all.

    But there are the following caveats:
    - it's a van so I can see over most traffic
    - it's dog slow, so I do little overtaking
    - I'm a culchie, so no toll boths and other crap like that

    I don't think I'd fancy a low slung sports car in LHD.


  • #10
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Go on, do tell....what part of the island are you in, btw......??

    Fwiw, I don't use the manual Sport at all anymore now - mothballed. Much prefer the Tip. Hence the push, I want to get another bike, instead.

    Oh, after several trips to the UK and spoilt for choice and adventually letting the head rule the heart somewhat I dismissed a Merc 500E '91 and the 928, ended up with Merc 2.5-16 aka Cosworth but very happy after 31k mls of use in 20mts of driving. I'm based in Dublin/Kildare.


  • #11
    mick.fr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭mick.fr


    Been driving left hookers for over 5 years in Ireland never had a single issue, well drive-in is obviously.

    It actually is easier to drive a LHD and driving on the left.
    It exists nowhere in the world as far as I know, and should be studied seriously.

    People do not realise that, say it is more dangerous etc. Urban legend period!
    I never had an issue overtaking heavy vehicles and I drove around a lot in Ireland, especially Dublin-Cork trips, so plenty of trucks down here.


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  • #12
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    Seweryn wrote: »
    For price reason - do you mean that you are going to pay more than for the equivalent RHD car? From my experience, the LHD cars are more expensive, especially in the UK.

    I have day to day experience in driving a LHD car, as I currently drive one.

    Pros: Design of the car - most of the cars are designed from the day one to be LHD, so you get simply better designed car, especially if it is Mercedes, BMW, and any European car. All knobs and switches are in plece closer to you, etc. There are so many details that has not been changed when the car was re-designed to be RHD, that it would be hard to list them all. For example BMW 5 series has unchanged wiper alignment, some Mercedes cars have the lever to open the bonet kept at the left side, the steering box is not exposed in the LHD model to the exhaust system, etc., etc.
    Also the LHD car is somehow better ballanced, nicer to drive - it is more natural to operate the gear lever (and other controls) by right hand, especially if your car has manual gearbox.
    Parking along the street is handier and safer as well, as you simply get out straight on the footpath.

    Cons: overtaking a big truck on a narrow road may be more difficult.

    Regards.

    You are vey correct in all your points. But no way could you justify driving a a left hooker from say Kildare to Mayo.


  • #13
    mick.fr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭mick.fr


    Also guys keep in mind if you decide to import a LHD, VRT office takes 25% off because of its lower value in Ireland.


  • #14
    Seweryn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,503 ✭✭✭Seweryn


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    You are vey correct in all your points. But no way could you justify driving a a left hooker from say Kildare to Mayo.

    I drove to Mayo from Co. Kilkenny and back my LHD car not once. I would actually prefer the LHD car any day.

    Regards.


  • #15
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    mick.fr wrote: »
    Been driving left hookers for over 5 years in Ireland never had a single issue, well drive-in is obviously.

    It actually is easier to drive a LHD and driving on the left.
    It exists nowhere in the world as far as I know, and should be studied seriously.

    People do not realise that, say it is more dangerous etc. Urban legend period!
    I never had an issue overtaking heavy vehicles and I drove around a lot in Ireland, especially Dublin-Cork trips, so plenty of trucks down here.


    Your a far better driver than most us, maybe we should get the dealers to supply new cars in l/h/d?


  • #16
    Seweryn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,503 ✭✭✭Seweryn


    mick.fr wrote: »
    Also guys keep in mind if you decide to import a LHD, VRT office takes 25% off because of its lower value in Ireland.

    That is true, but you need to know that, as the VRT Officer may not take it into account.

    Regards.


  • #17
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    Never driven a LHD in Ireland, but have driven a RHD abroad. The biggest pain I found was things like toll bridges, car park entry systems, drive through anythings. If you spend a lot of time having to swipe cards to get in and out of places (like apartment buildings, or work carparks) it gets tedious very quickly.


  • #18
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    Seweryn wrote: »
    I drove to Mayo from Co. Kilkenny and back my LHD car not once. I would actually prefer the LHD car any day.

    Regards.

    Good luck to you.


  • #19
    mick.fr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭mick.fr


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    Your a far better driver than most us, maybe we should get the dealers to supply new cars in l/h/d?

    Why the sarcastic tone here?
    I just shared my genuine experience honestly. I have not claimed to be a better driver that the most of you? Although my initial training was probably better :D


  • #20
    Seweryn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,503 ✭✭✭Seweryn


    Thoie wrote: »
    Never driven a LHD in Ireland, but have driven a RHD abroad. The biggest pain I found was things like toll bridges, car park entry systems, drive through anythings. If you spend a lot of time having to swipe cards to get in and out of places (like apartment buildings, or work carparks) it gets tedious very quickly.

    That's right, however I take it as an advantage, some oportunity to straight my bones.


  • #21
    Seweryn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,503 ✭✭✭Seweryn


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    Good luck to you.

    Well, you are right, of course, about the disadvantage when it comes to overtaking a truck on a country road, but still that is a small price to pay for the rest of the positive points.


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  • #22
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,344 ✭✭✭Thoie


    Oooh, I also forgot the excitement it causes amongst other drivers when the passenger starts scrabbling for something on the floor when you're driving at 80kph. That always brightens up the day.


  • #23
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Thoie wrote: »
    Oooh, I also forgot the excitement it causes amongst other drivers when the passenger starts scrabbling for something on the floor when you're driving at 80kph. That always brightens up the day.


    Even better when your passenger is a shaggy dog :D


  • #24
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    mick.fr wrote: »
    Why the sarcastic tone here?
    I just shared my genuine experience honestly. I have not claimed to be a better driver that the most of you? Although my initial training was probably better :D

    I'm not being sarcastic as you put it, just can't believe somebody is trying to convince me or justify that it's better to drive a l/h/d car here in Ireland! I've been driving for 32 years both here, the UK, Germany & The Netherlands and imo the SAFER & faster way to drive is r/h/d cars for here & the U.K. and l/h/d cars for mainland Europe?

    Or is it the case that you own a left kooker and need to justify way your car is l/h/d?


  • #25
    mick.fr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭mick.fr


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    I'm not being sarcastic as you put it, just can't believe somebody is trying to convince me or justify that it's better to drive a l/h/d car here in Ireland! I've been driving for 32 years both here, the UK, Germany & The Netherlands and imo the SAFER & faster way to drive is r/h/d cars for here & the U.K. and l/h/d cars for mainland Europe?

    Or is it the case that you own a left kooker and need to justify way your car is l/h/d?

    I certainly do not need to justify anything with my left hookerS since this is a pure choice I made.
    But thank you for asking.

    Now you are comparing your experience to mine, which is different.
    You drove LHD cars in mainland europe and RHD in UK/Ireland.
    Obviously this is not what I was not talking about. I did that too but that was not the point here.

    All I was saying was that driving a LHD car in a left side driving country is easier.


  • #26
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    whatever, I'm seriously thinking of a LHD car. Junkyard - now, why would you possibly think I'm looking at a low-slung sports car...? ;);)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #27
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    mick.fr wrote: »
    All I was saying was that driving a LHD car in a left side driving country is easier.

    So way do 99.9% of cars sold here & the UK are r/h/d and l/h/d in mainland Europe if you are correct?

    I'll wait for another silly justification.


  • #28
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    I'll wait for another silly justification.


    ...how does 30k left in my pocket, sound ?

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #29
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...how does 30k left in my pocket, sound ?

    In fairness that's not the point we were discussing. Even if you better off by €1m it still does not change the basic fact of the logical reasons for our cars to be made with r/h/d.

    Mind you it's well worth considering when savings are like that can be made. You did'nt make that saving on any 968.


  • #30
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    In fairness that's not the point we were discussing. Even if you better off by €1m it still does not change the basic fact of the logical reasons for our cars to be made with r/h/d.

    Mind you it's well worth considering when savings are like that can be made. You did'nt make that saving on any 968.

    Correct, but it is why I asked the question.

    Also correct about the 968's - that's why I'm selling them, and will discount them, as I can buy the replacement, cheaper now.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • #31
    mick.fr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭mick.fr


    Johnboy Mac wrote: »
    So way do 99.9% of cars sold here & the UK are r/h/d and l/h/d in mainland Europe if you are correct?

    I'll wait for another silly justification.

    Historical reasons budy, there was no need to insult me though.

    I don't know what's wrong with you guys, damn you have the insult so easy sometimes.
    Now get the experience yourself so you can talk about things you know next time.
    It is not like I was the only one to claim this on this board...

    Cheers


  • #32
    Johnboy Mac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Johnboy Mac


    mick.fr wrote: »
    Historical reasons budy, there was no need to insult me though.

    I don't know what's wrong with you guys, damn you have the insult so easy sometimes.
    Now get the experience yourself so you can talk about things you know next time.
    It is not like I was the only one to claim this on this board...

    Cheers


    Historical reasons? Yeah, your correct that's why we drive on the left but you still have not answered my question which is, just in case you need a reminder: why are 99.9% of all cars sold here r/h/d?
    I'll educate you (as I've nothing much better to do at the moment), it's because we drive on the left (due to historical reasons) thus it's safer. Make sense now?

    Your a laugh, and as for being called buddy I'll pass thanks just as I'd pass you safely on the road in my r/h/d car.

    Look I'll give the benefit of the doubt if you write a thesis (min.500 words) on why we should all drive/buy left hookers since you so adament that you are correct. Fair enough? And then send it to the Dept. of Transport, AA, the motor distributors and while your at it I'm sure the UK Ministry of Transport would welcome you input. :D


  • #33
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...in a country where driving was mostly on small, single-carriageway roads, you're right, RHD cars are sensible.

    However, with the advent of big stretches of Dual Carriageway, Motorway, and larger N-roads generally, it's just that LHD is becoming less of an issue, not the the issue of good/bad of it etc has gone away completely. On R roads, overtaking will always be an issue, but there again..........even that's becoming impossible now generally, for everyone, due to traffic and ever-increasing prolifieration of continuous white lines.


    I suppose the Swedes could help, here. The converted from RHD to LHD in 1967, and so, for many years after, had a great number of both types of cars on the roads, simultaneously......must check google.........


    funny, this.....

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #34
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    I ran a LHD Mk2 Golf 16v here for a few years, followed by another few years in a Delta integrale. Given enough power to hang back for overtaking, I found LHD easy enough to live with. For obvious reasons, though, LHD will never be as easy to drive as RHD in this country, and carparks/tolls etc will always be a bit of a pain.


  • #35
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    red card for Johnboy Mac


  • #36
    BlackWizard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,264 ✭✭✭BlackWizard


    I might know a guy selling a Audi TT in work. I think it's 2003.

    Anyway, PM me if you are interested.

    He doesn't like it because he can only give one other person a lift and then fitting golf bags in is hard. Downside to a small sports car I guess.


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