lhd vs rhd

meathguy

following the demise of my X19 dream, i need a new car to
look for.. been wondering, what are the disadvantages of having a
LHD classic? How do you guys with a left hooker fair out on irish roads?
can automaticaly think of toll booths and multistorey car parks but i doubt that i would have a classic car at either, my current main car will be a classic before the M3 is built at this rate!, what other things should i consider?

camarobill

the toll bridge is no prop with a left hooker,just get an easypass theres no problem driveing a left hand drive,except when u meet a big rig on a back road :eek: :eek:

PaulK_CCI

camarobill wrote:

the toll bridge is no prop with a left hooker,just get an easypass theres no problem driveing a left hand drive,except when u meet a big rig on a back road :eek: :eek:

Well, in the case of an accident at least you would be in the "safe" side of the car, but your passenger might not be so lucky I guess...

All kidding aside, I think apart from the small nuisances as you described in toll booths and parking lots, there's only one thing you will need to get used to and that is the banging of your elbow against the door when you want to change gear!! This generally takes only ten minutes to get used to, and if you choose an automatic, it';s altogether a non-issue.

So apart from these, I can only think of Advantages that a LHD would offer!
You suddenly have a much wider choise of cars available, that have originated from the continent or the US, cars that are generally cheaper and in a MUCH MUCH better condition than the usual patched up and stuck together with bluetack and ducktape, restored umpteen time, RHD siblings.

I for one have almost stopped sourcing RHD cars, simply because the benefits of a rustfree, excellent condition, original and low mileage Left hooker from such sunny climates as the South of France or California is a much better option.

Alfasudcrazy

I have a left hand drive Alfa and got used to it very quickly - the only snag I have found with the car is when it comes to resale.
Buyers here will always favour a right hand drive model over a left hand drive - just scares them off I guess.

Other than that there is no disadvantage

Dades

Been driving LHD for a couple of months now, and love it. I would have no problem if all my future cars were lefties. I don't do much driving outside of the city or 'burbs and I like to be closer to the stationary cars than the moving ones.

If you're left-handed it might be different for you. I've heard it suggested that it's easier for right-handers to get used to shifting with their right.

And as Paul suggested - the world's your lobster when it comes to choice, if you embrace The Left...

CorvetteTom

I would also have to agree with the others, driving a left hander is no problem at all, and once used to it I think its part of the fun and difference from driving the everyday car,
Its also good being alongside pedastrians hearing their comments as you pass on by at lights etc.

I think when you first drive one here (My first driving experience was driving a TA from London to Hollyhead) I had a friend with me to tell me to get back over my own side of the road, this happened a bit but soon it was no problem at all. and as i said earlier it ads to the experience!

camarobill

tom u cant drive a right hand drive,never mind a left hooker bring on the big block,god help other road users :eek: :eek: :eek:

CorvetteTom

Bill,
The good thing is I wont need to be a good driver in the BB, as people should hear me comming and move!!

Tom

camarobill

a car is only as good as its driver power is nothing without control, so ur f..k.d can u teach an old dog new tricks c u on the strip old boy and yes i will take a 10 second headstart