Pat’s Point of View

On saturday afternoon I plonked myself on the couch in eager anticipation of viewing a TV show that had just started, The Car Show on Channel 9.

What a disappointment. First things first, they rip off not only the Top Gear format but also the theme music (and even that’s a pale imitation of the original). The show is complete rubbish. When will they produce a decent motoring program for Australian TV?

I reckon the young guy presenting doesn’t know his arse from his elbow. Glenn Ridge (former host of The Sale of the Century) is a nice enough guy and has made a few appearances in pro-am touring car racing from what I remember, but he doesn’t seem to add much to the show.

One benefit of the show was it’s brevity, which allowed me to view the next of 9′s afternoon program The Snow Show. I may have the order wrong but the pattern was obvious; a good few hours of ‘advertainment’ drivel. Thinly veiled advertisements in between ads, followed by a few plugs for sponsors products.

How appropriate then, that the theme for this week was the ‘pony car’—all show, no go…just like this program.

I really miss Clarkson and co and their antics.

I’m fast approaching the day which all young men dread; the purchase of a family car. Arrgh! :)

By year’s end I shall be cruising the streets of Sydney in something safe, practical and economical. I don’t mind to be honest, it’s been over four years since I had to [was cruelly forced to] give up my beloved WRX and I’d drive any old bucket of bolts right now.

Taking the wife’s requirements (including “room for family additions”) into account, I have compiled a list:

• Subaru Forester
• Honda CR-V
• Nissan X-trail
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Toyota RAV4 (5 door)

All circa 2003, and probably base models. This class of vehicle is an obvious choice for us, and for a lot of other young families, hence the explosion of “soft roaders” in recent years.

Other competitors not listed include the Hyundai Santa Fe (the 2003 model is as ugly as sin), the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute (which I’ve read bad things about) and the Suzuki Grand Vitara (which is getting so old I’m surprised they still remember how to make them).

We’re not overly concerned about performance, nor hard core off-road capability. Just enough for the odd driving holiday and a bit of dirt/snow adventures. Bit of luggage room too.

If anyone has opinions, advice or feedback on any of these models please leave a comment. OK I don’t expect a rush of replies, I don’t think anyone reads this. At least the spammers like me, they must have families, perhaps they can recommend a car? :)

Now, back to thinking of a way to convince the Mrs that 20″ chrome wheels and twin 15″ subwoofers are valuable additions to any “baby-mobile”.

Jenn sent me this ad from a classifieds website, do you think she’s trying to tell me something?

That’s just plain mean, how could somebody do that to such a fine automobile?

ps: If the ad is no longer live, here’s a screenshot.

Been a fairly busy week, I’ve added some new offers to the Renault Retail website (check it out) and launched a new data capture microsite for Porsche Cayenne (check this too). Nothing much but it keeps me busy!

P

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