Does anyone suffer from other drivers bullying their way through whilst you drive your Roomster, I know it sounds bonkers. I’ve noticed it for ages and can’t work out why. For instance you’re driving along and there’s a parked car on the other side of the road, cars on that side of the road seem oblivious to my Roomster being there. I’m driving along coming up to a junction and regularly get pulled out on.

Both myself and my wife have noticed it, we both drive other cars and don’t seem to have the same problems. I’m wondering if it because it is silver and kind of blends in with the surrounding or Roomster looks very narrow from the front.

A pity really as we both hate driving the thing due to this.

 

Edited 4 March, 20188 yr by Immelmann

Other than the usual Audi/Mercs/BMW/ChelseaTractor bullying, I never noticed this with either of my Roomsters (Anthracite and Amazonian Green).

Nor did I notice this with my Schitroen Berlingo (Silver).  Although to be fair, I was often distracted by the myriad warning lights that lit up like a Christmas tree.

 

Since owning my Yeti, I've noticed an increased level of bullying from Range Rover and other big 4x4s but I think that's just a case of "Mine's bigger than yours..."

Have you considered driving with headlights on to see if it makes any difference?  So many cars these days have DRLs that I wonder if some of today's myopic drivers do not "see" a car without them.

Previously for ten years I owned a Fiat Multipla and due to its wide girth other drivers usually gave way to me. Since owning the silver Roomster it is a game of who gives way first. I drive defensively and I am the one to give way first which frustrates my 28 year old son who says I am too timid while driving. As to being pulled at junctions I have not experienced anything different to the other cars I have driven.

Since driving my two Roomsters I have sensed that some following drivers are uncomfortable being behind me. This manifests itself in tailgating, even when I'm driving at the speed limit,  and rash overtaking moves. 

I used to drive a Seat Toledo MK II Tdi, which is really only a sheep in wolf's clothing, which had very similar top speed and acceleration performance as the Roomsters. I never experienced any such hassling from other drivers when in the Toledo , and I'm pretty sure that my driving style has not changed markedly.

I think that, particularly from the back, the Roomster looks like an under-powered shopping trolley that is going to hold up traffic. Indeed my daughter-in-law called it an "old biddy's car" when I got my first one. 

I just treat these press on idiots as...idiots and let them park at the next red light while I sidle up beside, watching the steam emit from their ears.

 

With regard to the narrowness of the car, I have also experienced the Mr Toads who expect you to shrink into the gutter to let them pass in their charabancs. I refuse to be intimidated by such behaviour. The narrowness is a benefit however when being tailgated by a clown in a wide barge who is unable to manoeuvre through small gaps. For which I am grateful!

 

 

Ive only had my Roomster a couple of months, but have definitely noticed that it appears to shout Slow Vehicle at other road users. Ive had numerous drivers pull out in front of me or attempt unnecessary overtakes. A tuned Roomster must make a great sleeper or Q Car.

 

In a previous job I used to roadtest cars and got to drive pretty much everything. It was quite interesting how much certain cars could engender noticeably different behaviour from other road users, and some cars I think it would be enough to really detract from your ownership experience. Worst of all was a yellow Porsche Boxster - the negative treatment  that provoked was amazing!

 

I think it's certainly worth driving with an awareness that other drivers are going to make assumptions about you based on what you're in.

 

Ben        

What you drive certainly influences other drivers and the way you are treated. After passing my test in the 60s my first car was a pale blue Morris Minor, the type used as police panda cars. Driving in the outside lane cars moved over allowing me to pass. I enjoyed the look on their faces when they saw a grinning youth roaring past them.

Edited 8 March, 20188 yr by edbostan

I believe this topic says one thing..............BossFox needs to make a supersonic Roomster to go with his yeti to prove the other drivers wrong on the slow car preconception

I believe BossFox actually started a Roomster project, then later shelved it.

 

@Jonny5ive's brilliant Roomster Scout almost went supersonic 

Morning all, mine's bright blue, that seems to help, also I've had the front sidelights replaced with (brighter) LED bulbs, and I tend to use sidelights most of the year as a baseline, I suppose equivalent to DRLs, or like Volvos of yore's "daytime notice lights".

 

In addition I've had the London Colour HID headlights kit fitted as substitute for the atrocious standard headlight bulbs, and use these as per the highway code, ie. in poor daytime visibility, gloom, fog, mist, rain, snow.  They certainly help get you noticed.  I'm doing a lot of trans-pennine stuff lately, W.Yorks to NW Derbyshire, and am shocked at the amount of goofs that just don't get it about seeing AND BEING SEEN, ie. no lights, or just sidelights (often very feeble ones), rather than dipped headlights; and not being alert to worsening visibility and failing to use their rear foglight to make them more see-able from behind. GRRR!  And often the drivers of the dull-coloured cars at fault; dark blues, greys, blacks, silvers.

 

I do quite often turn the engine off at known slow urban traffic lights,and I appreciate the fact that sidelights and radio remain on, but headlights turn off (and relight upon re-start).

Whereas previous work van (Peugeot Partner) turned all lights off if did same fuel-save manoeuvre at tedious traffic lights. Had to manually put lights switch to "off", then back to sidelights, then headlights once engine re-started. A dangerous feature.

 

Yes, BossFox did a Roomster, but he had it wrapped in Arctic Camouflage, air suspension, non-standard wheels, believe it was bog-standard 1.2tsi. 

Saw it at the Rockingham Brisky Bash.

 

Whereas mine is 1.9tdi with stealth remap by Darkside Developments, it has had the odd chance to startle a few people with very rapid overtakes of tedious stuff on straight bits of rural A- and B- roads.......!

Currently on Kumho winter tyres, has worsened the MPG, but reduces front-suspension chatter over broken surfaces.

Richard.

I've had similar experiences to @edbostan when driving my Octy (dark green), and even approving waves from serving police officers.

One of my son's girlfriends called my Roomie a hearse. If it was in black I could not deny the similarity

You should try driving a Fabia with a "Learner" Roofbox on... Other drivers think either you did wrong cos you're a learner, you're too slow cos you're a learner or you can stop easily if they cut you up, cos you have an experienced instructor with you!  I get this "Attitude" Even when I am clearly driving without an accompanying driver, (I am the instructor) Even if I am travelling at speed on duel carriageways or motorways!

 

Strangely enough, I have found out that, after the usual suspects in German cars or 4x4's, it then tends to be young male drivers. You would think they have only recently taken to the roads solo and would have sympathy and/or memories of their own learning, making them more aware of their actions but that are commonly the most stupid, rash, undisciplined road users out there!

The roads are full of bad drivers.  Can't say I notice any greater number when driving my Roomster than I do when driving any other car.  When they p you off by doing something dangerous or stupid just count to 10 and forget it happened.  Life's too short to waste on road rage.

 

 

I agree with you eccleshill. When they are so impatient in my rear view mirror and then they overtake I am grateful that they are in front of me and not behind.

I find this, when I had the roomster and definitely now with a citigo. At least the roomster had a chance to accelerate, into or around danger. So I find lights on definitely helps and occasionally full beam in daylight. Even thought they are useless at night. Can't count the times I've had to brake or avoid someone pulling out when they see the City car. I can still do 60mph on this nsl road why did you pull out. Or worse over take me to then brake on this perfectly ok kink in the road. 

 

I've never really used my horn, I figure if I've got time to use my horn I've got time to react and change my course, or pass them  I've done this too with people who will out drag me up a hill in their beast... then begin to brake for every corner, just let inertia carry me around, they will pass me again I don't care, I'm going from A to B at my pace  

 

The roomster was a great car on the open road, I miss it. 

 

Hi guys, sorry it’s a while since I’ve been on due to being ill (understatement but nuff said). It’s interesting how this thread developed. I like the idea of replacing sidelight bulbs but to be honest the thought of getting at the, fills me with dread. I have started driving around with headlights on and it does seem to ease the situation. As pointed there’s basically a lot of bad driving these days too.

 

I find generally that there is a lot of personality that comes into play. Mrs Bear had a fiat 500 and geographic location meant a lot of country lane driving. She once had a taxi driver give her a load of &£@* because he had to reverse 20 meters in a straight line up a hill to a passing space, by contrast my wife would have to have reversed 400m or so around corners etc he was gesturing that she should reverse, she shouldn’t be driving down lanes and all the usual BS, even said does she know the damage reversing up a hill will do to the clutch. She turned off the engine and waited for him to go back, we’d lived there 11 years at that point we know how to deal with the country lanes.

 

I have had people attempt to bully me in the Fabia, I find that if you give in, even a little bit then they will royally take the peee. I’m usually a courteous driver and will always try to think of others, but certain things really boil my urine: Prime examples are siting in a yellow hash box so I can’t pull out. Blocking a junction because you’re oblivious. Being generally obnoxious, sitting in the middle lane on a motorway, or being unable to drive in country lanes. Oh and being downright rude. A Simple flick up of the hand or flash of the lights to say thanks coats nothing, but we do a lot of country lane driving

 

I don’t agree with road rage, but I will get rather shouty in the car for 30 seconds then move on with my day.

 

We have only had our roomster for a few hours, but I don’t intend to be bullied by anyone. 😀

 

On 16/08/2019 at 23:26, dancingbear84 said:

She turned off the engine and waited for him to go back

I have literally done the same a few times.

 

And agree with your rant.

Funny that I had to drive around those country lanes week before last as we were staying near Chudleigh. Have to admit for the large majority drivers seemed fine down there and yes I too give a gesture of thanks to people.

 

On 16/08/2019 at 17:00, Immelmann said:

Hi guys, sorry it’s a while since I’ve been on due to being ill (understatement but nuff said). It’s interesting how this thread developed. I like the idea of replacing sidelight bulbs but to be honest the thought of getting at the, fills me with dread. I have started driving around with headlights on and it does seem to ease the situation. As pointed there’s basically a lot of bad driving these days too.

 

 

I think your low-vis colour is a factor. 

I commuted in a variety of cars along the same route for 10 years.  The sky blue car hit so many pheasants that it looked like the front had been battered by a  hammer wielding maniac.  I never hit one bird in the red or white cars that followed afterwards. I really believe the pheasant couldn't distinguish the light blue car from the surroundings. I myself find grey or silver cars without lights near-invisible on cloudy days.

 

 

Edited 17 August, 20196 yr by camelspyyder

2 hours ago, camelspyyder said:

 

I think your low-vis colour is a factor. 

I commuted in a variety of cars along the same route for 10 years.  The sky blue car hit so many pheasants that it looked like the front had been battered by a  hammer wielding maniac.  I never hit one bird in the red or white cars that followed afterwards. I really believe the pheasant couldn't distinguish the light blue car from the surroundings. I myself find grey or silver cars without lights near-invisible on cloudy days.

 

 

Yes as per my original guess I agree colour has a lot to do with it for sure, pity Silver was the only colour available when I bought mine. I also think it has a lot to do with modern attitudes of people as well, people are more stressed especially during the week. Inexperienced drivers out on a weekend that wouldn’t normally drive on the motorways too. A friend of mine calls the attitude problem the “me first” attitude.

Did a 180 mile round trip today and definitely found people that had to get there before you and don’t care I’m having that gap. 

 

Never mind we made it unscaved and the Roomster did 54 mpg so all is well. 😃

 

Hi,

 

Silver TSi 2013 FL here.

Fitted LED DRLs in the fog-light units and I think that helps.

I would definitely fit bright LED bulbs in the sidelights if I didn't have the running lights.

Cheap and easy aid to visibility.