What Body Type of Car Do You Drive?

Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:21
Last edited 09/03/2023 - 13:25

It's not a particularly hot take to say that big cars are becoming more common.

American XXXL vehicles are starting to make their way here, more SUVs being purchased than ever before, and even Utes like the Hilux has gotten larger in recent years.
Even personally speaking, I've had two colleagues in the last handful of months change out their sedans for SUVs. Neither of which will take them off road, and one of which will likely not carry anything more than a single occupant 99% of the time.

Given that I do not have a large vehicle, I now have less visibility when driving, and particularly when turning out of streets/driveways/etc, because these vehicles twice my size are in the entirety of my line of sight.
And that's ignoring the realities of fuel consumption of most larger vehicles too, which given current fuel prices seems rough.

As such, I'm curious as to the OzB representation.
What do you drive, and why?

For me, I have a hatchback because I live in a capital city and wanted something fuel efficient and easy to get into smaller car parks.
Lots of people say they buy a larger car for safety, which seems to just be at the expense of other people on the road. If you feel like some extra-curriculum viewing and have 40ish minutes spare, this video gives a mostly USA-centric insight to the state of larger vehicles over there, with some relevancy for here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN7mSXMruEo

Poll Options

  • 70
    Coupe/Convertible
  • 285
    Sedan
  • 299
    Hatchback
  • 225
    SUV
  • 57
    Ute
  • 15
    Van
  • 91
    Wagon
  • 14
    Motorbike
  • 16
    Other
Automotive Car

Comments

  • FocusRider on 09/03/2023 - 13:23
    +6

    Wagon option?

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:26
      +3

      Rectified.

      • 82norm on 10/03/2023 - 11:35
        +2

        Dual cab ute option. Given they lead current sales?

        • Sleeqb7 on 10/03/2023 - 11:40
          +2

          I might be wrong, but my understanding is the highest selling individual vehicle is a dual-cab ute, but SUVs as a body type outsell utes 2:1.

          Either way, as the poll is a day old and has nearly 500 votes it's a bit late for me to add a more specific range, sorry.

    • drprox on 10/03/2023 - 10:31
      +11

      Wagons are the best (shame the market has chosen SUVs)

      • netjock on 10/03/2023 - 11:39

        Toyota Corolla Wagon would be good. Pity they are not bringing it in.

        • Ceri on 11/03/2023 - 13:45

          Can get Corolla Fielder import from Japan. They have hybrid models too

          • jacross on 12/03/2023 - 08:54

            @Ceri: I remember watching a MightyCarMods video years ago on them trying to import a car from Japan and it all seemed very exciting but a bit tricky.

            That said a hybrid wagon is exactly what I'm interested in so I will go forth and investigate again!

      • kaleidoscope on 10/03/2023 - 14:29

        why

    • jacross on 12/03/2023 - 08:56
      +1

      Wagon pride world wide!

      I love my Subaru Liberty! There are quite a number of good options though (Mazda 6, Skoda Octavia/Superb, Hyundai i30/i40, VW Passat).

  • dtc on 09/03/2023 - 13:24
    +18

    Outrageous that a station wagon has to slum it with 'other'…

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:26
      +1

      Yeah that's my bad, I've fixed it.
      I knew I was forgetting one that was obvious.

      • jacross on 12/03/2023 - 08:57

        That wagons were forgotten is both infuriating and also an extraordinarily accurate reflection of the Australian car market and Australian car buying community.

  • Jaduqimon on 09/03/2023 - 13:29

    People mover?

    • coxjon on 09/03/2023 - 13:35
      +3

      I voted for van

      • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:47

        I feel a people mover is a van, but YMMV.

  • xis123 on 09/03/2023 - 13:30
    +6

    Sedan - body shape preference, it's not too crammed in the backseat when I occasionally have to lug some friends around and like the compartmentalized boot, all compared to a hatchback. Unfortunately, its age is showing (2005) and drinks 10-12L/100KM city driving so maybe its time to suck it up and get a Corolla Hybrid..

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:49
      +1

      I guess how cramped the back seats are will depend on the hatch.
      An i30 vs an i20 for example.

    • kerfuffle on 09/03/2023 - 14:10
      +2

      Corolla Sedan Hybrids are great. The wait is not (two years) so might want to place an order now …

      • netjock on 10/03/2023 - 11:41

        Christmas 2020 when I ordered mine (bog standard which they said Apr 21 but came Feb 21). They had 1 in the yard ready to go and it was $30k without haggling.

        • kerfuffle on 10/03/2023 - 16:05
          +1

          I only managed to get one because I picked up a cancelled order, otherwise I'd still be waiting (it wasn't the colour I originally ordered either)

    • LanceVance on 09/03/2023 - 20:48
      +1

      That money you'd spend to buy that Corolla Hybrid buys a whole lot of fuel…

      • netjock on 10/03/2023 - 11:40

        If you got in early you could have got a hybrid for $30k (base model) got mine at start of 2021. Now it is just crazy prices. $35k and long wait.

  • hothed on 09/03/2023 - 13:35
    +29

    Wagon.

    All the space of an SUV, none of the cost, poor fuel economy or handling.

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:48

      Based.

    • GG57 on 09/03/2023 - 14:39
      +9

      More space that a lot of SUVs

  • Bafranz on 09/03/2023 - 13:37
    +11

    Hatch, put backseats down to put stuff in
    (e.g ozbargained large tv deals)

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:49

      Yeah, I've done many tip runs in my hatchbacks over the years.

    • Lastchancetosee on 10/03/2023 - 08:55
      +2

      Honda Jazz also has plenty of leg space in the bsck seats.

  • Archi on 09/03/2023 - 13:39

    cant beat them, join them,

    F250 all the way…

    i drive a hatch.

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 13:50
      +1

      You could maybe fit your hatch into the tray of an F250

      • saltypete on 10/03/2023 - 08:37

        Now ‘ya think’n!!!

  • witheredcouch on 09/03/2023 - 13:57
    +2

    I have a Sedan (Toyota Century) and Hatch (polo), but for a daily driver will likely son end up with a Wagon as I think it is the best looking shape, most practical, and least compromised.

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 14:03
      +3

      The Century is cool, props.

    • brendanm on 09/03/2023 - 17:13
      +2

      Toyota Century

      👍

    • herecomestheoost on 09/03/2023 - 17:33

      V12?

      • witheredcouch on 09/03/2023 - 23:07
        +1

        Yep, a 99' GZG50. Only the 4sp auto not the 6sp, but I still love it.

    • R4 on 10/03/2023 - 17:21

      The Century is awesome.

      I just watched a YT video on a guy in Canada who imported one - a lot of vehicle for the money (poor man's Rolls Royce!).

      I've always wanted a V12…….

  • pacer4000 on 09/03/2023 - 13:59

    Where would I poll the Mitsubishi ASX that I drive, or the other so called "small SUVs" like the Toyota C-HR or Mazda CX-3? Not really much bigger than a sedan or wagon.

    • witheredcouch on 09/03/2023 - 14:00
      +1

      I'd guess that is an "SUV" in this poll though "CUV" would be more accurate.

      • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 14:02

        I feel SUV would cover it, but you're welcome to use 'Other' if you would prefer.

      • pacer4000 on 09/03/2023 - 14:16
        +1

        ha! I couldn't think of what CUV stood for, was thinking either "cute UV" or "crap UV" until I googled and realised "Compact UV"

        • witheredcouch on 09/03/2023 - 14:30
          +1

          Compact or Crossover depending on the person.

  • Hybroid on 09/03/2023 - 14:04

    4x4 for off-roading, beach drives and towing boat trailer. Do not commute by vehicle.

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 14:08

      Seems sensible

  • kerfuffle on 09/03/2023 - 14:12

    A sedan with a sunroof as it's the closest I'll get to a convertible but my driving record means I can't get a convertible (due to people constantly crashing into my car) 🫠

  • pegaxs on 09/03/2023 - 14:19
    +2

    Where is the "Shooting Brake" option??

    • Bid Sniper on 09/03/2023 - 14:25
      +2

      hey thats my line lol

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 15:19

      'Other'

  • Bid Sniper on 09/03/2023 - 14:27
    +1

    Daily 2 door hatchback, its close as I can get to a Shooting Brake.

    If they sold this where would buy
    https://www.kia.com/uk/new-cars/proceed/specification/

  • Cheaplikethebird on 09/03/2023 - 14:32
    +4

    The bus

    • Gunnar on 09/03/2023 - 22:43
      +3

      So something faster than an 86

  • Euphemistic on 09/03/2023 - 14:41
    +6

    4wd ute so I can terrorise hatchback drivers and pretend I’m a tradie.

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 15:20

      Story checks out.

    • Bid Sniper on 09/03/2023 - 15:44

      With red P plates I hope

    • pegaxs on 09/03/2023 - 21:40
      +3

      Just make sure that when you park it, you park it across 3 EV charging bays…

  • websterp on 09/03/2023 - 14:48
    +1

    A Frog Style car body seems to be quite popular amongst cashed-up OZBargainers.

    • hopper on 12/03/2023 - 15:33

      A Frog Style car

      thats how exactly my 8 year old veloster looks like

  • payless69 on 09/03/2023 - 14:58
    +1

    Where is the "Shagon Wagon" option?

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 15:20
      -1

      I feel it's a subcategory of 'Wagon', but I could be wrong.

    • saltypete on 10/03/2023 - 08:40

      I think it has morphed into the Pedo Van (possibly always was….)

    • Gravy on 10/03/2023 - 22:05
      +1

      I was pretty impressed with my older brother's Kingswood panel van back in the 80's, it was fully decked out in the back with carpet all around, classic tinted bubble windows, naked lady printed on a blanket, and to top it all off a little colour TV in one corner, pretty classy stuff… we didn't even have a colour TV in the house at the time.

  • Nugs on 09/03/2023 - 15:07

    Voted hatchback because my daily is a Mazda Metro (mini mini van).
    Never had a real van but would love a Drifter. will never buy an SUV
    Had or have all the rest of the options
    .

  • apple2016 on 09/03/2023 - 15:19

    Ute

    There are sedan based utes as well that are still in use a lot.

    • Euphemistic on 09/03/2023 - 18:45

      Aren’t they a ute still?

  • nomoneynoproblems on 09/03/2023 - 15:24

    Sedan crew checking in

  • Ghost47 on 09/03/2023 - 15:37

    Fastback. Roominess of a sedan with a hatch from a hatchback and plenty of cargo space.

    • Ryanek on 09/03/2023 - 17:17
      +1

      This is mine too. You can open the boot even if the rear is up against a wall.

  • CurlCurl on 09/03/2023 - 15:56
    +3

    Had 4WDs for the last 35 years and still do. I use them as intended.

  • CurlCurl on 09/03/2023 - 16:04
    -4

    @ sleeqb7.because these vehicles twice my size are in the entirety of my line of sight

    So are delivery vans, tradies utes, caravans, mobile homes, horse floats small trucks, medium trucks, large trucks, tipper trucks, semi trailers, B doubles, buses, plus many other vehicle types.

    • GG57 on 09/03/2023 - 16:10
      +7

      I don't think OP was oblivious to that, but was stating that the increase in large SUVs on the road means that there are more incidences when their line of sight is impaired.
      Could probably add that the increase in the number of larger utes used by tradies causes the same problem.

      • CurlCurl on 09/03/2023 - 16:27
        -1

        Some people whinge about nothing.

        Way back when I drove a Mini Minor, almost ever car on the road gave me line of sight problems.

        • GG57 on 09/03/2023 - 16:46
          +2

          So you can understand OP's comment.

          • CurlCurl on 09/03/2023 - 17:05
            -4

            @GG57: Nah. I just got on with it. Makes me wonder if he/she should be on the road.

      • garage sale on 12/03/2023 - 02:32
        +1

        find same problem, i have a sedan and with large suv in front i can’t see the traffic …so need to move closer to right lane to see what traffic is like ahead …..

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 19:24

      As GG57 said, from when I started about driving til now, there has been a significant increase of larger vehicles on the road.
      It's gone from a semi regular thing to a constant problem.

  • boomramada on 09/03/2023 - 16:19
    +1

    I'm bit confused here

    American XXXL vehicles are starting to make their way here, more SUVs being purchased than ever before, and even Utes like the Hilux has gotten larger in recent years.
    Even personally speaking, I've had two colleagues in the last handful of months change out their sedans for SUVs. Neither of which will take them off road, and one of which will likely not carry anything more than a single occupant 99% of the time.

    People buying XXXL vehicles, SUVs, and Hilux (Ute?) ? there are three types of motor vehicles.
    Last I check, you can't go 4wd with an SUV as most SUVs don't even have 4wd capabilities.

    https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/vfacts-february-cars-s…

    In Australia, highest selling UTE, is probably because of tradies and tax benefits.
    SUV, not many agreed with me here, due to height advantage.

    • 91rs on 10/03/2023 - 11:05
      +1

      Yeah it's clear OP isn't a car person and just having a whinge.
      There isn't even a 4x4 option in the list.

      There were more Tesla's sold last year than there have been Silverado's converted "ever" in Australia (they did their 5000th conversion Aug last year).
      There have been 18k Dodge Rams sold in Australia though (total) so again more Tesla's sold last year alone compared to Rams.
      Those and the F-Trucks which I can't find numbers on so it's probably very very low, are the only real vehicles I'd consider to be XXXL American.

      • Sleeqb7 on 10/03/2023 - 11:36
        +2

        I like cars, I don't like "trucks".

        SUVs accounted for 50% of new car sales last year, which is what most of my post is talking about. Having a handful of Teslas doesn't change the fact that SUVs are a higher percentage.
        As per my post, "American XXXL vehicles are starting to make their way here". I didn't say they're the problem, but they're demonstrative of the initial line "big cars are becoming more common".

        • boomramada on 10/03/2023 - 16:07
          +1

          Yeah, sure I can see it from the categories you choose to poll on, how much knowledge you got in cars.

          Last I check there are Compact crossover, Crossover, Mid-size, Full-size for SUV, they not designed for 4WD
          And for UTEs, Single, extra, dual and cab-chassis
          Correct me if I'm wrong, not all Ute aren't 4x4 either.

          Compact crossover, Crossover SUVs are just a typical car with few cm taller. nothing more. Well Tesla Y is also a SUV.

          Typical 4wd are Land Rover, Ford Ranger Toyota Land Cruiser, etc.

          I don't know much about the American Yank Tanks, but they aren't many of them.

          • GG57 on 10/03/2023 - 16:38

            @boomramada: Does it matter?
            Does it change anything that OP said?

            • boomramada on 10/03/2023 - 18:55

              @GG57: Yet a another useless poll with a whinge?
              You tell me then we both know?
              All I see OP is bitching/jealous about SUV.

              • Assburg on 11/03/2023 - 08:05
                +2

                @boomramada: No one who to really likes cars likes SUVs enough to use terms like compact crossover..

                Would love to see you talk about music with someone at a party…"Didn't you say you like music? How do you not know that this is actually a britpop x glamwave track? God!"

                • boomramada on 11/03/2023 - 08:38

                  @Assburg: You missed the point mate, this like saying I hate Rock music , but my two neighbours does, what music everyone into.

                  I've had two colleagues in the last handful of months change out their sedans for SUVs. Neither of which will take them off road

                  🤷

  • AustriaBargain on 09/03/2023 - 16:37
    +1

    How about an option for people who don't own a car but want to vote?

    • payless69 on 09/03/2023 - 17:07
      +2

      probably over half are owned by some kind of lender?
      I drive a hearse, owned by god?

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 09/03/2023 - 18:14

        @payless69 Do you Rideshare?

        • payless69 on 09/03/2023 - 19:37

          Good question, but offering rides in special vehicles would be at least a new feeling.

  • chcse on 09/03/2023 - 17:08
    +2

    Sedan, but no doubt everyone who buys SUVs buy it for the higher seating position. Understandable and I agree with everything you say, because being next to one in car parks or turning from a street impossible as I cannot see over them. Same when following and I cannot see past them, so I have to leave extra distance, all of this means added annoyance to other drivers too as I have to wait a bit longer or leave some extra distance. Since the trend is going towards SUVs, if you can't beat them, join them but it's feeling more and more like a race to the biggest now.

    • kerfuffle on 09/03/2023 - 17:30
      +4

      SUVs are also easier on the back when getting your children in/out (so I've been told)

      • Hackney on 10/03/2023 - 05:37

        @kerfuffle.That is one reason we down the SUV quite a few years ago, ingress & egress.They are so much more comfortable than a low sedan/wagon.I have a ‘normal’ small car as a runabout.It’s all about the comfort factor.

  • brendanm on 09/03/2023 - 17:17
    -1

    I have an SUV - need the space, power and towing capacity

    We also have a sedan and a hatch in the family.

    • brendanm on 10/03/2023 - 12:13
      -1

      Would love to know what the negs are for 😂

      • Archi on 10/03/2023 - 13:13

        maybe people think your carbon foot print is too high (shrug shoulder)

        • brendanm on 10/03/2023 - 14:28
          +1

          Helps the trees grow.

    • ConsumerAffairs on 11/03/2023 - 16:50

      I have one for these exact reasons and it's served me well for the past 15 years in these roles

  • Gnostikos on 09/03/2023 - 17:24

    American XXXL vehicles are starting to make their way here

    I'd be more concerned about the American-sized, XXXL people in Australia than the vehicles.

    • Sleeqb7 on 09/03/2023 - 19:25
      +1

      Some of those are here too, I assume.

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