We enjoy hearing from our readers and in particular the cars they drive. In our latest Reader Review series, Ivana Da Costa shared her driving experiences with us
– vuyi Mpofu, EDITOR
Reader: Ivana da Costa
Occupation: HR Assistant
Drives a: 2017 Ford Fiesta Ecoboost
Car’s nickname: Moses
1. H&H: Who taught you how to drive and what was your first car?
IdC: One of my best friend’s, Johnny dos Santos, and later, my Momma taught me how to drive. I was 16 years old and Johnny and I used to play in a band together. One evening, at the end of a home-based gig, I discovered that Johnny had had a little too much to drink and simply couldn’t drive us back home, 15kms. I had no option but to get beind the wheel and drive us home. Did I mention that this would be my first driving lesson? Well, there you have it, my first driving lessons was under the intructions of my inuberated bestie. To say I was terrified would be an understatement but I was exhilerated at the same time. Subsequent lessons were more normal following that incident and Johnny never over indulged again when we were out.
My first car was a feisty Hyundai Getz 1.6. It stands out in my mind because it had the letters SJM in its registration plate which happened to be the initials of someone I have just broken up with prior to getting the Hyundai. Each time I walked up to my car those 3 little letters would jump out at me, sending straight in the depth of my battered feelings. I felt as if the universe was mocking me. Needless to say, my relationship with the Getz didn’t last long either.
2. H&H: Mention your top stand out memory of your early driving days
IdC: I have many interesting memories but the one which immediately comes to mine is that of getting lost – while using a navigation system mind you! Always up for an adventure I made the most of it and ended up learning new routes and new destination. Nowadays, I create memories each time I take a late night drive to find the best viewing point from which I can look at the city lights. My banging playlist and the open road keep me company.
My car would probably tell you I’ve got a lead foot and a short fuse!
3. H&H: What influenced you to buy the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost?
IdC: To be honest, I own Moses because someone skipped a stop sign and drove into my gorgeous charcoal grey VW Golf TDI – writing it off. At the time, it was a matter of needing to get to work and going with the most viable option available. Its been 3 years and I find myself still nostalgic about the growl of my Golf (named Dexter by the way). Much as I love Moses, he is an easy 5/10 in comparison to Dexter.
4. H&H: What stood out for you most when buying Moses?
IdC: As far as dealership experience, when purchasing the Ford, the sales man seemed to be in a hurry. He also exaggerated about the Fiesta’s performance. As per the stereotype, he didn’t seem to have time for me at all so needless to say , it wasn’t the best experience. If I had had more time, I would have shopped around and even if I had still ended up buying a Ford, it would most certainly have been from someone who both knew what they were talking about and who also had time foto explain things to me properly.
5. H&H: If Moses could talk, what would he tell us about your driving style?
IdC: Oh now I’m about to expose myself. Moses would probably tell you I have a lead foot and a short fuse. He would also probably report that his most overused feature are his speakers because I do enjoy my rather fantastic playlists on our travels. Lastly, Moses would probably ask you tell me to stop driving me like a first responder rushing to the scene of an accident!
6. H&H: What do you like most about Moses?
IdC: The turbo kicks quite nicely changing from 2nd gear to 3rd, definitely makes me smile. I’d say Moses is pretty cute and has a face his mother and more can love.
7. H&H: What don’t you like about your car?
IdC: I don’t like the petrol consumption, but then again, I come from driving Dexter, powered by a very fuel efficient 1.9 diesel engine.
8. H&H: What is Moses carrying in your the boot right now?
IdC: Honestly… My family photo albums in its entirety! I’ve been meaning to return them to my mother for the last 2 weeks…. Oops..
9. H&H: What type of music do you listen to when driving Moses and why those particular tunes?
IdC: 98% of my playlist consists of heavy metal – it’s always a beautiful way to start the day with some lyrical genius, killer riffs and drum solos to melt your face off. The 2% is reserved for my inner rapper.
My best friend insisted I knew how to change a tyre before I knew anything else
10. H&H: What are the cardinal rules of being a passenger in your car?
IdC: I’m blessed to have friends with similar musically tastes as myself, so unlike other people, touching my sound system is not a problem because I know that whatever my passengers play, I will like. Without fail, wearing a seat belt is a non-negotiable and that goes for back seat passengers. Anyone who doesn’t feel the need to wear a seatbelt can walk. Lastly and probably the most important rule of being a passenger in my car, don’t you dare tell me how to drive, else – you guessed it – you’ll be walking.
Without a doubt and without fail, wear that seat belt else you’re walking. Also, don’t tell me how to drive.
11. H&H: H&H: Have you taken a defensive driving course?
IdC: I have been on 2 courses hosted by different companies, and both proved to be very informative and a good investment of my time and money.. Up-skilling your driving abilities could save your life as well as save you a pocketful in repair work should you have a nasty accident. Defensive driving teaches you to anticipate what other motorists might do thereby giving you a chance to plan ahead and prevent being involved in an accident. The best thing I learnt from the courses was how to minimize skid control which has come in handy more often than once, especially when driving in the rain. I think everyone should attend a defensive driving course and do so in their own cars. I mean, what’s the point in learning defensive driving tactics in a car that you don’t drive daily?
12. H&H: Can you change a flat tyre?
IdC: My best friend that assisted in teaching me how to drive insisted I knew how to change a tyre before I knew anything else. “Always make sure you can rely on yourself.” he said.
13. H&H: How often do you wash your car / have it washed?
IdC: When I’m not too busy and when I’m not too exhausted and when there isn’t a queue at the car wash! Fortunately there is someone at the office building I work in who comes by occasionally and that’s when Moses is guaranteed to have a bath.
14. H&H: What is your number 1 pet peeve about driving?
IdC: People need to research what it means to filter into traffic. I’m one of those people that detest being stuck behind a slower driver. It isn’t Sunday everyday ok?
14. H&H: If you were Minister of Transport for a day, what rules would you introduce?
IdC: I would definitely re-look some of the speed limits, because if we’re honest, some of them are ridiculous. I think I’d make it mandatory to have advanced driving lessons within a month of obtaining one’s license. Does this include power to fix all potholes? Because I’d do that yesterday.
