Baby Your Vehicle?

[worth]

What's that commercial on TV right now? The one where the guy has a bunch of girls in his car. One tries to put her feet on the dash and he gives her the look. Another tries to smoke in his car and he gives her the look, etc. Then at the end it's just him alone in the car, but a chick in another car pulls up beside him. I don't even know what the commercial is for.

Actually, I don't let anyone put their feet on my dash or smoke in my car, so I guess I know where he's coming from.

I like to keep my car clean, but I don't think I would say I baby it. If it were new I would, but it's an 04 with 100,000k on it, so its got a little wear in it.

[sclitheroe]

Rust never sleeps.

Baby away, you are only delaying the inevitable.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

I will always laugh to myself at people that think they're car is too powerful/fancy to be driven on wet or snowy roads, when really almost no one owns a car where this is the case.

For people that hate driving when there is gravel on the roads, I guess I can understand that a bit, but I'll always respect the guy in Edmonton who winter drives his Gallardo or the Porsche Turbo I see in the winter in Calgary. Both are AWD and do just fine if you can find winter tires to fit.

I doubt people are keeping these cars garaged up in the winter because they don't think it can handle snow. Considering that at this level, low-mileage and pristine condition is what makes one car stand out from the other when it comes to resale value, these people are just being prudent. When the difference between a low-mileage and regular-mileage Porsche and can be tens of thousands of dollars, I'm pretty sure I'd only drive that sucker in the summer as well. 20-30 year-old 911's are still going for 25-40k (more for Turbos) on the used market...these things don't lose their value much when kept in good shape. Show up in a chipped, salted, high-mileage model....good luck.

A fender-bender to something like a Gallardo (which is much more likely to happen in the winter when the roads are icy and people are sliding all over the place, your fault or not) can be an extremely expensive repair when you're talking about carbon fibre and aluminum body work. And since you're probably going to need to ship it to a specialist (doubt there are any in Alberta), that's not cheap either. I guess if you can afford Gallardo, you can also afford the repairs....but most people don't get rich by throwing money around needlessly.

[bc-chris]

Originally Posted by worth

What's that commercial on TV right now? The one where the guy has a bunch of girls in his car. One tries to put her feet on the dash and he gives her the look. Another tries to smoke in his car and he gives her the look, etc. Then at the end it's just him alone in the car, but a chick in another car pulls up beside him. I don't even know what the commercial is for.

Actually, I don't let anyone put their feet on my dash or smoke in my car, so I guess I know where he's coming from.

I like to keep my car clean, but I don't think I would say I baby it. If it were new I would, but it's an 04 with 100,000k on it, so its got a little wear in it.

i think that commercial is for motor oil... but i could be wrong

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I doubt people are keeping these cars garaged up in the winter because they don't think it can handle snow. Considering that at this level, low-mileage and pristine condition is what makes one car stand out from the other when it comes to resale value, these people are just being prudent. When the difference between a low-mileage and regular-mileage Porsche and can be tens of thousands of dollars, I'm pretty sure I'd only drive that sucker in the summer as well. 20-30 year-old 911's are still going for 25-40k (more for Turbos) on the used market...these things don't lose their value much when kept in good shape. Show up in a chipped, salted, high-mileage model....good luck.

A fender-bender to something like a Gallardo (which is much more likely to happen in the winter when the roads are icy and people are sliding all over the place, your fault or not) can be an extremely expensive repair when you're talking about carbon fibre and aluminum body work. And since you're probably going to need to ship it to a specialist (doubt there are any in Alberta), that's not cheap either. I guess if you can afford Gallardo, you can also afford the repairs....but most people don't get rich by throwing money around needlessly.

You don't buy cars for an investment, especially not exotics. You buy them because you love driving.

If I ever get the money to have one of these things sitting in my garage, if that's the car I would have more fun driving on any given day, that's the car I'm taking out.

[Table 5]

Well, you might not care as much, but a lot of people want to make sure that their car retains its maximum value in case they want to sell it (especially considering the price of them equal a condo). You can still be an "enthusiast" and maintain the value with some reasonable choices. I'm not sure how much enjoyment you'll get driving that 911 at 30kmh on a slick winter street....having driven one before, that would be a crying shame (you'd want to be able to drive that thing with spirit, not caution). If you can afford to buy a Turbo, you've probably a nice winter machine (say a G500) as well.

And btw, there are a lot of people who deal in exotic cars as an investment. There are more than a few Porsche's and Lamborghini's that are worth much more today then they were when they were driven off the lot.

[JustAnotherGuy]

My car is used to get me from point A to point B. I make sure that it gets its twice yearly checkup and that is about.

I drop by a car wash when I can't stand the dirty windows anymore. I clean the interior when it disgusts me. Which is about right now.

[Dynamic]

I baby my civic alot. I drive it slow and never past 3rpm on the tack. I keep my interior clean cause I think I'm a little ocd. Might wash the exterior every couple weeks and change my oil every 16k on the dot.

For me a good running car is essential cause work is over 90k one way, so the miles add up quick. Got her paid off so I'm gonna drive it into the ground.

[narbeZ]

A person's car tells alot about that particular person, I find. My car's are ALWAYS spotless. I take pride and enjoyment in it.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by fotze

It would depend on the car, if someone spends a great deal of time and money on their convertible Lebaron, that that would say that they are stupid.

Pffft, not if it was previously owned by screen-legend John Voight.

[JustAnotherGuy]

Originally Posted by fotze

Thats how I am, but I've never owned a nice car. After driving my father-in-law's Audi S5, I can understand people who do.

I agree. There are some sweet vehicles out there that do deserve the proper kind of treatment.

[JustAnotherGuy]

Originally Posted by narbeZ

A person's car tells alot about that particular person, I find. My car's are ALWAYS spotless. I take pride and enjoyment in it.

What can we tell about you based on your car?

That you are anal retentive or that you take pride in yourself and your property?

[worth]

Originally Posted by bc-chris

i think that commercial is for motor oil... but i could be wrong

You're right, I think it's castrol edge. You jogged my memory when you said that. Sadly, I can't find the video online.

[narbeZ]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherGuy

What can we tell about you based on your car?

That you are anal retentive or that you take pride in yourself and your property?

This.

[hkstylez]

I just recently bought a brand new 2010 White Subaru Impreza and right now, I am pretty paranoid about where I park and who drives it. I wash my car whenever I get the chance through it would be pretty damn useless because the weather is always nasty the next day. It always happens every time I wash the car. haha.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

so the premium fuel thread got me thinking about my unending obsession/hobby with taking car of my rides.

i am obsessive about keeping them clean, and waxing them etc - i hope i am not the only lifeform on planet clean vehicle.....

It's been years since I took a vehicle to a car wash. Maybe once a year I might hose the Durango off if it's been a particularly muddy weekend with no rain or snow in sight.

A few times a year I'll vacuum the inside and maybe take some armour-all to it. With two Golden Retrievers as my frequent passengers, there's not much point about being obsessive about it. One afternoon with those two and it's lights out on any clean-up. And I wear dark suits!!!

The missus keeps her vehicle pretty spotless. That's our fancy-go-to-meetings vehicle . . . . . but I've never considered a vehicle of much importance beyond being a conveyence. I save a lot of time that way.

Cowperson

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Well, you might not care as much, but a lot of people want to make sure that their car retains its maximum value in case they want to sell it (especially considering the price of them equal a condo). You can still be an "enthusiast" and maintain the value with some reasonable choices. I'm not sure how much enjoyment you'll get driving that 911 at 30kmh on a slick winter street....having driven one before, that would be a crying shame (you'd want to be able to drive that thing with spirit, not caution). If you can afford to buy a Turbo, you've probably a nice winter machine (say a G500) as well.

And btw, there are a lot of people who deal in exotic cars as an investment. There are more than a few Porsche's and Lamborghini's that are worth much more today then they were when they were driven off the lot.

Absolutely, if it's a day where I'm not going to be able to push my Porsche, I'll take something fun like my Subaru out (which hopefully I also have).

I more mean people that won't take their car out on a 10 degree January day because god forbid the roads are wet.

Just like people that drive Fotze's aforementioned S5 and park them in the winter. They are the must fun on the snow! It's a shame when they aren't used for it.

It's all personal of course. I'd rather have my car on the street than in the garage.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

I just finished a full clay bar treatment, polish, and two full coats of wax on mine.

Me too!

What's funny is that I read your message and THEn read your username, realizing from past conversations that we both have the same car!

[WilsonFourTwo]

I keep my entire cleaning kit in the trunk of my car......it gets used very, very often. I typically spray wash (with a wipe down) my car once a week, and hand wash (full detailing) every two to three weeks. If something isn't perfect, it gets dealt with pronto. I just really, really enjoy washing my car. I crank up some music, grab the wash mit and q-tips, drink a couple of beers and have myself a good afternoon. Four or five hours once/twice a month goes a long way to maintaining the vehicle. My old car (a P.O.S. '96 Saturn) looked hardly more than a few years old when I gave it away.

Three suggestions.....

1. When cleaning under the hood....a bit of 'Simple Green' (soaked in) and a good rinse will do wonders. Throw in a little bit (seriously, just a little bit) of elbow grease, and your engine will look new.
2. Q-Tips are amazing for exterior trim work. Five or Six q-tips can edge an entire car, and you'd be AMAZED at how much crud you find. This crud is what causes all those dirty water streaks after a quick power wash. No crud = no streaks!
3. Clay Barring a car can't make a world of difference - but only do it when you NEED to. It takes some effort (and requires 2 or 3 good coats of wax afterwards) but the results are incredible.
4. Use toothpaste on foggy glass, like headlights. The raw cleaning power of toothpaste cannot be understated!

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherGuy

As long as you are not annoying when you give friends a ride. I have one friend who is so anal she constantly is checking if I have my feet on the mat. I can't touch anything. Nor can I slam to door too hard and I am reminded every time to lock the door.

That's crazy.....one of the reasons I keep my car clean is so that passengers are relaxed and comfortable. I can't stand having to dodge/move empty fast food bags and Tim's cups when getting into someone's car!

I only have three 'Rules' in my car.

1. No eating (except on road trips!)
2. No smoking (ever, ever, ever)
3. Please don't use the car as a table/bench.

I don't think those are overly restrictive, and are pretty much just common sense.