Author Topic: Define what makes you an car enthusiasts? (Read 3175 times)

Mr Meow · « **on:** August 17, 2006, 07:34:19 pm »

I too like cars and know a lot about cars. I could at one time in my life tell you every single car, what CC, what Model....IE what trim....As thew cars drove by....Mine you mostly European models and I once own a used car bussiness in my late teens...then the car rental biz...I do tend to fall in to the practical, I only like cars I can afford to buy. I don't covert they neighbours porsche 911, cause I can't afford one, well I can, but an old but crap one

. I do however believe all cars should not only look amazing but work and be reliable and safe.

So I think I might not be a car enthusiasts

Define what makes you an enthusiasts?
.

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2006, 07:51:37 pm »

I think just posting on forums such as this one

qualifies one as a car enthusiast. The car scene is mega dynamic so never a dull moment. If I'm going to read something it might as well be about cars. Then there is the whole mechanical end of it which for me in moderation keeps me challenged.

Mitlov · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2006, 08:23:56 pm »

I think wanting more from a car than just reliable, efficient, and roomy basic transportation is a necessary part of the mix. In particular, I think that an interest in driving dynamics or the character of the car is necessary. If someone just wanted "reliable, efficeint, roomy, and good-looking basic transportation", for example, I probably wouldn't classify them as a car enthusiast.

Julie · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2006, 08:30:14 pm »

I consider myself a car enthusiast because:

- I look forward to driving everyday, and especially enjoy driving fun-to-drive cars.

Although I am interested in a lot of cars, I only get really crazy about reliable, high quality cars that are fun to drive.

Looks are important to me, I admit (I'm going to look at it everyday, right?), but less than the above.

sbmarti2 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2006, 08:35:20 pm »

being a car enthusiast to me is simply looking at a car as more than just a means of transportation.

Simple definition, but I've liked it ever since I made it up 10 seconds ago.

Julie · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2006, 08:38:00 pm »

Quote from: sbmarti2 on August 17, 2006, 08:35:20 pm

being a car enthusiast to me is simply looking at a car as more than just a means of transportation.

Simple definition, but I've liked it ever since I made it up 10 seconds ago.

Good definition.

wing · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2006, 08:52:04 pm »

Yeah I like that definition...

tpl · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2006, 09:09:47 pm »

I agree also.
but I could chan my allegiance if they let normal people fly high performance jet aircraft wiithout having to wear a uniform to do it and if they weren't so snotty about bad eyesight and stuff.

Brigitte · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2006, 09:33:46 pm »

Quote from: tpl on August 17, 2006, 09:09:47 pm

I agree also.
but I could chan my allegiance if they let normal people fly high performance jet aircraft wiithout having to wear a uniform to do it and if they weren't so snotty about bad eyesight and stuff.

Yeah, those rules about bad eyesight when flying planes are far too stringent. In fact, blind people should sue their mofo asses for discrimination.

Loudpedal · « **Reply #9 on:** August 17, 2006, 09:44:36 pm »

I'm a car enthusiast as cars are what I think about when I'm sitting on the john.

Brigitte · « **Reply #10 on:** August 17, 2006, 09:51:58 pm »

Quote from: Loudpedal on August 17, 2006, 09:44:36 pm

I'm a car enthusiast as cars are what I think about when I'm sitting on the john.

Why? Does it have a steering wheel? Or just a loud pedal?

Loudpedal · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2006, 10:10:05 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on August 17, 2006, 09:51:58 pm

Why? Does it have a steering wheel? Or just a loud pedal?

I can use the toilet brush as a stickshift

Brigitte · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2006, 10:19:36 pm »

Quote from: Loudpedal on August 17, 2006, 10:10:05 pm

I can use the toilet brush as a stickshift

And let's not even talk about that exhaust note... Fart can, I presume?

Loudpedal · « **Reply #13 on:** August 17, 2006, 10:25:14 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on August 17, 2006, 10:19:36 pm

And let's not even talk about that exhaust note... Fart can, I presume?

Only ass hats have fart cans

gosteelerz · « **Reply #14 on:** August 17, 2006, 10:36:48 pm »

-The turn-around point of my bike ride is the car dealers.
-Have almost every issue of Car and Driver since 1986.
-You drive everybody nuts because you never shut-up about cars.
-Leave your house at 4:00 in the afternoon and drive 600 kms just to try one of C & D's 10 best roads.

Wolfe · « **Reply #15 on:** August 17, 2006, 10:58:44 pm »

Quote from: sbmarti2 on August 17, 2006, 08:35:20 pm

being a car enthusiast to me is simply looking at a car as more than just a means of transportation.

Simple definition, but I've liked it ever since I made it up 10 seconds ago.

That's a pretty good definition.

I realized I was a car enthusiast when I was talking to my cousin once and part way through the conversation he said "I hope you're not going to start talking about cars again."

barrie1 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 17, 2006, 11:05:24 pm »

Quote from: Loudpedal on August 17, 2006, 10:10:05 pm

I can use the toilet brush as a stickshift

Better it then the plunger sticking out of your Butt.

Wolfe · « **Reply #17 on:** August 17, 2006, 11:28:05 pm »

Since we've already started with the toilet humour...

auto_enthusiast · « **Reply #18 on:** August 17, 2006, 11:52:43 pm »

Besides the ones above, here are a few more abstract (and some would say overboard) ones:

1) seeing if you can identify every single car you pass by on the highway as a "test"
2) being able to identify a car brand and model by the their headlights or tailights at night
3) knowing the brand and model of the car by it's exhaust note without even seeing it (bonus points if you can
recognize the aftermarket exhaust and it's brand)
4) being able to identify tire brand and model by their tread pattern rather than reading the sidewall (bonus
points if you know the size and treadwear rating)
5) the number of sets of tires you've gone through is identical to the number of years you've owned the car.

ovr50 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 18, 2006, 12:39:46 am »

I've been a car-nut since a kid. My step-dad had a Ford dealership in a small town in S/Central Alberta and I could identify every car on the road from the 1950 time onwards.

I have always loved to drive, and to understand the driving dynamics of the vehicle. I have auto-crossed and entered hillclimbs. I have bought and sold many different vehicles as there is always something new that catches my fancy. I love powerful vehicles, the sound of well tuned V8 engine and the screech of tires. I like the sound of 4 cylinder engines much less.

I know every vehicle I ever owned since age 16, and when I bought/sold them. I am currently on vehicles #53, 54, and 55 since age 16.

I continue to buy a number of car mags and have every issue of Collectible Auto back to No.1 in 1984, I have just about every one of Hemmings Muscle Machines, and have/and thrown out tons of C&D and the other "buff" mags. I read car mags in the "john".

I have car models, car books, car movies, gas co stuff, oil co road maps from the 20s and on, a bunch of Hot Wheels, etc, adinfinitum.

I cruise thru car dealerships to see what's in and new. I participate in several car forums (but this one the most). I have, in the past, been a member of BMW Clubs, Porsche Club and others.

I love auto racing, particularily NASCAR, NHRA, CASCAR and stock car and drag racing at the grass roots level. I like F1 and open-wheel racing less so, but would still go if convenient.

I used to do a number of DIY stuff on cars. but with today's more complex cars, do very little of that now. I have an entire room of the house dedicated to car stuff, and a three car garage so I can always store my "toy".

I think I qualify as a car enthusiast.