I get sick of my cars quickly!
Discussion
This was initially going to be yet another 'Im bored of modern cars/ driving' post but I wanted to try and discover if there's more to it than just the general tedium of driving in itself.
Now ive owned what you would call fun or sporty cars - MX-5, Fietsa ST, Golf GTi etc. But what I have noticed is that I get very bored or fed up with cars eventually. This is especially when/of they develop a problem or a quirk that makes driving them a chore to drive. Usually the process goes, acquire car - have fun for a bit - a problem develops - unable to fix problem - ponder alternatives - sell. Then rinse and repeat.
And ive found it happen again lately, I bought a Civic Type S 1.8 (hardly the byword in excitement) as a cheaper runaround after my Golf started to develop all sorts of problems. I bought this car as something to not get emotionally attached to that was cheap to run but yet again I get to the point where I dislike driving it. While it is reliable (Mostly) and cheap to run I do not find it engaging to drive at all.
I would love to say its just the car but I can also find enjoyment in driving fairly basic cars - Very old civic (the Rover one), Micra, Focus. The Focus actually was a surprisingly good car to drive and I kept that for a while!
I used to think it was something I did when I actually owned the vehicle so I leased my ST but even found myself picking at that and eventually started getting on my nerves! (Which is mad considering how much praise that car receives)
I know for most people driving is just a means of getting A-B but it is depressing as ive often found some form of enjoyment and always had a large passion for cars and driving. And always seen that as part of who I am. But as I get older I starting to see cars as massive financial liability which don't offer much in terms of enjoyment with an ever growing air of negativity towards them. Maybe its just me but I do find this with other people who started off as 'car people' and have fallen out of love with driving over the years. I struggle to think of any new car that I thought looked exciting and I think I can nearly tell how a car drives just by looking at it now.
What im trying to work out is if its just cars in themselves that are causing this with things like extra driver aids, more weight, electric steering and big tyres or just driving in itself - tougher speed limits, bigger cars on the road, poor road quality and congestion.
Maybe im looking at cars wrong - ive always prided myself on what car ive got but I know most people see it as a tool. But now im starting to join that view and see it as something that I have not the time nor patience to maintain - or pay someone else to maintain.
I know one answer would be to just back into something exciting again - Maybe Integra, S2000, MX5 again, Swift Sport or Type R (Those are what ive shortlisted in my mind) But I don't want to end up in the same cycle.
Would love to see if anyone else shares this mindset - I think the most common solution is to have 2 cars, a fun one and a boring one but I know not everyone is able to do that.
I know this reeks of first world problems but I actually do find it sad because its like losing a passion for something you enjoy - like a hobby or a tv show.
Now ive owned what you would call fun or sporty cars - MX-5, Fietsa ST, Golf GTi etc. But what I have noticed is that I get very bored or fed up with cars eventually. This is especially when/of they develop a problem or a quirk that makes driving them a chore to drive. Usually the process goes, acquire car - have fun for a bit - a problem develops - unable to fix problem - ponder alternatives - sell. Then rinse and repeat.
And ive found it happen again lately, I bought a Civic Type S 1.8 (hardly the byword in excitement) as a cheaper runaround after my Golf started to develop all sorts of problems. I bought this car as something to not get emotionally attached to that was cheap to run but yet again I get to the point where I dislike driving it. While it is reliable (Mostly) and cheap to run I do not find it engaging to drive at all.
I would love to say its just the car but I can also find enjoyment in driving fairly basic cars - Very old civic (the Rover one), Micra, Focus. The Focus actually was a surprisingly good car to drive and I kept that for a while!
I used to think it was something I did when I actually owned the vehicle so I leased my ST but even found myself picking at that and eventually started getting on my nerves! (Which is mad considering how much praise that car receives)
I know for most people driving is just a means of getting A-B but it is depressing as ive often found some form of enjoyment and always had a large passion for cars and driving. And always seen that as part of who I am. But as I get older I starting to see cars as massive financial liability which don't offer much in terms of enjoyment with an ever growing air of negativity towards them. Maybe its just me but I do find this with other people who started off as 'car people' and have fallen out of love with driving over the years. I struggle to think of any new car that I thought looked exciting and I think I can nearly tell how a car drives just by looking at it now.
What im trying to work out is if its just cars in themselves that are causing this with things like extra driver aids, more weight, electric steering and big tyres or just driving in itself - tougher speed limits, bigger cars on the road, poor road quality and congestion.
Maybe im looking at cars wrong - ive always prided myself on what car ive got but I know most people see it as a tool. But now im starting to join that view and see it as something that I have not the time nor patience to maintain - or pay someone else to maintain.
I know one answer would be to just back into something exciting again - Maybe Integra, S2000, MX5 again, Swift Sport or Type R (Those are what ive shortlisted in my mind) But I don't want to end up in the same cycle.
Would love to see if anyone else shares this mindset - I think the most common solution is to have 2 cars, a fun one and a boring one but I know not everyone is able to do that.
I know this reeks of first world problems but I actually do find it sad because its like losing a passion for something you enjoy - like a hobby or a tv show.
Edited by Ads22 on Friday 9th October 12:52
It seems to me you get tired of your cars more quickly when problems arise with them? I get that, but thankfully I haven't had many problems with mine.
I like getting out for a drive in my recently acquired MX-5 ND - an old 58 year old enjoying his car! Negatives? Poor road surfaces, much busier roads in general, bad and careless driving and those who drive whilst talking on the phone! I think cars are better now but the environment less so...!
I like getting out for a drive in my recently acquired MX-5 ND - an old 58 year old enjoying his car! Negatives? Poor road surfaces, much busier roads in general, bad and careless driving and those who drive whilst talking on the phone! I think cars are better now but the environment less so...!
I get bored quite quickly too but have had to force myself to keep cars for 3 years in order to avoid the financial hit. Doesn't stop me looking and planning literally months after buying though!
I had a civic 1.8 which was bought as a sensible family car following a couple of sporty Toyota's, Celica and MR2 which I ran at the same time (before kids). I hated that Honda. Nothing in particular wrong but as you said, there was nothing memorable about the drive. I also hated that I had to give up on the less practical sporty stiff.
Now have a fiesta ST3 which I bought in June. It's very good and most enjoyable to drive. I find the seat makes my back ache after a while but fortunately I don't really need to do long journeys in it. I'll keep it a while but thinking about an mx5 next time.
I had a civic 1.8 which was bought as a sensible family car following a couple of sporty Toyota's, Celica and MR2 which I ran at the same time (before kids). I hated that Honda. Nothing in particular wrong but as you said, there was nothing memorable about the drive. I also hated that I had to give up on the less practical sporty stiff.
Now have a fiesta ST3 which I bought in June. It's very good and most enjoyable to drive. I find the seat makes my back ache after a while but fortunately I don't really need to do long journeys in it. I'll keep it a while but thinking about an mx5 next time.
rjfp1962 said:
It seems to me you get tired of your cars more quickly when problems arise with them? I get that, but thankfully I haven't had many problems with mine.
I like getting out for a drive in my recently acquired MX-5 ND - an old 58 year old enjoying his car! Negatives? Poor road surfaces, much busier roads in general, bad and careless driving and those who drive whilst talking on the phone! I think cars are better now but the environment less so...!
Ha!, as a mere 72 year old, I certainly enjoy my cars. I often wish I had the money and space to keep several cars, but I don’t. However, I do tend to research widely, buy wisely, and keep for 10+ years. My current 66plate 335d should last at least a further 6 good years, by then EVs will become the majority, or I/we will be forced to give up cars to some extent. Or even, hydrogen power will take off (no pun intended).I like getting out for a drive in my recently acquired MX-5 ND - an old 58 year old enjoying his car! Negatives? Poor road surfaces, much busier roads in general, bad and careless driving and those who drive whilst talking on the phone! I think cars are better now but the environment less so...!
As well as enjoying driving in the human/car interface sense, I very much enjoy the challenge (and often the rewards) of predicting and interacting with other road users and their actions. For me that is what advanced driving is about - slicing quickly and cleanly through other traffic so that they barely notice and do not feel a thing, so are not riled or upset by it.
I too get bored and fed up of them quite quickly. You need to get a bike!
I now have one car for A-B (the wife and I are now sharing a golf mk7 TDI), which works well for family duties and a couple of bikes solely for pleasure (a 600cc and a 1000cc). I did have a new lease car but as I'm having to work from home but thats gone now and I haven't replaced it.
This for me has a healthy balance and the split between fun and commute. I long for a uber luxury barge e.g. Range Rover L322 or S class of some variety but I know myself well enough to know I'll get fed up after the first big bill - or lots of smaller ones.
Should the need for my own car arise, I think I'll by something sub £3k but again, it would be for commute and not care driving.
I now have one car for A-B (the wife and I are now sharing a golf mk7 TDI), which works well for family duties and a couple of bikes solely for pleasure (a 600cc and a 1000cc). I did have a new lease car but as I'm having to work from home but thats gone now and I haven't replaced it.
This for me has a healthy balance and the split between fun and commute. I long for a uber luxury barge e.g. Range Rover L322 or S class of some variety but I know myself well enough to know I'll get fed up after the first big bill - or lots of smaller ones.
Should the need for my own car arise, I think I'll by something sub £3k but again, it would be for commute and not care driving.
@rjfp1962 Yes I certainly do start to get more increasingly fed up when things go wrong - especially when it becomes not particularly nice to drive and suspension components begin to wear. Currently have this with the Honda but haven given up trying to sort it out.
I dont think i would be as bad if i had more success with garages but even using good reputable garages i never seem to have luck with them identifying problems that arent glaringly obvious (i do look after my cars).
I find theres a sense of accomplishment fixing problems, albeit an expensive one, but when a lot of things are too complicated or impossible to service yourself on modern cars it does make you a prisoner to garages or dealerships. Even though im in no way that knowledge on mechanics.
I wish i was able to ignore niggles when they come up but i struggle to! People think im mad when i question when garages cant find an issue. If its fine why worry im often told!
I do wonder though if thats what detracts from the enjoyment....knowing given how many components there are to go wrong on a car or more complicated car, that I am always in a paranoid state that once an issue pops up its going to be a slog or incredibly expensive to get it fixed.
And yes i can relate to the MX-5 thing! I had one and i used to drive in warmer months just for the hell of it! I cant remember when i did that since.
I dont think i would be as bad if i had more success with garages but even using good reputable garages i never seem to have luck with them identifying problems that arent glaringly obvious (i do look after my cars).
I find theres a sense of accomplishment fixing problems, albeit an expensive one, but when a lot of things are too complicated or impossible to service yourself on modern cars it does make you a prisoner to garages or dealerships. Even though im in no way that knowledge on mechanics.
I wish i was able to ignore niggles when they come up but i struggle to! People think im mad when i question when garages cant find an issue. If its fine why worry im often told!
I do wonder though if thats what detracts from the enjoyment....knowing given how many components there are to go wrong on a car or more complicated car, that I am always in a paranoid state that once an issue pops up its going to be a slog or incredibly expensive to get it fixed.
And yes i can relate to the MX-5 thing! I had one and i used to drive in warmer months just for the hell of it! I cant remember when i did that since.
Similar boat- I keep switching between something shiny and new (and hassle free) and old cheap, but fun runabouts.
The new cars - trapped in because of depreciation; often more numb than older equivalents
The older cars - develop niggles, not as nice places to sit in on long journeys
To be honest, I am very lazy, and getting niggles sorted (by a competent professional - I don't do it myself) still feels like too much of a chore.
I think you haven't had the right cars - the one car I hugely regret selling, an FK2 Type R. Modern, but not disconnected as many new hot hatches are. I'd go back, but the thought of owning the same car twice feels crazy to me.
The new cars - trapped in because of depreciation; often more numb than older equivalents
The older cars - develop niggles, not as nice places to sit in on long journeys
To be honest, I am very lazy, and getting niggles sorted (by a competent professional - I don't do it myself) still feels like too much of a chore.
I think you haven't had the right cars - the one car I hugely regret selling, an FK2 Type R. Modern, but not disconnected as many new hot hatches are. I'd go back, but the thought of owning the same car twice feels crazy to me.
I'm mostly the other way and I like to hang onto my cars for a good while. The only trouble with that is that I feel like I'm missing out on other cars that I would enjoy.
I think that when you do get a car that tickles your fancy...you do tend to fall for it and you develop a soft spot for it. The only cars I've had that I fell out with quickly were my Z4MR(only had it 5 months), and my E92 M3(only had it 10 months/10k miles). The rest I've mostly hung onto between 2 to 6 years because I've been really happy with them.
I think that when you do get a car that tickles your fancy...you do tend to fall for it and you develop a soft spot for it. The only cars I've had that I fell out with quickly were my Z4MR(only had it 5 months), and my E92 M3(only had it 10 months/10k miles). The rest I've mostly hung onto between 2 to 6 years because I've been really happy with them.
Ads22 said:
Would love to see if anyone else shares this mindset - I think the most common solution is to have 2 cars, a fun one and a boring one but I know not everyone is able to do that.
I think that you've hit the nail on the head with this. For me and if funds allow it always works better with more than 1 car. I've mostly run more than 1 car for the last 16 years. I did try the do it all 1 car thing with the M3 a few years ago but that didn't work for me. It just became too familiar/normal very quickly and the shine just came off it.I find that if you have more than one car it always keep the other one(s) feeling special, and you then look forward to driving them and you enjoy/appreciate them more I reckon.
As @fiisch said i also wonder if its ive just had the wrong cars but amongst those has been mk5 Golf gti, NC MX5 and Ecoboost ST. All of which are applauded on places like here but i managed to find things wrong with all 3 that killed it for me. Saying that the Golf did feel the most ‘Normal’ of all 3 and after the novelty of performance wore off the ST just felt like a hatchback with crashy suspension. The NC sticks with me the most but disliked driving it in the winter months.
I too also liked to just concentrate on being a good driver and even did an advanced driving course but when i loose confidence in the far i ooose confidence with the driving- especially worse if you can’t feel anything going on around you like my Civic - Very numb brakes and steering but engine and gearbox actually are decent .
I did test drive an FN2 recently and wonder if something like that is happy compromise. Still a hatchback thats modern but was silly enough with good enough driving feedback to feel special. Although would it all be okay until something started playing up!
(Un)Fortunately i am quite a way off being able to afford one given the current climate, let alone run 2 cars
I too also liked to just concentrate on being a good driver and even did an advanced driving course but when i loose confidence in the far i ooose confidence with the driving- especially worse if you can’t feel anything going on around you like my Civic - Very numb brakes and steering but engine and gearbox actually are decent .
I did test drive an FN2 recently and wonder if something like that is happy compromise. Still a hatchback thats modern but was silly enough with good enough driving feedback to feel special. Although would it all be okay until something started playing up!
(Un)Fortunately i am quite a way off being able to afford one given the current climate, let alone run 2 cars
I sometimes wonder if the problem is buying cars based on reviews and/or avoiding the ones with potential Bork factor?
You (op) sound a bit similar to me. You've had Golf GTi, Fiesta ST, MX5 etc, all cars which the motoring press raved about. I've generally done the same. But the most satisfying car I had and the one I wanted to keep was the Celica T sport. Reviews were not great and there was much criticism of the fact you had to rev the nuts off it and there was no torque. But I loved it and had wanted one for years. Also the fact it was really cheap did it for me. Kind of like having your cake and eating it! I keep looking at the gt86 which again the press love. But it's expensive and I'm not too sure I really want one.
I don't know. Maybe buy cheap cars that you can change often? Or buy something cool that you fancy even if the reviews aren't great or it has a reputation for bork (so long as it's cheap?
Or get that bike!
You (op) sound a bit similar to me. You've had Golf GTi, Fiesta ST, MX5 etc, all cars which the motoring press raved about. I've generally done the same. But the most satisfying car I had and the one I wanted to keep was the Celica T sport. Reviews were not great and there was much criticism of the fact you had to rev the nuts off it and there was no torque. But I loved it and had wanted one for years. Also the fact it was really cheap did it for me. Kind of like having your cake and eating it! I keep looking at the gt86 which again the press love. But it's expensive and I'm not too sure I really want one.
I don't know. Maybe buy cheap cars that you can change often? Or buy something cool that you fancy even if the reviews aren't great or it has a reputation for bork (so long as it's cheap?
Or get that bike!
The bike idea has always been a temptation but the roads around where i am are horrendous and congested, awful drivers too so worried id kill myself!
There is one car ive always had an eye which is the last shape Prelude...dont know why but its always appealed to me. Although with older cars a big fear is rust. Another leftfield choice is the CR-Z (bit of a Honda fan) Just one thing that really kills the experience for me sometimes is electric power steering. The last few cars ive had with it ive never got along with it and it’s always had a mind of its own. It really caused my problems in the ST and it needed a new rack. In the civic it feels completely detached some days like the wheels arent even connected.
All cars are more or less now fitted with it so my only remedy is a lotus elise!
I do find though certain marques have more specialists when something go wrong...i found more Mx-5 and Gti experts than other makes and are more willing to help.
This helps as having a problem arise and struggling to solve it torments me for some reason.
There is one car ive always had an eye which is the last shape Prelude...dont know why but its always appealed to me. Although with older cars a big fear is rust. Another leftfield choice is the CR-Z (bit of a Honda fan) Just one thing that really kills the experience for me sometimes is electric power steering. The last few cars ive had with it ive never got along with it and it’s always had a mind of its own. It really caused my problems in the ST and it needed a new rack. In the civic it feels completely detached some days like the wheels arent even connected.
All cars are more or less now fitted with it so my only remedy is a lotus elise!
I do find though certain marques have more specialists when something go wrong...i found more Mx-5 and Gti experts than other makes and are more willing to help.
This helps as having a problem arise and struggling to solve it torments me for some reason.
Edited by Ads22 on Saturday 10th October 16:21
Wow that’s impressive!!!
I thought i was bad haha! What type of cars out of interest?
I really do try and stick my cars out but something always pops up that plants the seeds of doubt then im off again!
Im now known as someone who always chops and changes cars and no one else gets it...although most people I know are happy with their cars until theyre literally falling apart or are on the pcp merry-go-round.
In an ideal world i would go grovelling for my mx-5 back as thats the car that sits with me the most. Just wished i was more patient with it but at the same time think been there done that plus its a 2 seater and have been spoilt with the amount of space the Civic offers!
I thought i was bad haha! What type of cars out of interest?
I really do try and stick my cars out but something always pops up that plants the seeds of doubt then im off again!
Im now known as someone who always chops and changes cars and no one else gets it...although most people I know are happy with their cars until theyre literally falling apart or are on the pcp merry-go-round.
In an ideal world i would go grovelling for my mx-5 back as thats the car that sits with me the most. Just wished i was more patient with it but at the same time think been there done that plus its a 2 seater and have been spoilt with the amount of space the Civic offers!
I have never swapped cars that often, as I couldn't afford to in days gone by.
I reckon the solution is to have two or more cars. Then depending on how you feel, chose the one that suits. Sometimes I want a bit of fun, sometimes I just want quick and comfortable, sometimes ai am commuting, sometimes we are visiting family, sometimes I have the family, sometimes I just want to nip round the shops, sometimes it raining and dark, sometimes it's warm and sunny.
I don't get bored, despite our cars not being the pinnacle of anything.
Current fleet, Smart Roadster, 330i BMW Coupe, air-cooled VW T25 and a Nissan Note.
I reckon the solution is to have two or more cars. Then depending on how you feel, chose the one that suits. Sometimes I want a bit of fun, sometimes I just want quick and comfortable, sometimes ai am commuting, sometimes we are visiting family, sometimes I have the family, sometimes I just want to nip round the shops, sometimes it raining and dark, sometimes it's warm and sunny.
I don't get bored, despite our cars not being the pinnacle of anything.
Current fleet, Smart Roadster, 330i BMW Coupe, air-cooled VW T25 and a Nissan Note.
You sound exactly like I was. Nothing wrong with it, but it’s a rich mans game. I’ve lost a s
t ton of money over the years, but on the flipside, at least I’ve owned some great cars. However, it gets old, so hopefully I might keep my current car for a few years instead of a few months / 1 year. Sometimes you just need to get it out of your system. I don’t think I’ll ever keep a car more than 3 years though, life is too short.
t ton of money over the years, but on the flipside, at least I’ve owned some great cars. However, it gets old, so hopefully I might keep my current car for a few years instead of a few months / 1 year. Sometimes you just need to get it out of your system. I don’t think I’ll ever keep a car more than 3 years though, life is too short.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff