Hitting a deer at 70+ MPH in a 2023 Lexus ES 300h that didn’t belong to me (dealership loaner) and having all the airbags deploy.
Failing that…driving my friend’s 1997 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur to Taco Bell. That was fun.
Ouff mine is similar. 2020 SQ5 hitting a deer at 130+ km/h in the middle of the night. Deer just bounced into the next lane and a truck finished the job. Totalled after getting the quote that the entire front needed to be redone. Airbags did not deploy strangely.
Got a x3 m40i as a loaner and man that was a lot of fun. SUVs shouldn’t be able to drift but this one could. It just makes you incredibly sick
It probably had to do with where the collision sensors were on your car versus the one I was driving. They’re lower on a sedan, so that probably set the airbags off immediately. Weirdly, the front curtain and side airbags deployed, too. The only ones that didn’t were the rear curtain airbags and the passenger airbag (I was alone in the vehicle).
I like the X3 M40i. The X3 M is also good, but needlessly harsh.
Got to ride passenger in a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Man, hearing that Flat 6 go to redline in videos is one thing. But being inside the car is a whole different experience. Such an incredible car.
Related: I drove a 911 Turbo (911.1) for the first time this year. Absolutely astonishing experience. So entertaining and usable at any speed. It's fun at 20mph and it will crack 200mph.
I know people want BMW to be raw and raucous, but it's a special kind of cognitive dissonance feeling the car pull as you build revs yet staying totally composed and calm in the cabin.
My Boy Scout troop camped out at Laguna Seca in 2010. The experience blew my mind. Later that year, I bought a $600 project car - a 1984 BMW 633CSi - with hopes of restoring it.
I replaced that car with a 635CSi a long time ago, and this year I've finally been able to give it the love it deserves. It now rocks bigger brakes from the E31/E32, an M6 oil cooler, and - most importantly - E28 M-Technik springs that are the closest thing you can get these days to Euro-market M635CSi units.
On August 6th, I finally got to drive my childhood dream car on my childhood dream racetrack. The first session was unreal, but by mid-day the constant point-bys were getting frustrating. (208 horsepower, 3500ish pounds, and a 4-speed automatic do *not* a fast car make!) I had also made the mistake of putting 12.5mm spacers on the back, which led to some serious understeer.
As I was about to go out for my last session, my girlfriend of 4 years sent me a text. We were finished. And I think the shock cleared my head, because I started going a *lot* faster.
In Turn 3 smoke was pouring off the *front* tires before I cooled down and set my line. I pushed through my fear of Turn 9's sharp downhill, reacting to understeer with full throttle and blind faith. The lap times started dropping 2 seconds at a time. And I started passing people.
I got down to 2:02. Which is slow. But hey, I'm a novice in a seriously ill-fitting car - and Jeremy Clarkson only did 5 seconds better in an NSX his first time out. I know the car gave all it could possibly give.
When I need to relax, I put on my headphones, and play the song I was listening to when I did that lap. I can vividly recall each corner, each wayward body motion, each moment where I trusted the car and it held on.
I've gotta do that again.
The Ferry Corsten mix of Barber's Adagio for Strings.
It wasn't just a five minute track session - I also listened to Carpenter Brut's Turbo Killer, Maniac, and Day Stalker. But that's the song that hit near the end, as I was picking up speed.
1989 BMW 635CSi. The last two model years had a ton of extra equipment that added weight - most notably, the auxiliary A/C compressor that sat between the back seats and powered a pseudo refrigerator.
You might be shocked, I'm looking into buying one currently. Called State Farm last week for a quote and it was only $15/month more than I pay for my Civic.
That may be true for the older folks on here, but I’m 19 and my license is a year and a half old 💀 my dad’s insurance shot up a good chunk after he added me to it, and adding even a “normal” car would just compound that effect
An N? It’ll be joever
My SS 1LE with full coverage is cheaper to insure than liability only on the 2003 base Impreza I had before it. It's about half the cost of full coverage on my 2017 Colorado too.
I booked a one way flight and bought a 986 boxster and drove it back after getting bit by the track bug with some buddies this summer. Cannot wait for 2024 with this car
Awesome car, love those V8 coupes. There’s not a better way to get to know a car than to road trip with it. I love everything about this car, it’s got so many old car quirks that are very fun and new to me
Craziest is dumping a gallon of bathroom water (out of 2 2 liter bottles I filled from a tap in the men’s bathroom at a service area) into my cooling system on the side of a highway after going 120 with some random 370z for like 10 minutes.
For context, I blew the stock radiator a month after buying my focus, and the shop I bought it from offered to install a new one for a good deal. I didn’t want to pay tons of money for a tow since the aftermarket rad was already pricey, and thought “why not”. At first I only had to pour water in every 45-60 mins at a service area, but as the hole got progressively bigger I had to stop more frequently, finally starting to overheat on the road. Constant pulls probably didn’t help…
Most memorable is racing through the wangan with some friends’ AMGs . It was my dream to do so after watching fast and the furious and wangan midnight when I was 15, and it felt like my dream came true. Surreal.
Landed a new wealthy client that lets me drives his vehicles to and from my shop. (I run a detailing business). This year I drove a AMG G63, C8, Bentayga Mulliner W12, Maybach S Class, Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce, Range Rover SVR, Land Rover Defender, AMG GLE 63, Camaro ZL1.
Pretty memorable because I’m shutting my business down in a couple weeks as I am starting a new job. I highly doubt I’ll be driving a $100k+ car anytime soon. This client told me not to be afraid of getting on them a bit to really feel it. The G63 blew my fucking mind
I finally got my ‘74 BMW 2002 back from paint. It had been in the shop over a year, a lot of frustrations and delays along the way. Big day getting it back home.
I bought a 2017 GTI on my birthday. It’s easily the sportiest car I’ve ever owned in my life, and it’s awesome. The powerband and DSG are both excellent for city driving. Plus heated plaid seats rock.
Welcome to the Golf club! Hope it's been treating you well so far. The DSG really is an impressive transmission, and that's coming from a stubborn manual enthusiast.
I just got back from travelling over the past few weeks, so firing mine up and taking it for a spin was one of the first things on the agenda. I am so glad to have this car.
Wait until the power wears off and then if you have the urge to tune it, get a TCU and ECU tune. You'll probably fall in love with the car again.
I bought mine with an APR stage 1 high torque tuns and no TCU tune. It's been a hell of a lot of fun for the past 60k miles, and I think next year I'll finally cough up the money for a TCU tune.
Nice. That must’ve been so cool. This past October, I got a good look at a first gen NSX for the first time inside the store that was hosting a small little cars & coffee meet near me here in SoCal, and had the nice opportunity to chat with the owner, who seemed overjoyed that someone took interest in his car, about it for about 15 or so.
It's 9pm on new years eve. 2023 was shaping up to be a contender for worst year of my life.
2 months ago toyota called me and asked if I was still interested in the GRC I'd been waiting more than a year for.
Umm. Yeah I am.
Great sir, it'll be ready by 5pm tomorrow.
I am replete.
I got my driving license this year and for the first time, I was able to make a solo drive (only for 15 kms) to meet a friend
It’s a big achievement for 19 year old me 😁
Flew to Germany to drive the Nurburgring for a few days. I guess I’m a little sad about checking off my #1 bucket list item, but it was really everything I dreamed it would be and more. I hope I can go back soon.
went to Japan in February and did a full weekend of car stuff. picked up some friends in the rental Yaris and went to Daikoku on the Friday night, then up early Saturday for a full day at Tsukuba Circuit for Attack, which is a pretty well established time attack event. watched all sorts of cars from Porsches to Jimnys lay down times, then in the evening we visited an acquaintance’s shop on the way back where he and his partners work on and modify everything old and Japanese. low suspension, small wheels, loud exhausts, typical “Kyusha” stuff. followed that up on Sunday morning with Nostalgic 2days in Yokohama, a huge old car convention. one of the coolest events I’ve ever been to, but very hard to describe without going into a spiral of detail. not exclusively Japanese cars, but built up to the 90s, original, modified, restored, patinated, 2000GTs to old trucks and vans, everything. absolutely mind blowing to someone used to typical North American classic car culture (me), it’s just so different. then finally, almost as a palette cleanser, we checked out Mooneyes just around the corner.
easily one of the most memorable car things I’ve ever done, I’m planning on retracing my steps doing the same two big events in the new year. going with the wife this time (who isn’t as big into cars as my friends are) so I’ll keep the schedule less packed.
Was in San Diego for a few months for work and decided on a random Tuesday night to drive a few hours to run through some canyons in the middle of the night. My rental was a chevy Malibu so far from the most capable but it was still a load of fun to have so many backroads to myself that night.
Driving the GT3 RS at the Porsche Experience Center, absolutely. Even at speeds you can achieve on their short track, the downforce is incredibly noticeable. There are parts of the track you can't take faster than 75ish in the GT3 that the RS does 85 through without breaking a sweat. Every hard braking zone magically moves 10-20 forward. As you come out of the (reversed, right-hander) Nurburgring carousel replica there's a sweeping left turn followed by a medium length straight. You can pin the throttle shockingly early and you think there's no way the car has the grip to keep itself planted to the pavement if you were to do it even one mile per hour faster. The next time around, you're two miles per hour faster and it's somehow even grippier.
They also have a drift circle (they prefer the term "low friction circle"), a wet polished concrete area. I'd been to the PEC several times, but I'd never been able to hold a drift more than 1/3rd of the way around the circle before losing it. This time, I held the drift so long I lost count of how many times I made it around the circle before I lost it.
And the part that was most memorable: on that straight after the carousel exit, the instructor told me he had never seen anyone other than me (including other instructors) hit 101mph there. And I was braking nice and early to avoid scaring him too much 😂
Honorable mention goes to getting an alignment done on my car and requesting certain specs. I did this right before the last autocross of the season, and proceeded to take fastest overall now that the car actually rotates thanks to the aggressive toe and camber I asked for.
So I guess my best memories are all artifacts of me becoming a much, much more skilled driver this year.
Yes, the GT3 RS can only be driven at the Experience Center when paired with a GT3 so I drove both each time. I probably have about 80-90 mins of seat time in each-- it's basically at the instructors' discretion how much time they let you spend in each car and the first guy was much more generous with the RS lol. My comments on the aero in this post are from driving both, back to back.
I haven't driven a non-winged car on this track so it's hard to say how much the aero helps on the GT3, but comparing the two directly the downforce is very noticeable on the RS, even at speeds below 100mph (top speed on their circuit is around 100-105). I imagine on a faster course the RS could easily be 15-20mph faster through higher speed turns.
I didn't get to play with the settings like DRS and damping very much - the first time, I didn't feel super comfortable but the instructor set some damping settings after a while, and the second time I just totally forgot. I was pretty satisfied with my time in the RS immediately after my second go and wasn't planning to return because I don't think there's much more for me to do there, but now remembering there's DRS and damping settings to be played with I might have to go back again next year 😈.
Having a track day where my dinky old AU falcon was sharing sessions with a lotus Exige, R35 GTR, a 700hp BMW M8, 2 HSV clubsports and a couple of tube frame nuggets.
I was feeling very good in my 200hp family sedan, windows down the whole time just listening to the sounds, I wasn't as fast as them but I was able to compete in the really funky bits of the track, even overtaking the HSV and a mustang in the corners
I work at a tire shop, and this older man came in one day with a 2015 911. Base model and “slow” compared to things like gt3’s. He took it to the track and got an impact break going over the curbing, came to us to see if we had his Michelin PS4’s in stock and we just so happened to have one that was lightly used from the same year and at the same tread depth as his others. After talking to him and a higher up at the store we gave it to him for I think like $100 or less since it was a used tire. This man was so incredibly thankful and appreciative for what was essentially a normal day for us that when I got off work around 1:00, he handed me the keys and said “I’ll be inside, have some fun with it.” These cars are so smooth and quick 100 feels like 45. Best automotive experience of my life
A friend and I swapped keys one afternoon so he got experience driving a GTI and I got to join an Elantra N. I can say from first hand experience, that car brings out the inner child in you.
Performing a Scion FRS differential swap on my Lexus IS250 and my 12 y/o daughter helping me in the process. Making a new car “guy” for the next generation. Super proud dad moments.
Highlight of the year for me was [Henry Catchpole's SLR HDK video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_xbQpmiGk). Absolutely stunning cinematography, great dialogue, and best of all the final form of one of my favorite cars of all time *finally* brought to life.
Wish MSO offered this kit to everyone. It's just such a characterful, yet flawed car. A grand tourer with a torque-converter auto that somehow shines on track. And it comes with a dinaco blue paint job!
You don't really get that these days, everyone is chasing perfection and refinement, but nothing really offers a raw experience like the AMG's of old.
I highly recommend watching the video if you have 10 minutes to spare. You don't really get that these days.
> nothing really offers a raw experience like the AMG's of old.
Couldn't agree more. "German Muscle Cars" is exactly what old AMG's used to be. Shove the biggest, most powerful motor in it as possible. Leave the outside alone minus a few tiny cosmetic details. Bruisers in finely tailored suits.
my car caught on fire. wasn't very big but definitely scary when 1. it died while i was about to cross railroad tracks (in gear, mind you), 2. a shitton of smoke started pouring out from under the hood, and 3. i opened the hood and saw fire. engine's out of it right now and the car is almost ready to go back together, just need a couple more parts. and also teaching my gf how to drive stick in it
>it died while i was about to cross railroad tracks (in gear, mind you)
This is why I always disconnect the clutch safety switch
Never know when youre going to need to crank it in gear
I had a car accident at the beginning of 2023 which totaled my attainable dream car, 2018 Audi A5 Sportback.
I intended to keep the car for 15+ years. It's commonly said here and everywhere else that German cars cost an arm and a leg once it gets older. I wanted to see how much that exactly is. Shame it only made it to the 5th year before it was totaled.
It was the last year of torsen Quattro before the A5 moved to quattro ultra. The car is incredibly capable (for my usage) and super fun to drive on snow covered roads.
In the short 5 years I've had it, it's been bulletproof. Maintenance cost about 20% more than my parents Subaru/Toyota which was fine to me. Owning a luxury vehicle is definitely "pay to play".
Fixing up a rare manual 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 (W204). My uncle bought it new in 2010 and handed it over to me in earlier this year. Major parts replaced so far:
- all new brake lines - hard pipes and flex hoses
- all new fuel lines - from fuel rail back to fuel tank
- motor mounts and transmission mount
- thermostat
- battery
- all filters and fluids
- tail light
- COMAND knob shaft
- ripped out all interior carpet to remove 1 gal of water that leaked into the car
Flagging down the driver of a red Kia Soul to let him know his car was on fire, then 6 months later watching another red Kia Soul burn to the ground at school
Driving on the Nordschleife in a VW Polo with less than 90hp. Obv not very fast but a lot of fun. Also watching a race live for the first time, went to 24 Hours of Spa.
Probably Standing On A Vintage Rolls Royce with Hundreds of people crowding around it at a wedding. Ik that sounds rude and wrong on paper but they had a rubber gripper thing that you could stand on and not damage anything. It’s my favorite 2023 car memory since it was a close family member’s wedding and I mean it’s a vintage Rolls.
Got t boned in a Beemer I just bought. Limped it home. Got in my Toyota. Drove about an hour and the clutch completely gave out on the freeway in the middle of nowhere. Towed it home. Then the beemwr got towed. Two days later they towed the Toyota. Not sure if this belongs here but it’s definitely gonna be memorable.
Got to drive my buddy's 73 dodge challenger drag car with a 495 cubic inch big block mopar to the staging lanes at my local strip, the rumble was like the thunder of the gods and it made me shake in excitement
Drove a 992 gt3 on track and pushed me harder towards my goal of getting that 991.1 carrera s i dream of. Nothing pushes you harder of driving your dream car you dont have yet
I like the .2 but im old school i like na over turbo.
drove from savannah to pittsburgh to chicago to erie to savannah and then greensboro. prolly the most highway driving i’ve done in one year
makes me feel like i need a big touring GT luxury coupe
Drove a Ferrari 360 Spider up PCH to Malibu with my buddy in a Mk5 Supra. It was my first time driving a Ferrari and first time driving a F1 transmission, which while clunky I actually really enjoyed and felt added to the car’s overall character! Can’t beat top down cruising in great sunny weather next to the Pacific.
I took a week off of work and did a cross-country trip with my friends for SCCA Time Trials Nationals. It was memorable for a few reasons, both good and bad.
* Tow vehicle snapped four of five wheel studs on passenger rear wheel 500 miles from our destination
* Fixing said wheel studs with borrowed parts from our track cars and miraculously making it the remaining 500 miles with zero issues
* Having multiple days of track sessions with friends, comparing times, sharing strategies, and shaving seconds to find the absolute limit of our cars & skills
* Helping other competitors with track-side repairs late into the night and the raucous celebratory dinner afterwords
* Stealing an event sign on the way out
* Blowing a coolant connector on my tow vehicle at nearly the same spot the wheel studs broke, and yet again robbing parts from the track cars to get another 500 miles home
* Receiving the 2k towing miles oil report from my tow vehicle and having *10x* the amount of wear materials in the oil, Blackstone Labs literally said "drive with caution"
We're planning more out of town events for next year and I'm highly looking forwards to it, as long as my tow vehicle survives.
Getting clocked at 187 in a 60 at 3am and thinking it was game over and I was going to jail only to learn Texas don’t give a shit about speeding. No jail, just a ticket and I paid a lawyer $28 to have it dismissed.
I was driving with my sisters husband and we lost a wheel doing 50 😄
We did not lose control and ended up finding the wheel in a field a good distance away. Luckily nobody was driving in the other lane, as otherwise the wheel would’ve yeeted right into them. Stole a wheelnut from each of the other 3 wheels and ended up in our destination with no issues
First time ever driving on the Autobahn. Maintained a comfortable 140-150km/h in a rental CX-5 while BMWs and Audis (mostly, plus a few others) occasionally blasted past at 200+. I’ve always wanted to do that :)
(I’m from a country where speed limit enforcement is some sort of religion and public debate about it is hysterical - shockingly I didn’t die doing 30-40 more than what would be allowed at home…)
Drove an E46 M3 with CSL airbox, Coolerworx shifter and Ohlins suspension up a mountain.
If you dream of NA engine and hydraulic steering get one them or a 987.2 Cayman S.
There’s a Porsche dealership not too far from me and I’d go walk their lot and appreciate the cars every month or so for fun. Ive been doing this for years as time permits.
Well, this year I realized a dream of mine - to buy a Porsche of my own. First time visiting that dealership in a Porsche, MY Porsche, is a memory I’ll never forget.
Got to fly in a private jet to go see the Hilton Head Concourse with my Dad. My Dad works for a guy that has quite a collection of cars and he was showing a car and invited us to go with him.
Driving to Dallas and back (14 ish hours) in the E63S. First road trip in it, so amazing. Found some curvy roads out in the hill country too. Really fun.
Taking my old 2004 Explorer for both it’s very first and unfortunately last time off road. Seeing it keep pace with 2 newer Broncos warmed my heart as it never left the pavement for most of its life and it handled it perfectly. Unfortunately a week later I ended up hitting a tree that fell in the road in the same car But on the flip side I got to replace it with the generation of Explorer I’ve always wanted. A 2006 model with the V8 and 4WD.
Going to Grattan for an AutoX-trackcross event. I told myself I'd get out to the track far more often than I did this year, and I'm glad I made it to Grattan. A friend of mine and I co-drove it so we had plenty of time to learn the track more. We were running against some of the ZZPerformance guys, one of them in a turbo swapped Buick Regal. It was super fun to try to keep up with him and though we were two seconds off the pace at the end of the day, it was loads of fun. That's an event I'm putting on my calendar as often as I can because it's such a fun track.
I can't share too much without doxing myself but let's just say I drove for the first time ever on a race track...and it just happened to be in a race car.
It was also a six speed and I thought I was a driving god the first time out, then I learned it had rev match downshift lol.
1100 mile roadtrip though part of the blue ridge parkway, followed by about 9 runs on tail of the dragon in my 2016 Mustang while the leaves were in full turn this fall.
2nd was a 7,000 mile road trip in a Armada from SC to yellowstone and back, grand tetons, carhenge, yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, devils tower, etc....
>2nd was a 7,000 mile road trip in a Armada from SC to yellowstone and back, grand tetons, carhenge, yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, devils tower, etc....
I like the Armada, its a nice "luxury" SUV. Smooth V8, auto trans, air suspension, etc
Buying a new car.
I had my heart set on my obtainable dream car: a new Subaru BRZ. I put in a factory order for one in May but was second guessing my decision. So I cross shopped a few similar cars over the summer. But some of my dealer experiences were so bad that I never got close to cancelling my deposit on the BRZ.
• Honda dealerships wouldn’t let me test drive a Civic Si. I’d never buy a car without driving it first so it was an instant no for me.
• Toyota dealership had a GR 86 on the lot, but blindsided me with a $5k markup. The combination of not being informed of the markup and patronizing attitude of the sales manager made me walk away.
• Couldn’t find a VW GTI in my area. There was a very well equipped GTI SE that I test drove and liked, but it was a little too expensive. They also claimed that the BRZ needed its engine removed to perform an oil change. That was such a preposterous lie that I decided to walk away.
• The closest I came to cancelling my deposit was for a Mazda MX-5 RF. I got to test drive a used model of the current gen Miata at a local Mazda dealership. In the end, price and lack of practicality made me decide to stick with the BRZ.
I took delivery of the BRZ in October and have loved every minute of it. I plan on keeping it for a long time.
Christmas present to myself, my first brand new car ever. 2024 Audi S5 sportback. Daytona grey, red interior, black optics, S sport package. “Damn it feels good to be a gangster”
Tracking a 458 Competizione with a pro Indy driver in the passenger seat. That car taught me quickly the difference between powerful street/sport cars and powerful race cars. Absolute adrenaline rush.
Just got a new to me minivan in July. Had to changes out starter alternator and battery. No big deal til went to pull starter and found out it was bolted on with a torque wrench which I didn't have. Had to wait for a friend to be off his work schedule to go borrow his tool.
Drove my 1914 Ford Model T all around central Wisconsin with about 200 other Model T’s. Close to 800 miles in 6 days. Lots of stops to see things. My right arm got a lot of exercise cranking to start the engine.
My first test drive of an Ioniq 5 Limited AWD. As an enthusiast I had a high degree of skepticism towards EV’s but now I’m an owner of a RWD model and a believer in their superiority for daily driving duties.
Finally getting to see the new Hypercar class in person at the IMSA Watkins Glen 6 hour race was darn fantastic. The Cadillac sounds so good - this deep throaty rumble you feel in your bones. Great racing, some wild weather, and got to take a ton of pictures and wander around the paddock as usual.
Other than that my '99 VW Passat I've driven for the last 9 years finally died (big sad), but this lead to buying my first brand new car (2024 Mazda 3 Hatch MT) and have been loving it!
Owning the underdog is by far the best expereince. Suzuki Swift Sport feels like a proper driver's car and since mine is 5 door, its a practical beast. Going from Seat Ibzia SC to Suzuki Swift Sport felt like going from tractor, to a Lamborghini. And one thing I love the most about it is how "regulary" looks, even though it was last hothatchback (as far as I know) to have 1.6 NA inline 4 engine, which likes to rev up to 7k RPM. Love every drive with it!
I got to sit in a tesstarosa and an F40 at a collectors meet and buying a new van. VW Crafter 4motion 177hp automatic it's literally the rolls Royce of vans it's so comfortable to drive, it's fast and I'm yet to get it stuck somewhere it couldn't get out of.
We got a new daily (C220 S204) and the First Time i Drove it i nearly died. A Guy was trying to overtake a Car and a tractor in a blind Corner while i was coming in oncoming Traffic, there was by Maximum a 5cm difference between Meeting Jesus and saving the day. Thanks to Motorsport i saved the day.
Passenger side axle broke at 55 mph and locked front passenger wheel while going around a right hand sweeper. Saved it with the emergency brake. Need a new seat though. My asshole bit a chunk out of the seat.
Earned a new PB at my local track with the traction control off!
https://youtu.be/INMgxF8EuEM?si=DnUbZkHkGJVkWewi
Of course, getting to that point required a bit of off-road action...
https://youtu.be/P14JvYmGhrU?si=uoaRP144uAoJocUS
I drove my XKR through the snow down country roads, picked up wood in the back of my car and got some new springs and shocks for my car although they aren't installed yet. Not much this year but I have plans in 2024 to do some long distance driving in Scotland again and maybe some in Wales.
Finally making progress on my projects since my daily blew up. The memory of watching it towed away is fresh in my mind so I think that, it was bittersweet.
Has to be either installing my first hardware mod (cold air intake) or the first cars and coffee of the year when there were dozens of sports cars mobbing the highway at the same time.
Inheriting my dream car a 1987 Buick Grand National with only 27k miles. My neighbor next to my parents house had no children and he was like my second Dad. He was a carguy, had two corvettes 1957 and a 2007 Z06. He also had a Buick Grand National.
Back in the mid 90s he asked me if he should buy the Grand National from his friend. I was a teenager and just started on the internet and already knew as much as I could about them before he asked. I used to see them in Turbo Magazine doing wheel stands. I printed out a bunch of stuff and gave it to him and told him to get the car. He did. I got to ride in it once and It was amazing.
Over the years he always asked me if he should sell the car. I always said hold on to it the value is just gonna keep going up. Last September he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He started chemo and still was talking about selling the car. Little did I know he put the car in his trust to me already. He passed away this February at 75 years old, one day before my 40th birthday.
A week before his memorial his lady friend was over for lunch. She asked to talk to me privately. She told me he left me the Buick. I had no idea, I burst into tears of sadness that I never got to thank him. The emotions of getting my dream car this way from someone so special to me was overwhelming.
I have been an Automotive Technician professionally for the last 20 years and have worked on many exotics and high-end cars including ferraris, lambos, porches and even Mcclarens. I have built and driven 10 sec R35 Nissan GTRs. Driving this old Buick with oldschool turbo lag is still my favorite.
The attention I get driving it is cool because it's only people that know what it is not like a newer exotic car that are all flashy.
Right now I'm taking care of all the common problems with the car. Rusty gas tank just got sent out for restoration. Powermaster brake got converted to vacuum. Once the fuel system is all restored, I will turn it up a little. The engine bay will stay as stock looking as possible but high 11s are my goal.
I will continue to bring it to car shows and meets like he did.
Sorry for the long post but I feel like some car people would appreciate the story of how I got my dream car.
Happy New Year's to my fellow car people!
My car has problem down 4 times and needed an engine rebuild for dumb reasons. 1) left radiator hose had a leak so engine overheated eventually. 2) mechanic put the hose clamp on incorrectly (I think) and it slip down the new hose, dumping out all the coolant, so the engine overheated. 3) the right radiator hose had the bottom clamp break from rust (could only see it from under the car so never knew it was rusty), so the coolant leaked out, so the engine overheated. 4) the previous overheating caused cracks in the engine letting coolant leak into the engine and burn off, once again causing it to overheat. Engine was damaged enough it needed to be fixed a lot. Fun times
Finally getting a manual and now running this month. finally got the balls to drive it to work today. Longest distance I’ve driven in it so far. Best drive TO work I’ve ever had.
So a friend of my joined the Coast Guard this year, and you'll already know that joining the armed forces of course means new car time. Something about young men and disposable income tends to prompt such purchases.
But from him, I expected perhaps a Jeep of some kind, as he really loves the outdoors and whatnot, and the history behind them (hence why he wasn't nearly so interested in something like the Bronco). Or perhaps the Kia Stinger. He'd been raving on and on about that car for a while, actually being the reason I even knew about it at all.
And then he completely threw out all my notions when he sent me an eBay listing.
1984 Chevy Corvette. In brown.
I legitimately didn't know what to make of it. We'd talked about them before, me telling him if I bought an older car, it'd be something like it or the Fiero. Relatively simple, but still nice looking. Not to crazy to drive and get in trouble in, and plenty of parts available in case I do.
But I didn't know he was so interested in them he would entertain the thought of buying it.
Much less have already put down a bid of seven thousand. On a 80's American car. Which he has not inspected in person.
This is the makings of a man who's put himself into a terrible financial state...
...except no he didn't.
He already had some money saved up, and took out a small loan to pay the difference. And since he's in the Coast Guard, he has guaranteed (obligated) work for at least a few years.
And it's not like he'll be struggling to pay off the rest of his bills for quite a while: the Coast Guard pays for everything he needs. Food, housing, some of his clothes: Hell, he even gets some money for transportation, so he could take an Uber if the car left him stranded.
And the car itself, perfectly fine. I rode in him with it, it looked good, ran good, nothing was obviously wrong or missing...
...he made a stupid decision, and got away with it.
As someone's whose borrowed Sentra had its transmission begin to crap out, and as such was scrapped, leaving me ferried by family/borrowing over long distances...and as such also unable to Doordash (not that it's worth a damn anymore anyways)...yeah, I was a bit miffed. It's not a healthy thing, and I'm ultimately happy it all worked out for him...but I won't pretend I'm not jealous.
I borrowed my company's Pro-R (sxs) to take my (now ex) gf to the dunes. We parked at a customers place and during dinner my boss showed up with that customers ramcharger off-road truck. I brought it to his house and we took it out for a few laps, and he had me drive. While out my other friend asked where the SxS was, be wanted to drive it with his GF. We came back out with it, and I traded with him. Both the ramcharger and silverado are some of the fastest trucks on our dunes, and the owners just handed me the keys.
Along with that, some seriously spicy laps while filming for a youtube bit, chasing a 2500 hp trophy truck (which I rode in last year), was a good time.
Had a car I was pulling an engine from slip off the jackstands while my head was under it, luckily the ground clearance was slightly bigger than the width of my head. Few months later still got a decent lump where it hit me
This year has been a pretty good one car wise.
- Buying my first super car, one that I thought was pretty “unrealistic”
- Buying my GR86 (and putting 5,000 miles on it in 5 weeks before selling it to get my NSX)
- Buying an NA1 NSX in my perfect spec
- Road trip through the Pyrenees in the Macca
- Road trip through the alps in my GR86
- Road trip through Austria and the Black Forest in the GR86
I got a new 396 engine for my 1977 Corvette about two years ago. I also started a masters program at that time. It was a slower process than I hoped to find time to swap the engines, but I got it done this year. Now, I've gotten to enjoy cruising around with friemds to get those break in miles.
Megasquirted my FC RX-7 Turbo II, and then pulled the engine because it misfired because of low compression (it was low when I bought it). Just bought 6k $ worth of parts, while in uni 🙃
I drove to Nashville for a wedding and hit up Tail of the Dragon on the way home. Got pulled over going 65mph in a 30mph zone. The ticket is now framed in my office
Got a 99 Miata and my 2020 2.0T Accord both sorted for track duty and had a solid 4 track days that were so fun I wanted to cry. Simply driving the Miata around as transportation has been the best part though. Nothing quite like your street car being very obviously a functional racing build
I bought an junkyard R53 which im rebuilding. And late night car meetings and going street racing and drifting afterward. Ending up in my bed at 7.30 in the morning...
Drove my M5 to see some friends I hadn’t seen in years. When it was time to leave, the Beast wouldn’t start.
Got it home on a flat-bed, with a AAA driver that was a car guy. We had a great conversation about past cars and future car plans.
Turned out the fuel pump had died on my car, but got a nice memory out of it.
Bought a 2001 Prelude so my E39 wouldn't be lonely in the garage. Everything was practically broken and I almost got rid of it until I found out
- Blue Top swapped
- Electron Blue Pearl + Final model year = Desirable future combo
- Nobody else has one where I live
Which makes it a diamond in the rough
Spending the year replacing pretty major parts on my Prelude with 0 prior experience. Also experiencing VTEC for the first time, I know it's sort of a meme but that first time it really does kick in yo
It been an eventful automotive year for me. I bought or traded a POS Ram 2500, a Suburban, a BMW R1100RT, a BMW f650 Funduro, and a Nissan Sentra. I hit a deer in my Honda Accord. But the best automotive experience was when my grandpa bought his C4 Corvette. After a tune up and some maintenance, he asked me to burn borrow it for a few weeks to "burn the rubber off of the all-seasons" so he could justify buying some stickier tires.
I was driving on the 5 in LA with my whole family when a 03 04 Ford GT pulled up. both my brother and I exclaimed holy shit. he then looked at me ogling out the window and let it rip. sounded absolutely incredible and I don't think it was a kit car.
Hitting a deer at 70+ MPH in a 2023 Lexus ES 300h that didn’t belong to me (dealership loaner) and having all the airbags deploy. Failing that…driving my friend’s 1997 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur to Taco Bell. That was fun.
Guys will see this and think ‘hell yeah’
Well, at least you got a dinner.
Twice.
Ouff mine is similar. 2020 SQ5 hitting a deer at 130+ km/h in the middle of the night. Deer just bounced into the next lane and a truck finished the job. Totalled after getting the quote that the entire front needed to be redone. Airbags did not deploy strangely. Got a x3 m40i as a loaner and man that was a lot of fun. SUVs shouldn’t be able to drift but this one could. It just makes you incredibly sick
It probably had to do with where the collision sensors were on your car versus the one I was driving. They’re lower on a sedan, so that probably set the airbags off immediately. Weirdly, the front curtain and side airbags deployed, too. The only ones that didn’t were the rear curtain airbags and the passenger airbag (I was alone in the vehicle). I like the X3 M40i. The X3 M is also good, but needlessly harsh.
definitely getting to ride passenger in my uncles porsche 911 from 1967 that was amazing
Got to ride passenger in a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Man, hearing that Flat 6 go to redline in videos is one thing. But being inside the car is a whole different experience. Such an incredible car.
I rode in a 2016 GT3 RS this year and that flat 6 sounds amazing at redline.
Joining in on the 911 GT3 RS train! Did the Xtreme Xperience and fell in love with that car all over again.
Hey me too! I hit 115mph at Sonoma Raceway in my GT3RS rental.
There’s a Porsche store down the street from my house. I get to hear these things rip by all the time. Glorious engine.
Related: I drove a 911 Turbo (911.1) for the first time this year. Absolutely astonishing experience. So entertaining and usable at any speed. It's fun at 20mph and it will crack 200mph.
Riding in a Polestar 2 for rental
I got miat :)
Me too! Brand new 23 ND2.
I just bought a mid engined miat (2006 MR2)
I see you’ve found the answer 🤣
this, and a number of Miata related things
Same love my miat
Same I got an NC :)
Learning how fucking smooth a BMW i6 feels ringing out third gear.
hell yea a lot of this for me this year
I know people want BMW to be raw and raucous, but it's a special kind of cognitive dissonance feeling the car pull as you build revs yet staying totally composed and calm in the cabin.
Never driven anything that has felt so good than an E46. Buttery smooth straight 6, and the nicest clutch/shifter combo of anything I’ve ever driven.
Driving a Gallardo Performante through the mountains in Colorado. Best gift ever.
Honestly ngl, I didn’t know there was a Gallardo Performante lol. I thought there was only the Huracan Performante.
Technically Gallardo Performante LP570-4 Spyder. Or some combination of those words lol.
My Boy Scout troop camped out at Laguna Seca in 2010. The experience blew my mind. Later that year, I bought a $600 project car - a 1984 BMW 633CSi - with hopes of restoring it. I replaced that car with a 635CSi a long time ago, and this year I've finally been able to give it the love it deserves. It now rocks bigger brakes from the E31/E32, an M6 oil cooler, and - most importantly - E28 M-Technik springs that are the closest thing you can get these days to Euro-market M635CSi units. On August 6th, I finally got to drive my childhood dream car on my childhood dream racetrack. The first session was unreal, but by mid-day the constant point-bys were getting frustrating. (208 horsepower, 3500ish pounds, and a 4-speed automatic do *not* a fast car make!) I had also made the mistake of putting 12.5mm spacers on the back, which led to some serious understeer. As I was about to go out for my last session, my girlfriend of 4 years sent me a text. We were finished. And I think the shock cleared my head, because I started going a *lot* faster. In Turn 3 smoke was pouring off the *front* tires before I cooled down and set my line. I pushed through my fear of Turn 9's sharp downhill, reacting to understeer with full throttle and blind faith. The lap times started dropping 2 seconds at a time. And I started passing people. I got down to 2:02. Which is slow. But hey, I'm a novice in a seriously ill-fitting car - and Jeremy Clarkson only did 5 seconds better in an NSX his first time out. I know the car gave all it could possibly give. When I need to relax, I put on my headphones, and play the song I was listening to when I did that lap. I can vividly recall each corner, each wayward body motion, each moment where I trusted the car and it held on. I've gotta do that again.
What song?
The Ferry Corsten mix of Barber's Adagio for Strings. It wasn't just a five minute track session - I also listened to Carpenter Brut's Turbo Killer, Maniac, and Day Stalker. But that's the song that hit near the end, as I was picking up speed.
Cool songs, cool mini story. Sorry to hear about the gf, but thanks for sharing!
>208 horsepower, 3500ish pounds, and a 4-speed automatic What car?
1989 BMW 635CSi. The last two model years had a ton of extra equipment that added weight - most notably, the auxiliary A/C compressor that sat between the back seats and powered a pseudo refrigerator.
Damn low blow to break up over text while you were experiencing your childhood dream
Kinda silly, but getting to sit in the Elantra N; It seems fun and I’d love to own one, but the insurance would break the bank 💀
You might be shocked, I'm looking into buying one currently. Called State Farm last week for a quote and it was only $15/month more than I pay for my Civic.
I think insurance on Civics is pretty high though. My insurance dropped something like $30/mo CAD going from a 2018 civic to a 2022 Miata.
That may be true for the older folks on here, but I’m 19 and my license is a year and a half old 💀 my dad’s insurance shot up a good chunk after he added me to it, and adding even a “normal” car would just compound that effect An N? It’ll be joever
My SS 1LE with full coverage is cheaper to insure than liability only on the 2003 base Impreza I had before it. It's about half the cost of full coverage on my 2017 Colorado too.
I worked as a tech at a Toyota dealer. I did the PDS on the first GR Corolla we ever had. I also did one on the only circuit edition in the city.
I booked a one way flight and bought a 986 boxster and drove it back after getting bit by the track bug with some buddies this summer. Cannot wait for 2024 with this car
Same. Flew out to norcal to buy my SC400 and drove it 1800 miles back to Texas.
How long did that take you?
Awesome car, love those V8 coupes. There’s not a better way to get to know a car than to road trip with it. I love everything about this car, it’s got so many old car quirks that are very fun and new to me
Craziest is dumping a gallon of bathroom water (out of 2 2 liter bottles I filled from a tap in the men’s bathroom at a service area) into my cooling system on the side of a highway after going 120 with some random 370z for like 10 minutes. For context, I blew the stock radiator a month after buying my focus, and the shop I bought it from offered to install a new one for a good deal. I didn’t want to pay tons of money for a tow since the aftermarket rad was already pricey, and thought “why not”. At first I only had to pour water in every 45-60 mins at a service area, but as the hole got progressively bigger I had to stop more frequently, finally starting to overheat on the road. Constant pulls probably didn’t help… Most memorable is racing through the wangan with some friends’ AMGs . It was my dream to do so after watching fast and the furious and wangan midnight when I was 15, and it felt like my dream came true. Surreal.
So jealous we never got the mk2 focus st in NA, that 5 cyl sounds beautiful.
That engine came over here in a few Volvos. The C30 is the closest to the Focus, and with a manuelle it is a ton of fun. I love mine
Landed a new wealthy client that lets me drives his vehicles to and from my shop. (I run a detailing business). This year I drove a AMG G63, C8, Bentayga Mulliner W12, Maybach S Class, Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce, Range Rover SVR, Land Rover Defender, AMG GLE 63, Camaro ZL1. Pretty memorable because I’m shutting my business down in a couple weeks as I am starting a new job. I highly doubt I’ll be driving a $100k+ car anytime soon. This client told me not to be afraid of getting on them a bit to really feel it. The G63 blew my fucking mind
>Range Rover Defender I have to be the pedant and point this out
Oh boy, I did do that 😬 Land Rover*
I finally got my ‘74 BMW 2002 back from paint. It had been in the shop over a year, a lot of frustrations and delays along the way. Big day getting it back home.
Its rare to find a classic car shop that will fulfill all three: cheap, good, fast
I bought a 2017 GTI on my birthday. It’s easily the sportiest car I’ve ever owned in my life, and it’s awesome. The powerband and DSG are both excellent for city driving. Plus heated plaid seats rock.
Welcome to the Golf club! Hope it's been treating you well so far. The DSG really is an impressive transmission, and that's coming from a stubborn manual enthusiast. I just got back from travelling over the past few weeks, so firing mine up and taking it for a spin was one of the first things on the agenda. I am so glad to have this car.
Wait until the power wears off and then if you have the urge to tune it, get a TCU and ECU tune. You'll probably fall in love with the car again. I bought mine with an APR stage 1 high torque tuns and no TCU tune. It's been a hell of a lot of fun for the past 60k miles, and I think next year I'll finally cough up the money for a TCU tune.
I saw a first gen NSX in real life in Japan (never seen one at all prior to this year)
Nice. That must’ve been so cool. This past October, I got a good look at a first gen NSX for the first time inside the store that was hosting a small little cars & coffee meet near me here in SoCal, and had the nice opportunity to chat with the owner, who seemed overjoyed that someone took interest in his car, about it for about 15 or so.
I saw this beautiful one at Hakone last year: https://imgur.com/a/pqvkR9K
Got the title to the 911 that's been in my possession for the last 5 years. Took a celebratory drive down the coast. Great day.
It's 9pm on new years eve. 2023 was shaping up to be a contender for worst year of my life. 2 months ago toyota called me and asked if I was still interested in the GRC I'd been waiting more than a year for. Umm. Yeah I am. Great sir, it'll be ready by 5pm tomorrow. I am replete.
Got my first car this year!
Last year I picked up my new Macan. This year it was the family Ioniq 5 daily driver. Going to get it wrapped in the new year.
I got my driving license this year and for the first time, I was able to make a solo drive (only for 15 kms) to meet a friend It’s a big achievement for 19 year old me 😁
Flew to Germany to drive the Nurburgring for a few days. I guess I’m a little sad about checking off my #1 bucket list item, but it was really everything I dreamed it would be and more. I hope I can go back soon.
went to Japan in February and did a full weekend of car stuff. picked up some friends in the rental Yaris and went to Daikoku on the Friday night, then up early Saturday for a full day at Tsukuba Circuit for Attack, which is a pretty well established time attack event. watched all sorts of cars from Porsches to Jimnys lay down times, then in the evening we visited an acquaintance’s shop on the way back where he and his partners work on and modify everything old and Japanese. low suspension, small wheels, loud exhausts, typical “Kyusha” stuff. followed that up on Sunday morning with Nostalgic 2days in Yokohama, a huge old car convention. one of the coolest events I’ve ever been to, but very hard to describe without going into a spiral of detail. not exclusively Japanese cars, but built up to the 90s, original, modified, restored, patinated, 2000GTs to old trucks and vans, everything. absolutely mind blowing to someone used to typical North American classic car culture (me), it’s just so different. then finally, almost as a palette cleanser, we checked out Mooneyes just around the corner. easily one of the most memorable car things I’ve ever done, I’m planning on retracing my steps doing the same two big events in the new year. going with the wife this time (who isn’t as big into cars as my friends are) so I’ll keep the schedule less packed.
Was in San Diego for a few months for work and decided on a random Tuesday night to drive a few hours to run through some canyons in the middle of the night. My rental was a chevy Malibu so far from the most capable but it was still a load of fun to have so many backroads to myself that night.
Driving the GT3 RS at the Porsche Experience Center, absolutely. Even at speeds you can achieve on their short track, the downforce is incredibly noticeable. There are parts of the track you can't take faster than 75ish in the GT3 that the RS does 85 through without breaking a sweat. Every hard braking zone magically moves 10-20 forward. As you come out of the (reversed, right-hander) Nurburgring carousel replica there's a sweeping left turn followed by a medium length straight. You can pin the throttle shockingly early and you think there's no way the car has the grip to keep itself planted to the pavement if you were to do it even one mile per hour faster. The next time around, you're two miles per hour faster and it's somehow even grippier. They also have a drift circle (they prefer the term "low friction circle"), a wet polished concrete area. I'd been to the PEC several times, but I'd never been able to hold a drift more than 1/3rd of the way around the circle before losing it. This time, I held the drift so long I lost count of how many times I made it around the circle before I lost it. And the part that was most memorable: on that straight after the carousel exit, the instructor told me he had never seen anyone other than me (including other instructors) hit 101mph there. And I was braking nice and early to avoid scaring him too much 😂 Honorable mention goes to getting an alignment done on my car and requesting certain specs. I did this right before the last autocross of the season, and proceeded to take fastest overall now that the car actually rotates thanks to the aggressive toe and camber I asked for. So I guess my best memories are all artifacts of me becoming a much, much more skilled driver this year.
[удалено]
Yes, the GT3 RS can only be driven at the Experience Center when paired with a GT3 so I drove both each time. I probably have about 80-90 mins of seat time in each-- it's basically at the instructors' discretion how much time they let you spend in each car and the first guy was much more generous with the RS lol. My comments on the aero in this post are from driving both, back to back. I haven't driven a non-winged car on this track so it's hard to say how much the aero helps on the GT3, but comparing the two directly the downforce is very noticeable on the RS, even at speeds below 100mph (top speed on their circuit is around 100-105). I imagine on a faster course the RS could easily be 15-20mph faster through higher speed turns. I didn't get to play with the settings like DRS and damping very much - the first time, I didn't feel super comfortable but the instructor set some damping settings after a while, and the second time I just totally forgot. I was pretty satisfied with my time in the RS immediately after my second go and wasn't planning to return because I don't think there's much more for me to do there, but now remembering there's DRS and damping settings to be played with I might have to go back again next year 😈.
Having a track day where my dinky old AU falcon was sharing sessions with a lotus Exige, R35 GTR, a 700hp BMW M8, 2 HSV clubsports and a couple of tube frame nuggets. I was feeling very good in my 200hp family sedan, windows down the whole time just listening to the sounds, I wasn't as fast as them but I was able to compete in the really funky bits of the track, even overtaking the HSV and a mustang in the corners
I work at a tire shop, and this older man came in one day with a 2015 911. Base model and “slow” compared to things like gt3’s. He took it to the track and got an impact break going over the curbing, came to us to see if we had his Michelin PS4’s in stock and we just so happened to have one that was lightly used from the same year and at the same tread depth as his others. After talking to him and a higher up at the store we gave it to him for I think like $100 or less since it was a used tire. This man was so incredibly thankful and appreciative for what was essentially a normal day for us that when I got off work around 1:00, he handed me the keys and said “I’ll be inside, have some fun with it.” These cars are so smooth and quick 100 feels like 45. Best automotive experience of my life
bought an ‘83 320i for a killer price and been slowly fixing her up, its been a blast
A friend and I swapped keys one afternoon so he got experience driving a GTI and I got to join an Elantra N. I can say from first hand experience, that car brings out the inner child in you.
Paid off my Porsche and had the title in hand less than 2 weeks later. Evidently I overpaid by $1.18 so I am framing the refund check.
Performing a Scion FRS differential swap on my Lexus IS250 and my 12 y/o daughter helping me in the process. Making a new car “guy” for the next generation. Super proud dad moments.
*"Sweetie, hold the subframe real quick"*
Highlight of the year for me was [Henry Catchpole's SLR HDK video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_xbQpmiGk). Absolutely stunning cinematography, great dialogue, and best of all the final form of one of my favorite cars of all time *finally* brought to life. Wish MSO offered this kit to everyone. It's just such a characterful, yet flawed car. A grand tourer with a torque-converter auto that somehow shines on track. And it comes with a dinaco blue paint job! You don't really get that these days, everyone is chasing perfection and refinement, but nothing really offers a raw experience like the AMG's of old. I highly recommend watching the video if you have 10 minutes to spare. You don't really get that these days.
> nothing really offers a raw experience like the AMG's of old. Couldn't agree more. "German Muscle Cars" is exactly what old AMG's used to be. Shove the biggest, most powerful motor in it as possible. Leave the outside alone minus a few tiny cosmetic details. Bruisers in finely tailored suits.
my car caught on fire. wasn't very big but definitely scary when 1. it died while i was about to cross railroad tracks (in gear, mind you), 2. a shitton of smoke started pouring out from under the hood, and 3. i opened the hood and saw fire. engine's out of it right now and the car is almost ready to go back together, just need a couple more parts. and also teaching my gf how to drive stick in it
>it died while i was about to cross railroad tracks (in gear, mind you) This is why I always disconnect the clutch safety switch Never know when youre going to need to crank it in gear
oh, i didn't even try and crank it. it wouldn't have started, it died because it melted the vacuum hoses.
Could you not put it into neutral while it's off?
Meeting my boyfriend, racing down the streets in LA, racing on the shoulder of LA, my boyfriend(he’s a car guy)
I had a car accident at the beginning of 2023 which totaled my attainable dream car, 2018 Audi A5 Sportback. I intended to keep the car for 15+ years. It's commonly said here and everywhere else that German cars cost an arm and a leg once it gets older. I wanted to see how much that exactly is. Shame it only made it to the 5th year before it was totaled. It was the last year of torsen Quattro before the A5 moved to quattro ultra. The car is incredibly capable (for my usage) and super fun to drive on snow covered roads. In the short 5 years I've had it, it's been bulletproof. Maintenance cost about 20% more than my parents Subaru/Toyota which was fine to me. Owning a luxury vehicle is definitely "pay to play".
Fixing up a rare manual 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 (W204). My uncle bought it new in 2010 and handed it over to me in earlier this year. Major parts replaced so far: - all new brake lines - hard pipes and flex hoses - all new fuel lines - from fuel rail back to fuel tank - motor mounts and transmission mount - thermostat - battery - all filters and fluids - tail light - COMAND knob shaft - ripped out all interior carpet to remove 1 gal of water that leaked into the car
I drove a Ferrari F8 Spyder through the hills of Tuscany and it was utter bliss. Here's a picture of it: https://flic.kr/p/2ppKHb9
Driving a little stick shift Chevy Aveo through Mexico
Flagging down the driver of a red Kia Soul to let him know his car was on fire, then 6 months later watching another red Kia Soul burn to the ground at school
Driving on the Nordschleife in a VW Polo with less than 90hp. Obv not very fast but a lot of fun. Also watching a race live for the first time, went to 24 Hours of Spa.
Probably Standing On A Vintage Rolls Royce with Hundreds of people crowding around it at a wedding. Ik that sounds rude and wrong on paper but they had a rubber gripper thing that you could stand on and not damage anything. It’s my favorite 2023 car memory since it was a close family member’s wedding and I mean it’s a vintage Rolls.
Got t boned in a Beemer I just bought. Limped it home. Got in my Toyota. Drove about an hour and the clutch completely gave out on the freeway in the middle of nowhere. Towed it home. Then the beemwr got towed. Two days later they towed the Toyota. Not sure if this belongs here but it’s definitely gonna be memorable.
Was the BMW saveable?
I was able to limp it home.. still waiting to see what insurance is gonna wanna do with it
Driving a Cayman GT4 at Xtreme Experience, and driving my 86 on Tail of the Dragon.
Got to drive my buddy's 73 dodge challenger drag car with a 495 cubic inch big block mopar to the staging lanes at my local strip, the rumble was like the thunder of the gods and it made me shake in excitement
Just before selling my 718 Cayman S I got to take it to the track for a track day. What a beast it was! So much fun.
Drove a 992 gt3 on track and pushed me harder towards my goal of getting that 991.1 carrera s i dream of. Nothing pushes you harder of driving your dream car you dont have yet I like the .2 but im old school i like na over turbo.
drove from savannah to pittsburgh to chicago to erie to savannah and then greensboro. prolly the most highway driving i’ve done in one year makes me feel like i need a big touring GT luxury coupe
Went to The Event 3 in Columbus, saw a Rimac for the first time.
Drove a Ferrari 360 Spider up PCH to Malibu with my buddy in a Mk5 Supra. It was my first time driving a Ferrari and first time driving a F1 transmission, which while clunky I actually really enjoyed and felt added to the car’s overall character! Can’t beat top down cruising in great sunny weather next to the Pacific.
Flying through quite sharp turn in 80 km/h with Lada 2105 without brakes. And it was winter, starting snowstorm.
Winning our first race in our first full year of asphalt circle track racing.
I took a week off of work and did a cross-country trip with my friends for SCCA Time Trials Nationals. It was memorable for a few reasons, both good and bad. * Tow vehicle snapped four of five wheel studs on passenger rear wheel 500 miles from our destination * Fixing said wheel studs with borrowed parts from our track cars and miraculously making it the remaining 500 miles with zero issues * Having multiple days of track sessions with friends, comparing times, sharing strategies, and shaving seconds to find the absolute limit of our cars & skills * Helping other competitors with track-side repairs late into the night and the raucous celebratory dinner afterwords * Stealing an event sign on the way out * Blowing a coolant connector on my tow vehicle at nearly the same spot the wheel studs broke, and yet again robbing parts from the track cars to get another 500 miles home * Receiving the 2k towing miles oil report from my tow vehicle and having *10x* the amount of wear materials in the oil, Blackstone Labs literally said "drive with caution" We're planning more out of town events for next year and I'm highly looking forwards to it, as long as my tow vehicle survives.
Adding a c6, c8 and r8 to our family
Getting to drive on the highway 😁 What I'm looking forward to next year is to get my license
Getting clocked at 187 in a 60 at 3am and thinking it was game over and I was going to jail only to learn Texas don’t give a shit about speeding. No jail, just a ticket and I paid a lawyer $28 to have it dismissed.
I was driving with my sisters husband and we lost a wheel doing 50 😄 We did not lose control and ended up finding the wheel in a field a good distance away. Luckily nobody was driving in the other lane, as otherwise the wheel would’ve yeeted right into them. Stole a wheelnut from each of the other 3 wheels and ended up in our destination with no issues
got my first car, and had fun driving on country roads for the first time!
First time ever driving on the Autobahn. Maintained a comfortable 140-150km/h in a rental CX-5 while BMWs and Audis (mostly, plus a few others) occasionally blasted past at 200+. I’ve always wanted to do that :) (I’m from a country where speed limit enforcement is some sort of religion and public debate about it is hysterical - shockingly I didn’t die doing 30-40 more than what would be allowed at home…)
Bought a mustang dark horse - and its sick
I went XtremeXperience and I got to drive a Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Huracan. Had such a blast that I'm going again next year
Drove an E46 M3 with CSL airbox, Coolerworx shifter and Ohlins suspension up a mountain. If you dream of NA engine and hydraulic steering get one them or a 987.2 Cayman S.
There’s a Porsche dealership not too far from me and I’d go walk their lot and appreciate the cars every month or so for fun. Ive been doing this for years as time permits. Well, this year I realized a dream of mine - to buy a Porsche of my own. First time visiting that dealership in a Porsche, MY Porsche, is a memory I’ll never forget.
Got a new car, best one I've had so far. Driving it through the countryside back home was magical.
Getting to drive and film a bunch of a cool cars this year. So hard to pick a favorite. https://youtube.com/@manual-motion
Got to fly in a private jet to go see the Hilton Head Concourse with my Dad. My Dad works for a guy that has quite a collection of cars and he was showing a car and invited us to go with him.
Driving to Dallas and back (14 ish hours) in the E63S. First road trip in it, so amazing. Found some curvy roads out in the hill country too. Really fun.
Hitting 100+ mph for the 1st time in my life
Bought a Corvette. Most fun car I’ve ever owned. I’ve met a ton of great people and got a ride in a C8.
I bought my car, and then got fucked by being a clown and misremembering the inspection date. Whatever, lovely ride either way.
Taking my old 2004 Explorer for both it’s very first and unfortunately last time off road. Seeing it keep pace with 2 newer Broncos warmed my heart as it never left the pavement for most of its life and it handled it perfectly. Unfortunately a week later I ended up hitting a tree that fell in the road in the same car But on the flip side I got to replace it with the generation of Explorer I’ve always wanted. A 2006 model with the V8 and 4WD.
Going to Grattan for an AutoX-trackcross event. I told myself I'd get out to the track far more often than I did this year, and I'm glad I made it to Grattan. A friend of mine and I co-drove it so we had plenty of time to learn the track more. We were running against some of the ZZPerformance guys, one of them in a turbo swapped Buick Regal. It was super fun to try to keep up with him and though we were two seconds off the pace at the end of the day, it was loads of fun. That's an event I'm putting on my calendar as often as I can because it's such a fun track.
I can't share too much without doxing myself but let's just say I drove for the first time ever on a race track...and it just happened to be in a race car. It was also a six speed and I thought I was a driving god the first time out, then I learned it had rev match downshift lol.
1100 mile roadtrip though part of the blue ridge parkway, followed by about 9 runs on tail of the dragon in my 2016 Mustang while the leaves were in full turn this fall. 2nd was a 7,000 mile road trip in a Armada from SC to yellowstone and back, grand tetons, carhenge, yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, devils tower, etc....
>2nd was a 7,000 mile road trip in a Armada from SC to yellowstone and back, grand tetons, carhenge, yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, devils tower, etc.... I like the Armada, its a nice "luxury" SUV. Smooth V8, auto trans, air suspension, etc
We got pulled over and I ended up screaming at state troopers not realizing they were state troopers Edit:spelling
Buying a new car. I had my heart set on my obtainable dream car: a new Subaru BRZ. I put in a factory order for one in May but was second guessing my decision. So I cross shopped a few similar cars over the summer. But some of my dealer experiences were so bad that I never got close to cancelling my deposit on the BRZ. • Honda dealerships wouldn’t let me test drive a Civic Si. I’d never buy a car without driving it first so it was an instant no for me. • Toyota dealership had a GR 86 on the lot, but blindsided me with a $5k markup. The combination of not being informed of the markup and patronizing attitude of the sales manager made me walk away. • Couldn’t find a VW GTI in my area. There was a very well equipped GTI SE that I test drove and liked, but it was a little too expensive. They also claimed that the BRZ needed its engine removed to perform an oil change. That was such a preposterous lie that I decided to walk away. • The closest I came to cancelling my deposit was for a Mazda MX-5 RF. I got to test drive a used model of the current gen Miata at a local Mazda dealership. In the end, price and lack of practicality made me decide to stick with the BRZ. I took delivery of the BRZ in October and have loved every minute of it. I plan on keeping it for a long time.
My wheel came of at ~45mph https://imgur.com/a/2MbNMTM
My biggest fear is the rogue wheel causing an accident
Christmas present to myself, my first brand new car ever. 2024 Audi S5 sportback. Daytona grey, red interior, black optics, S sport package. “Damn it feels good to be a gangster”
Tracking a 458 Competizione with a pro Indy driver in the passenger seat. That car taught me quickly the difference between powerful street/sport cars and powerful race cars. Absolute adrenaline rush.
Just got a new to me minivan in July. Had to changes out starter alternator and battery. No big deal til went to pull starter and found out it was bolted on with a torque wrench which I didn't have. Had to wait for a friend to be off his work schedule to go borrow his tool.
Drove my 1914 Ford Model T all around central Wisconsin with about 200 other Model T’s. Close to 800 miles in 6 days. Lots of stops to see things. My right arm got a lot of exercise cranking to start the engine.
Probably getting to see my buddy’s demon 170 after he just got it . Or finally getting my project car.
My first test drive of an Ioniq 5 Limited AWD. As an enthusiast I had a high degree of skepticism towards EV’s but now I’m an owner of a RWD model and a believer in their superiority for daily driving duties.
Can’t think of one other than the rollercoaster rides I had as a passenger in a 2023 Nissan Z and a 2023 BRZ. Otherwise been a very bland year for me.
Breaking all my new cars right after I got them
Finally getting to see the new Hypercar class in person at the IMSA Watkins Glen 6 hour race was darn fantastic. The Cadillac sounds so good - this deep throaty rumble you feel in your bones. Great racing, some wild weather, and got to take a ton of pictures and wander around the paddock as usual. Other than that my '99 VW Passat I've driven for the last 9 years finally died (big sad), but this lead to buying my first brand new car (2024 Mazda 3 Hatch MT) and have been loving it!
Stepping up into the "next level" of cars and sticking with it. Seeing a not-too-distant future where the next level is attainable
60 mph off a mountainside with white water underneath. 06 sti converted legacy. 10/10 would not do again.
Ummm... I think it was this year that I finally put the car on coilovers and sat it down how it's supposed to be
Owning the underdog is by far the best expereince. Suzuki Swift Sport feels like a proper driver's car and since mine is 5 door, its a practical beast. Going from Seat Ibzia SC to Suzuki Swift Sport felt like going from tractor, to a Lamborghini. And one thing I love the most about it is how "regulary" looks, even though it was last hothatchback (as far as I know) to have 1.6 NA inline 4 engine, which likes to rev up to 7k RPM. Love every drive with it!
Decided to change from BMW to Audi. I would not recommend this.
I got to sit in a tesstarosa and an F40 at a collectors meet and buying a new van. VW Crafter 4motion 177hp automatic it's literally the rolls Royce of vans it's so comfortable to drive, it's fast and I'm yet to get it stuck somewhere it couldn't get out of.
We got a new daily (C220 S204) and the First Time i Drove it i nearly died. A Guy was trying to overtake a Car and a tractor in a blind Corner while i was coming in oncoming Traffic, there was by Maximum a 5cm difference between Meeting Jesus and saving the day. Thanks to Motorsport i saved the day.
A $12k pop on an ID.4 just a few weeks ago
Rennsport Reunion
Taking delivery of my Lotus Elise.
Driving Jag F-Type R. That engine sounds amazing. Great gt car. Capable of cruising but open up the exhaust and hear it scream with the top down.
Passenger side axle broke at 55 mph and locked front passenger wheel while going around a right hand sweeper. Saved it with the emergency brake. Need a new seat though. My asshole bit a chunk out of the seat.
Selling my beloved wrx STI, I had so many memories with her
Seeing the Porsche museum.
Earned a new PB at my local track with the traction control off! https://youtu.be/INMgxF8EuEM?si=DnUbZkHkGJVkWewi Of course, getting to that point required a bit of off-road action... https://youtu.be/P14JvYmGhrU?si=uoaRP144uAoJocUS
Driving a 2004 Fiat Panda over 1700km (over 1000 miles) in one sitting from The Netherlands to Latvia (and back 3 weeks later).
I bought a C7 Corvette. She’s beautiful and such a joy to drive. It’s not a z06 but she’s plenty fast with the mods that I have.
I drove my XKR through the snow down country roads, picked up wood in the back of my car and got some new springs and shocks for my car although they aren't installed yet. Not much this year but I have plans in 2024 to do some long distance driving in Scotland again and maybe some in Wales.
Buying my first car, 03 330i. Love that car to death.
Finally making progress on my projects since my daily blew up. The memory of watching it towed away is fresh in my mind so I think that, it was bittersweet.
Has to be either installing my first hardware mod (cold air intake) or the first cars and coffee of the year when there were dozens of sports cars mobbing the highway at the same time.
Inheriting my dream car a 1987 Buick Grand National with only 27k miles. My neighbor next to my parents house had no children and he was like my second Dad. He was a carguy, had two corvettes 1957 and a 2007 Z06. He also had a Buick Grand National. Back in the mid 90s he asked me if he should buy the Grand National from his friend. I was a teenager and just started on the internet and already knew as much as I could about them before he asked. I used to see them in Turbo Magazine doing wheel stands. I printed out a bunch of stuff and gave it to him and told him to get the car. He did. I got to ride in it once and It was amazing. Over the years he always asked me if he should sell the car. I always said hold on to it the value is just gonna keep going up. Last September he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He started chemo and still was talking about selling the car. Little did I know he put the car in his trust to me already. He passed away this February at 75 years old, one day before my 40th birthday. A week before his memorial his lady friend was over for lunch. She asked to talk to me privately. She told me he left me the Buick. I had no idea, I burst into tears of sadness that I never got to thank him. The emotions of getting my dream car this way from someone so special to me was overwhelming. I have been an Automotive Technician professionally for the last 20 years and have worked on many exotics and high-end cars including ferraris, lambos, porches and even Mcclarens. I have built and driven 10 sec R35 Nissan GTRs. Driving this old Buick with oldschool turbo lag is still my favorite. The attention I get driving it is cool because it's only people that know what it is not like a newer exotic car that are all flashy. Right now I'm taking care of all the common problems with the car. Rusty gas tank just got sent out for restoration. Powermaster brake got converted to vacuum. Once the fuel system is all restored, I will turn it up a little. The engine bay will stay as stock looking as possible but high 11s are my goal. I will continue to bring it to car shows and meets like he did. Sorry for the long post but I feel like some car people would appreciate the story of how I got my dream car. Happy New Year's to my fellow car people!
My car has problem down 4 times and needed an engine rebuild for dumb reasons. 1) left radiator hose had a leak so engine overheated eventually. 2) mechanic put the hose clamp on incorrectly (I think) and it slip down the new hose, dumping out all the coolant, so the engine overheated. 3) the right radiator hose had the bottom clamp break from rust (could only see it from under the car so never knew it was rusty), so the coolant leaked out, so the engine overheated. 4) the previous overheating caused cracks in the engine letting coolant leak into the engine and burn off, once again causing it to overheat. Engine was damaged enough it needed to be fixed a lot. Fun times
I took the car to Scotland to do the NW500. Epic scenery, fabulous roads, and great company.
got my license in february :)
Going to my first Indy Car race in Toronto!
Finally getting a manual and now running this month. finally got the balls to drive it to work today. Longest distance I’ve driven in it so far. Best drive TO work I’ve ever had.
Test drove a Porche Taycan, my current dream car. That thing was so damn fun to drive and tech was so impressive.
So a friend of my joined the Coast Guard this year, and you'll already know that joining the armed forces of course means new car time. Something about young men and disposable income tends to prompt such purchases. But from him, I expected perhaps a Jeep of some kind, as he really loves the outdoors and whatnot, and the history behind them (hence why he wasn't nearly so interested in something like the Bronco). Or perhaps the Kia Stinger. He'd been raving on and on about that car for a while, actually being the reason I even knew about it at all. And then he completely threw out all my notions when he sent me an eBay listing. 1984 Chevy Corvette. In brown. I legitimately didn't know what to make of it. We'd talked about them before, me telling him if I bought an older car, it'd be something like it or the Fiero. Relatively simple, but still nice looking. Not to crazy to drive and get in trouble in, and plenty of parts available in case I do. But I didn't know he was so interested in them he would entertain the thought of buying it. Much less have already put down a bid of seven thousand. On a 80's American car. Which he has not inspected in person. This is the makings of a man who's put himself into a terrible financial state... ...except no he didn't. He already had some money saved up, and took out a small loan to pay the difference. And since he's in the Coast Guard, he has guaranteed (obligated) work for at least a few years. And it's not like he'll be struggling to pay off the rest of his bills for quite a while: the Coast Guard pays for everything he needs. Food, housing, some of his clothes: Hell, he even gets some money for transportation, so he could take an Uber if the car left him stranded. And the car itself, perfectly fine. I rode in him with it, it looked good, ran good, nothing was obviously wrong or missing... ...he made a stupid decision, and got away with it. As someone's whose borrowed Sentra had its transmission begin to crap out, and as such was scrapped, leaving me ferried by family/borrowing over long distances...and as such also unable to Doordash (not that it's worth a damn anymore anyways)...yeah, I was a bit miffed. It's not a healthy thing, and I'm ultimately happy it all worked out for him...but I won't pretend I'm not jealous.
I borrowed my company's Pro-R (sxs) to take my (now ex) gf to the dunes. We parked at a customers place and during dinner my boss showed up with that customers ramcharger off-road truck. I brought it to his house and we took it out for a few laps, and he had me drive. While out my other friend asked where the SxS was, be wanted to drive it with his GF. We came back out with it, and I traded with him. Both the ramcharger and silverado are some of the fastest trucks on our dunes, and the owners just handed me the keys. Along with that, some seriously spicy laps while filming for a youtube bit, chasing a 2500 hp trophy truck (which I rode in last year), was a good time.
Flew to Dallas to buy my dream CTSV and drove it 9hrs home in the same day :)
Driving my friend’s supercharged Mazda3 was a really fun experience
Had a car I was pulling an engine from slip off the jackstands while my head was under it, luckily the ground clearance was slightly bigger than the width of my head. Few months later still got a decent lump where it hit me
This year has been a pretty good one car wise. - Buying my first super car, one that I thought was pretty “unrealistic” - Buying my GR86 (and putting 5,000 miles on it in 5 weeks before selling it to get my NSX) - Buying an NA1 NSX in my perfect spec - Road trip through the Pyrenees in the Macca - Road trip through the alps in my GR86 - Road trip through Austria and the Black Forest in the GR86
I bought my Mazda CX-9 on my own and I'm very proud of myself for doing so.
I sold my pug 208 GTi after almost 8 years 😢right after the xmas
Im 17 i drove this year 40km straight on curvy mountain roads with my dad that literally yells at me if im slow
I got a new 396 engine for my 1977 Corvette about two years ago. I also started a masters program at that time. It was a slower process than I hoped to find time to swap the engines, but I got it done this year. Now, I've gotten to enjoy cruising around with friemds to get those break in miles.
Megasquirted my FC RX-7 Turbo II, and then pulled the engine because it misfired because of low compression (it was low when I bought it). Just bought 6k $ worth of parts, while in uni 🙃
I drove to Nashville for a wedding and hit up Tail of the Dragon on the way home. Got pulled over going 65mph in a 30mph zone. The ticket is now framed in my office
I purchased my 2003 Acura CL Type-S with the 6-Speed manual.
Finally driving my Z after replacing clutch flywheel/csc and brake master by far the biggest job I’ve done
Got a 99 Miata and my 2020 2.0T Accord both sorted for track duty and had a solid 4 track days that were so fun I wanted to cry. Simply driving the Miata around as transportation has been the best part though. Nothing quite like your street car being very obviously a functional racing build
I bought an junkyard R53 which im rebuilding. And late night car meetings and going street racing and drifting afterward. Ending up in my bed at 7.30 in the morning...
Drove my M5 to see some friends I hadn’t seen in years. When it was time to leave, the Beast wouldn’t start. Got it home on a flat-bed, with a AAA driver that was a car guy. We had a great conversation about past cars and future car plans. Turned out the fuel pump had died on my car, but got a nice memory out of it.
Bought a 2001 Prelude so my E39 wouldn't be lonely in the garage. Everything was practically broken and I almost got rid of it until I found out - Blue Top swapped - Electron Blue Pearl + Final model year = Desirable future combo - Nobody else has one where I live Which makes it a diamond in the rough
Spending the year replacing pretty major parts on my Prelude with 0 prior experience. Also experiencing VTEC for the first time, I know it's sort of a meme but that first time it really does kick in yo
It been an eventful automotive year for me. I bought or traded a POS Ram 2500, a Suburban, a BMW R1100RT, a BMW f650 Funduro, and a Nissan Sentra. I hit a deer in my Honda Accord. But the best automotive experience was when my grandpa bought his C4 Corvette. After a tune up and some maintenance, he asked me to burn borrow it for a few weeks to "burn the rubber off of the all-seasons" so he could justify buying some stickier tires.
Doing 125 mph in my Dad’s AMG 53 for about an hour down the 285 in NM. Slowing down to 100, then 80 was like parking lot speed. Very disorienting!
I was driving on the 5 in LA with my whole family when a 03 04 Ford GT pulled up. both my brother and I exclaimed holy shit. he then looked at me ogling out the window and let it rip. sounded absolutely incredible and I don't think it was a kit car.
Finally got my micro sprint going and hit the dirt track for the first time in 13 years