The cost-benefit to owning cars??

[Mikej89]

Even from someone like me who loves cars; I'm starting to think the cost-benefit is actually pretty low unfortunately and it often feels like a scam... You'll probably just make fun of me for pointing this out but ever consider even a POS old beater car costs thousands of dollars to keep on the road yet is anyone really that impressed by it?? When you fill up a Kwik Trip is a cute girl working there like "wow, I'm so impressed you were able to not only purchase that vehicle but also do oil changes, brakes, new tires, etc. and it's amazing you could fill er up when gas costs $4.00 gal!" Unless you're a trust fund kid with your dad's Ferrari nobody cares what you drive! Owning and maintaining a nice vehicle used to be something men really took pride in and the opposite sex noticed. What made me really think about it was when I spent endless hours cruising around the cities in my late wealthy grandpa's nice vehicles like his Escalade and Yukon Denali.... Nobody cared, most the time nobody will even see what you're pulling up in in today's world. If all modern people care about is watching TV and internet why bother maintaining expensive mechanical assets in the real world?

 

[Ribbedroof]

If you're driving old cars for other people's admiration, you're into it for the wrong reasons.

I drive them because I LOVE them, and they are a reminder of good times gone by, and yet to come

 

[Ribbedroof]

Here's one we drove to Mt Scott here in Okla, and to Dallas. We have been both places MANY times, but I can remember those trips to this day, because it was a great time, in a fun car...vs trips in the newer stuff

 

[Mikej89]

If you're driving old cars for other people's admiration, you're into it for the wrong reasons.

I drive them because I LOVE them, and they are a reminder of good times gone by, and yet to come

Yeah, it's not so much the enjoyment of the vintage classics I'm talking about... It's like say back in 1967 you pulled into mainstreet with your new freshly washed car and everyone saw it! Nowadays nobody cares. Cars in general don't offer people that much status anymore.

 

[Ribbedroof]

My youngest still talks about the year I drove her to school every day in this wagon, and wants to know when it;s going to be back on the road

 

[Ribbedroof]

Yeah, it's not so much the enjoyment of the vintage classics I'm talking about... It's like say back in 1967 you pulled into mainstreet with your new freshly washed car and everyone saw it! Nowadays nobody cares. Cars in general don't offer people that much status anymore.

New cars then were not something many people could afford. Today, it;s almost considered a neccessity. Our standard of living is much higher than it was then. Note: I did NOT say quality of life

 

[Mikej89]

New cars then were not something many people could afford. Today, it;s almost considered a neccessity. Our standard of living is much higher than it was then. Note: I did NOT say quality of life

Could your average factory worker afford say a '67 Chevy back then?

 

[Ribbedroof]

Could your average factory worker afford say a '67 Chevy back then?

I was 6, so no real idea, BUT I can tell you that my father that worked in broadcast radio could not, We moved across the state in '67 when he took a job with the state because it paid much better. But, with 2 kids it was a LONG time before parents bought new again. When he was single, he bought a 56 Ford Convertible and when it was paid for and needed tires, traded for a new 59.

Even into the late 70s, few people we knew bought new, other than the John Deere employees

 

[clean8485]

Cars have become a device, much the same as cell phones have. Everyone wants the latest and greatest, and the novelty wears off when the next new model comes out. Plus with the styling of many newer cars, its hard to tell one brand or model from another. Its a coupe or sedan, or SUV, or CUV, or truck.
I can only speak for myself here, but I like driving my old cars. I really don't do it for other people, I do it for myself. If someone notices it, or compliments it, or gives me a thumbs-up, then that's a bonus.

 

[64nailhead]

Our society and culture is changing. Not for the better in my opinion, but it's a fact. You've discovered one of the changes that I feel are not favorable. I agree with Ribbedroof, cars, hobbies, past times are for our enjoyment and pleasure, not others. Hopefully you enjoy your hobbies and they provide self gratification. I find the sense of accomplishment and amount of relaxation I feel from burying myself in the garage under a hood or car is my gratification. And I'm certain that some of my neighbors' don't feel the same way 😉 .

I'm sure though, that there are some people that still can appreciate our car hobby. Seeing people lining back roads enjoying watching the cars go by during DnD events.