Any 17-20 year olds that love driving?

Any 17-20 year olds that love driving?

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Hammy98

Original Poster:

793 posts

91 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Bit of a strange topic here but I've thought of myself as a bit odd when it comes to driving.

Had the full wheel and pedals setup on the ps2 from what must have been age 9-10, would spend hours grinding Gran Turismo and the Colin Macrae games. Always had a love of cars etc.

I sat my test as soon as I was 17 - well a few weeks after - and I've taken every opportunity to drive ever since passing. I'm now 19 and I've noticed that there really isn't many people near my age that share the same enthusiasm I do when it comes to driving.

I've got pals that you could say are into their motors, but just because they like cars doesn't mean they like driving - if that makes sense?

I work for an IT firm in Glasgow, so my commute to work is mainly motorway, however come finishing time I ALWAYS take the long route home which is a mixture of country roads. I brought this up in the pub with a few mates the other week and the general consensus was 'Why take the long way home?' laugh

After a sober Saturday night at the weekend I woke up earlyish Sunday, stuck the fresh pads and droplinks I'd ordered on the car, jumped in and headed up towards Loch Lomond and the Rest and be Thankful - cracking driving roads up there! smile However I honestly can't think of a single person my age group who wouldn't scoff at the thought of doing that. Even seemingly 'Car mad' mates that are mechanics by trade.

Is driving just not quite as popular with young people as it used to be? I know from heading about my dad's upbringing that cars played a large part in his late teens and near enough everyone was a petrolhead. Just doesn't seem that common these days. confused

Apologies for the random post, started thinking about it as I'm waiting on 5 o'clock rolling round biggrin


AndrewEH1

4,917 posts

152 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I was at that age, 27 this year though.

Most 17-20 year olds care too much about social media etc rather than actually doing things. Was similar 10 years ago but I feel that it's gotten much worse in recent years.

Was at the gym on Sunday, there were four young girls there who sat/stood around the rowing machines taking selfies and shapchats for about 20 minutes without actually using the machines...

Hammy98

Original Poster:

793 posts

91 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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AndrewEH1 said:
I was at that age, 27 this year though.

Most 17-20 year olds care too much about social media etc rather than actually doing things. Was similar 10 years ago but I feel that it's gotten much worse in recent years.

Was at the gym on Sunday, there were four young girls there who sat/stood around the rowing machines taking selfies and shapchats for about 20 minutes without actually using the machines...
I get what you mean, I know loads of people that say they are into motors but see them as more of a status symbol. Seems to be the going thing at this age who can afford the most expensive beemer or merc, just so they can stick a picture of it on facebook so everyone thinks they're doing well.

ashleyman

6,962 posts

98 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Well. I'm 27 but was the same as you with the PS2.

I'm going to Top Gear on Wednesday and am genuinely more excited about spanking down the country lanes to Dunsfold more than watching the recording. Then I've got 4 weeks in April spending 2 days per week in Brighton commuting each day from Surrey and again, I've mapped out a country lane route instead of going motorways just to hopefully have some fun at 7am on the way there each day.

I've got 3 friends that are the same, one who's 25 and has a Clio 187 and has always been obsessed, the other is about 23 and has just got a Cooper S who wants to 'go for a drive' one Sunday. Then there's my mate Nathan who I never pegged to be a car bloke and then all of a sudden started modifying his Fiesta Black Edition with engine maps, exhausts and wrapping things like the roof, mirrors etc... Looks quite nice actually!

Most of my other friends don't get it though. Definitely in the minority.

Hammy98

Original Poster:

793 posts

91 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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ashleyman said:
Well. I'm 27 but was the same as you with the PS2.

I'm going to Top Gear on Wednesday and am genuinely more excited about spanking down the country lanes to Dunsfold more than watching the recording. Then I've got 4 weeks in April spending 2 days in Brighton and again, I've mapped out a country lane route instead of going motorways just to hopefully have some fun at 7am on the way there each day.
Always been a Top Gear fan as well, the road trips with the old trio are great. Harris' reviews from the new series are on point.

I think insurance can be a bit of a limiting factor for people 17-21. More and more people getting forced into black boxes meaning its getting harder to get out and have fun or drive something interesting.

Alex_225

6,233 posts

200 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I'm 34 now and passed my test back in 1999, which makes me feel bloody old!

But even then, I had friends that were into cars but not specifically the driving. I love the act of actually driving and although I drive an auto day to day, I would never not own a manual in some form or other.

Thing is for many drivers it's not all about the driving as such. Look at how many people modify a car to make it look how they want at the detriment of how it drives. Huge wheels, silly low profile tyres and so low you have to negate pebbles on the road let alone pot holes! Back in the early 2000s the same would be said of that era of modifying. People in 1.4 Saxos with 20" rims etc. It wasn't about driving it was about posing. My preference at the time was a Clio 172 with a decent stereo and nice wheels!

I had a mix of mates though, some who only drove to get about and other 'car mates' who were into driving/cars or who I met through clubs.

I do get the impression though, that a lot of younger people (under 25) can't be bothered with driving and are happy using public transport. My two cousins are aged 20 and 23, neither of them drive. Yet when I was 17 all everyone seemed to want to do at college was get their licence!

XMT

3,778 posts

146 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I feel your pain OP. At your age I was the same as you and rather than looking at porn at 13+, I just used to spend all my time on autotrader.

I still struggle to find like minded people to share the passion with but as I get older I dont have much time either.

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to go to car shows or the F1 or silverston. Only just last year did I managed to get to knockhill for a ferrari experience but similar to you I enjoyed the drive more in my 335i.

I have got to a point where when my son and daughter grow up I will go with them and make memories with them.

Hammy98

Original Poster:

793 posts

91 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Alex_225 said:
I do get the impression though, that a lot of younger people (under 25) can't be bothered with driving and are happy using public transport. My two cousins are aged 20 and 23, neither of them drive. Yet when I was 17 all everyone seemed to want to do at college was get their licence!
The majority of the guys I work with do have cars, however choose to commute by train or car share. By comparison a lot of people I went to school with don't drive and have no desire to, the way they see it they can get everywhere they need to without a car.

I reckon I'll always use the car if I have it, insurance and road tax costs too much to let it sit on the drive!

Alex_225

6,233 posts

200 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Hammy98 said:
The majority of the guys I work with do have cars, however choose to commute by train or car share. By comparison a lot of people I went to school with don't drive and have no desire to, the way they see it they can get everywhere they need to without a car.

I reckon I'll always use the car if I have it, insurance and road tax costs too much to let it sit on the drive!
By contrast I don't drive much mid-week but only as I work in central London so not an option to take a car.

If I was working outside of London though, I'd drive. My last car for commuting was a Clio 172 I bought new in 2003 and owned until I shifted to London in 2005. Such a fun car to commute in when on the right road. smile

Think of the positives mate. Less people taking up driving means less traffic on the roads for us....maybe haha.

I do find it bizarre how people don't want to learn though. I remember when I was 17/18 in my first car and driving all over the place. I recall driving to the west country and visiting places etc. DIdn't hesitate to drive any old place I wanted. Can't see why more people don't want that sense of freedom even if it's not for the mechanics of driving.

Slow

6,973 posts

136 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Im 22 now so just out of your age bracket but I have tons of friends who love cars. Personally I average 25k miles a year - with a 10 mile a day commute.

At 17 my best mate bought a Mini 1275gt in full hillclimb spec (buckets, cage, completely stripped, alluminium dash, plastic windows etc). It was hilarious to drive round in, despite the fact you had to wear ear defenders or the helmets with mics in if you wanted to chat. He followed this with a R5 turbo which was also stupidly fun.

His little R5 turbo made me buy my Cherry Turbo, this thing was stupidly fun and dangerous. Loved it - longest ive ever kept a car.

One of the lasses from my work (must be 23/24) has a Ep3 civic with a supercharger with a dyno print of 330bhp. The thing is mad.

Tons of the young lads up here get into offroaders and dirt bikes due to there being so much land they can play on.

Blanchimont

4,076 posts

121 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I'm 23, and love driving!

I've had 5 cars in 4 years driving (granted isn't huge for some on here, and 2 are the same model), and I've loved every single minute of it. Even the low points, and the "why the fk did I do that?" moments have been good.

To me, nothing beats coming across a well paved, quiet B road heel/toeing down a few gears and giving it stick. It never fails to put a smile on my face.

I don't at the moment, but soon I will be getting a proper wheel/seat/pedal setup for gaming at home.

Hammy98

Original Poster:

793 posts

91 months

Monday 20th February 2017
quotequote all
XMT said:
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to go to car shows or the F1 or silverston. Only just last year did I managed to get to knockhill for a ferrari experience but similar to you I enjoyed the drive more in my 335i.

I have got to a point where when my son and daughter grow up I will go with them and make memories with them.
I've been lucky enough to make it down to Silverston a few times - makes for a cracking weekend.

My dad is a big petrolhead as well however I find he's busy a lot and is usually caught up with things more now than he used to be. He just doesn't have as much time for cars anymore, he's ended up with a bog standard golf company car from his work which hasn't helped matters biggrin

Out of interest, how do you find your 335? Was having a browse on auto trader and saw a couple, would love one. The wastegate issues on the early ones are scaring me off and I can't quite afford the later single turbo ones.

Car Fan

162 posts

115 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Hammy98 said:
The majority of the guys I work with do have cars, however choose to commute by train or car share. By comparison a lot of people I went to school with don't drive and have no desire to, the way they see it they can get everywhere they need to without a car.

I reckon I'll always use the car if I have it, insurance and road tax costs too much to let it sit on the drive!
I'm 20, got my first car last year. I can kind of identify with those who prefer public transport despite owning a car; I enjoy a quick blast along an interesting road and I enjoy driving to new places but for my regular commute I take the train in preference to driving, since I just find it incredibly boring whenever I do drive. The train is quicker too.

TBH I would probably say I am more of a car than a driving enthusiast, I get a lot of enjoyment out of maintaining and cleaning my car, ensuring it is in tip-top condition, plus I enjoy reading car reviews in the likes of Autocar. Nevertheless, as I said I do enjoy driving down a good road.

Insurance is definitely a big factor as well, currently paying huge premiums but hopefully it will start to get cheaper soon.

JakeT

5,406 posts

119 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I just miss out of this (I am 21) but I love driving. Passed my test at 17, and have done at least 13,000 miles per year for the past 4 years. Love cars of course, hence why I have two old BMWs.

The main issue for me and friends was always insurance and other running costs. I fortunately had my parents help me out and I've been in continuous employment (even whilst at university) since I was 17 to fund my addiction.




In short, yes. Even though I did 25k last year I still love it.

LiamB

7,922 posts

142 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I'm 20 and the only other mate I have that is into cars and driving doesn't even have a licence yet hehe

People our age tend to want the latest German car to show off to their mates so no matter what engine it has, as long as it has a sweet body kit and Bluetooth no one cares anymore.

I drive ridiculous amounts just because I love it. I've calculated that since the start of December I've done around 11,000 miles!


Slow

6,973 posts

136 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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LiamB said:
I'm 20 and the only other mate I have that is into cars and driving doesn't even have a licence yet hehe

People our age tend to want the latest German car to show off to their mates so no matter what engine it has, as long as it has a sweet body kit and Bluetooth no one cares anymore.

I drive ridiculous amounts just because I love it. I've calculated that since the start of December I've done around 11,000 miles!
I think it depends where you live. Up in the Highlands even middle class people dont seem to have new German stuff - nothing like when I lived in Manchester or London. Insurance isnt bad, not very many camera vans, loads of good roads, not alot of traffic and some half decent days... sometimes.

Due to this alot of the younger people buy sporty cars as they are affordable and you can have fun. Of course we still have the 18 year olds who dont like cars but need one due to ste/no public transport unless in the city center. They end up with leased corsa's and old corsa's - generally lots of corsa's are about!

The whole slammed craze hasnt caught on up here either, think between the fact you can drive for fun and we get bad weather which can ruin roads theres no need/use for a low town cruiser.

Johnniem

2,660 posts

222 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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Old man alert! My love of driving came with my first new bicycle. A Raleigh Hercules back in, er, 1968-sih. It offered freedom; pure and simple. Back in those days the roads were less packed and the world truly was your oyster. So long as we were back for tea/dinner, that was fine. Moving on to 1972 and styling became a thing (well, I was 12 after all!) and on 14th June 1972 I was given a Raleigh Chopper, in the most beautiful blue known to man. A classic bike that just made me attracted to things that had been designed rather than having the old adage of 'form follows function' applied and no other thought.

An early lifetime filled with Jags (3.8 Mk 2, XK 150 droptop, Series 1 XJ6 and eventually a Daimler Majestic Major seemed only to enhance my love of cars and being in them. Every journey was an adventure and many wonderful memories I have of going on holiday are about the journey rather than the destination.

This is why I love driving cars; because they are part of me and my existence on this planet. They gave me connection with my father through a shared love. Until my stroke last year I took my Porsche out at every opportunity I could. It didn't matter what the roads were like as I was in my car. Restricted vision lead me to have my licence revoked and maybe one day I shall get it back and the Porsche will get going again with me behind the wheel. I am not so keen now on being a passenger. It reminds me of what I have had taken away. I have lovely friends who will always be my chauffeur on the annual Eurohoon (Aston V12 Vantage, Ultima, Tuscans x 3, Griff etc etc) and maybe I will sit on the left side with them one day but for now I shall wallow in my memories and feel good that there are youngster out there that also recognise the benefits of owning an internal combustion engine attached to some wheels.

I have owned some awesome cars ranging from a 2CV (I know but I do love them!), Ford Anglia, Pug 205 GTI, R5 Turbo, Jag XJR, 450 Chimaera and finally Cayman S (there were some real dogs too!) but each of them were brilliant in their own way and provided freedom and a little bit of control in part of my life. There is nothing better than driving around by yourself getting some quiet time away from the hubbub of everyday existence. Enjoy every minute of it lad and take the long route to everywhere, if that what floats yer boat. One day there will be a car that makes you want to drive it all the time. For me it was the TVR Chimaera and more recently the Cayman S. When that happens, there'll be no stopping you!

TwigtheWonderkid

43,246 posts

149 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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My sons are 21 & 18. Both have a full licence, both have no interest in driving or having a car. Live in London suburbs so no need really. They can use my car, and each one will do so about once a month. They just think cars are lame, and all the hassle with parking etc, it's easier to take the tube or the bus.

None of their mates seem to be interested in cars either.

Slow

6,973 posts

136 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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TwigtheWonderkid said:
My sons are 21 & 18. Both have a full licence, both have no interest in driving or having a car. Live in London suburbs so no need really. They can use my car, and each one will do so about once a month. They just think cars are lame, and all the hassle with parking etc, it's easier to take the tube or the bus.

None of their mates seem to be interested in cars either.
Not surprised in London though. Awful place to own a car.

Ki3r

7,805 posts

158 months

Monday 20th February 2017
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I'm 27 and still love driving. I only really have one other friend who loves driving.

Just got back from a 150 mile bike ride, another friend doesn't get it at all and sees it as a waste of time/petrol.