Inherently Dissatisfied !
Discussion
Do you find whichever car you own, within a matter of days you start to feel dissatisfied with it?
I never used to be like this – I had my first BMW (325i) for 4 years and loved it – but now I cannot find a car to keep me content (I’ve now gone through 8 cars in 4 years since then – combination of mine and my wife’s).
Apart from the excitement of my first beamer and first Porsche – I’ve almost become indifferent to the ownership and buying experience. For example, if I was to go and buy a 997 tomorrow it wouldn’t raise my pulse.
I wonder whether it’s coming from me not buying the car I really aspire to – the F430 – which under any semblance of rationality is not right for me (financially & practicality) but yet is still within my means (even if it would bankrupt me with the running costs!!!).
Or perhaps the reality is on normal roads, under safe driving conditions (relative to my ability), whether I’m in a 996, M3 or GTI it’s all the same as I'm not good enough to bring out the differences in the cars (yes, the straight line speed & delivery is different but you know what I mean). Perhaps I need to go on track days to start to explore my cars a bit more so I can bring to life the differences?
Or perhaps I need a balance of hobbies to stop the strong focus on cars?!
I’ll go away and ponder – but I’d love to find a car that I truly love and cherish – even if it is only for a 2 to 3 years!
Just wondered whether I was alone in this type of thinking...
I never used to be like this – I had my first BMW (325i) for 4 years and loved it – but now I cannot find a car to keep me content (I’ve now gone through 8 cars in 4 years since then – combination of mine and my wife’s).
Apart from the excitement of my first beamer and first Porsche – I’ve almost become indifferent to the ownership and buying experience. For example, if I was to go and buy a 997 tomorrow it wouldn’t raise my pulse.
I wonder whether it’s coming from me not buying the car I really aspire to – the F430 – which under any semblance of rationality is not right for me (financially & practicality) but yet is still within my means (even if it would bankrupt me with the running costs!!!).
Or perhaps the reality is on normal roads, under safe driving conditions (relative to my ability), whether I’m in a 996, M3 or GTI it’s all the same as I'm not good enough to bring out the differences in the cars (yes, the straight line speed & delivery is different but you know what I mean). Perhaps I need to go on track days to start to explore my cars a bit more so I can bring to life the differences?
Or perhaps I need a balance of hobbies to stop the strong focus on cars?!
I’ll go away and ponder – but I’d love to find a car that I truly love and cherish – even if it is only for a 2 to 3 years!
Just wondered whether I was alone in this type of thinking...
i get bored quickly as well - 41 cars in 20 years.
I start off with good intentions of keeping stuff and if it lasts more than 6 months its a miracle. But now kids have started expensive hobbies its becoming more difficult to justify a change - that and the stuff I want next is stretching the budget that little bit too far..
I start off with good intentions of keeping stuff and if it lasts more than 6 months its a miracle. But now kids have started expensive hobbies its becoming more difficult to justify a change - that and the stuff I want next is stretching the budget that little bit too far..
steve singh said:
Do you find whichever car you own, within a matter of days you start to feel dissatisfied with it?
I never used to be like this – I had my first BMW (325i) for 4 years and loved it – but now I cannot find a car to keep me content (I’ve now gone through 8 cars in 4 years since then – combination of mine and my wife’s).
Apart from the excitement of my first beamer and first Porsche – I’ve almost become indifferent to the ownership and buying experience. For example, if I was to go and buy a 997 tomorrow it wouldn’t raise my pulse.
I wonder whether it’s coming from me not buying the car I really aspire to – the F430 – which under any semblance of rationality is not right for me (financially & practicality) but yet is still within my means (even if it would bankrupt me with the running costs!!!).
Or perhaps the reality is on normal roads, under safe driving conditions (relative to my ability), whether I’m in a 996, M3 or GTI it’s all the same as I'm not good enough to bring out the differences in the cars (yes, the straight line speed & delivery is different but you know what I mean). Perhaps I need to go on track days to start to explore my cars a bit more so I can bring to life the differences?
Or perhaps I need a balance of hobbies to stop the strong focus on cars?!
I’ll go away and ponder – but I’d love to find a car that I truly love and cherish – even if it is only for a 2 to 3 years!
Just wondered whether I was alone in this type of thinking...
While I see some performance cars listed in your profile. I'd have to ask, but what is it you find dissatisfying about them?I never used to be like this – I had my first BMW (325i) for 4 years and loved it – but now I cannot find a car to keep me content (I’ve now gone through 8 cars in 4 years since then – combination of mine and my wife’s).
Apart from the excitement of my first beamer and first Porsche – I’ve almost become indifferent to the ownership and buying experience. For example, if I was to go and buy a 997 tomorrow it wouldn’t raise my pulse.
I wonder whether it’s coming from me not buying the car I really aspire to – the F430 – which under any semblance of rationality is not right for me (financially & practicality) but yet is still within my means (even if it would bankrupt me with the running costs!!!).
Or perhaps the reality is on normal roads, under safe driving conditions (relative to my ability), whether I’m in a 996, M3 or GTI it’s all the same as I'm not good enough to bring out the differences in the cars (yes, the straight line speed & delivery is different but you know what I mean). Perhaps I need to go on track days to start to explore my cars a bit more so I can bring to life the differences?
Or perhaps I need a balance of hobbies to stop the strong focus on cars?!
I’ll go away and ponder – but I’d love to find a car that I truly love and cherish – even if it is only for a 2 to 3 years!
Just wondered whether I was alone in this type of thinking...
Maybe you need to find yourself a car which is less good but more fun?
I sort of get that you can't use high end performance cars on the public roads to their ability, not without running at silly speeds and such.
So maybe you need something that is just more fun, more silly more out of the box???
This could be anything from a classic, to a kit, to a Yank pickup truck to something like a Landy on big off road tyres.
And it might be good to have more than one outlet, so maybe a silly bike engined kit car in the garage to satisfy the "speed" want, and then something just bonkers but usable for every day use?
Go for an older car... something with a few squeeks, the odd fault that will need 'doing' at some point. Something with a little character, a few quirks where everything is not so dampened and refined. A car that makes some real noise and lets you feel the road surface through the steering wheel and your bum....
Thats it really... hope that helps...
Thats it really... hope that helps...
OP, what actually is it about cars that you like? If it's road driving, a trip to Wales or Scotland could be just the ticket. If it's exploring the limits of performance, then a trackday. Or perhaps you could indulge in some spannering, or some detailing, or join a local club - there are so many ways to enjoy this hobby.
steve singh said:
Do you find whichever car you own, within a matter of days you start to feel dissatisfied with it?
I never used to be like this – I had my first BMW (325i) for 4 years and loved it – but now I cannot find a car to keep me content (I’ve now gone through 8 cars in 4 years since then – combination of mine and my wife’s).
Apart from the excitement of my first beamer and first Porsche – I’ve almost become indifferent to the ownership and buying experience. For example, if I was to go and buy a 997 tomorrow it wouldn’t raise my pulse.
I wonder whether it’s coming from me not buying the car I really aspire to – the F430 – which under any semblance of rationality is not right for me (financially & practicality) but yet is still within my means (even if it would bankrupt me with the running costs!!!).
Or perhaps the reality is on normal roads, under safe driving conditions (relative to my ability), whether I’m in a 996, M3 or GTI it’s all the same as I'm not good enough to bring out the differences in the cars (yes, the straight line speed & delivery is different but you know what I mean). Perhaps I need to go on track days to start to explore my cars a bit more so I can bring to life the differences?
Or perhaps I need a balance of hobbies to stop the strong focus on cars?!
I’ll go away and ponder – but I’d love to find a car that I truly love and cherish – even if it is only for a 2 to 3 years!
Just wondered whether I was alone in this type of thinking...
Yup, hard to utilise performance cars responsibly on Public roads.I never used to be like this – I had my first BMW (325i) for 4 years and loved it – but now I cannot find a car to keep me content (I’ve now gone through 8 cars in 4 years since then – combination of mine and my wife’s).
Apart from the excitement of my first beamer and first Porsche – I’ve almost become indifferent to the ownership and buying experience. For example, if I was to go and buy a 997 tomorrow it wouldn’t raise my pulse.
I wonder whether it’s coming from me not buying the car I really aspire to – the F430 – which under any semblance of rationality is not right for me (financially & practicality) but yet is still within my means (even if it would bankrupt me with the running costs!!!).
Or perhaps the reality is on normal roads, under safe driving conditions (relative to my ability), whether I’m in a 996, M3 or GTI it’s all the same as I'm not good enough to bring out the differences in the cars (yes, the straight line speed & delivery is different but you know what I mean). Perhaps I need to go on track days to start to explore my cars a bit more so I can bring to life the differences?
Or perhaps I need a balance of hobbies to stop the strong focus on cars?!
I’ll go away and ponder – but I’d love to find a car that I truly love and cherish – even if it is only for a 2 to 3 years!
Just wondered whether I was alone in this type of thinking...
There are always trackdays to really exploit the performance of whatever you have.
However, what you really need is some Motorsport in your life.
There's lots of it. Sprints, using your road car, run what you brung drag stuff, Hillclimbs, get a Classic car and do Classic Road Rallies, which often include off road tests.
It's fun, people are friendly and you get to find out how good a driver you are.
you obviously have a resonable amount of disposable income. why not take up racing? even at teh lower end in formula ford or in a lower saloon championship, you will have endless fun, your driving skills will improve vastly, it'll make driving on the road seem unbelievably slow and you'll have something to spend your money on which you enjoy and dont get bored of straight away
Exact same problem. Had current car only a matter of months,but been after a new one to replace now for around a month,this time though i plan to last a little longer by using the money to get a daily driver and a project type thingy.
Like a Noble M12 as daily, and a classic Mustang for a project,that combo seems to be winning so far.
Like a Noble M12 as daily, and a classic Mustang for a project,that combo seems to be winning so far.
Problem is you have been buying big fast bit's of german metal. You just can't use them for excitement on the road. (Not that I know. But it's a theory that keeps me happy alright!)
Keep a beemer or whatever you have now and also slot in a caterham/westfield and do a few trackdays this summer. Then see if you want to sell it as the winter comes on...
Keep a beemer or whatever you have now and also slot in a caterham/westfield and do a few trackdays this summer. Then see if you want to sell it as the winter comes on...
Branch out from the BMW/Porsche rut - classics or lightweights perhaps, with the German over-achiever for the daily drive.
Edit: I've had the Caterham for over 10 years now and it still makes me grin every time I drive it, even if it's just to work and back.
Edit: I've had the Caterham for over 10 years now and it still makes me grin every time I drive it, even if it's just to work and back.
Edited by ewenm on Monday 28th June 19:30
ewenm said:
Edit: I've had the Caterham for over 10 years now and it still makes me grin every time I drive it, even if it's just to work and back.
and still no offer of a ride out Edited by ewenm on Monday 28th June 19:30
OP please try and MX5/Caterham/old mini. its about the preception of speed and feel of the road, not bhp and 300mph.
There's lots of points here I can relate to and 'topping out' strikes a chord. I think I lost my way a bit towards the end of my Porker ownership years and didn't us them as much as I should. I should have done a hell of lot more long drives across country, gone across to Europe for a hoon or two and let the car(s) 'live' a bit. Just doing those would have given heaps more happy memories/exeperiences rather the usual 'hum drum' stuff. OP - take you & your 996 for an adventure or two. That's what it was made for If it's still not doing it, trade onto something more raw. As mentioned above, modern stuff can often be too refined.
If it's still not doing it, trade onto something more raw. As mentioned above, modern stuff can often be too refined.Hello Guys,
Sorry for not responding earlier - I was just thinking all this through.
Some really fantastic suggestions / opinions from everyone and I've read each and everyone - so thank you for taking the time out to respond.
Firstly I'm not wealthy, if I was I'd be driving in the F430 and racing around a track!
Having thought about this quite a bit before and after posting, I think my frustration comes two fold.
Firstly I'm not a great driver - I read some of your very own postings here and know that whilst compared to joe public I'd be quite a bit ahead, compared to some of you guys I very much a novice. I've never drifted a car, dealt with over-steer, under-steer or caught the back end stepping out etc etc. I've only ever driven on public roads and my self-preservation gene means I drive well within mine and my cars limits - I drive progressively (some say too fast) and enjoy straight line speed but stay to ability / road conditions and the DSC/TC stays on!!!
Yet I do have a need for speed and the desire to fly through corners - but my driving capability is holding me back. This also means a lot of my cars "ability" are wasted on me.
So first and foremost I think I'm going to stop spending money on buying different cars and instead invest in trying to improve my driving ability (i.e. driving ‘on the limit’ tuition on private roads from someone like Adrian Walsh).
This then takes me to my second frustration - I just don't trust other road users around me which has stopped me exploring my cars more fully. More and more I see unpredictable driving behaviours (for example idiots who just pull out of junctions without due care, or switch lanes without assessing speed of vehicles in their mirrors). This unpredictability puts me off (self-preservation gene again!) opening my car up. I think the only safe environment for me to REALLY open my car(s) up is going to be on a track day.
I virtually came to the second conclusion the other day and posted about my wifes GTI tyres in the track day forum and the possibility of buying a track toy for a couple of K (so I don't have to care if it gets damaged or bother with track day insurace).
The only thing that sticks in my throat re track day is the value for money -for example, £200 for Silverstone South (circuit-days), add fuel and wear & tear and you're probably talking about nearly half a grand for a few hours enjoyment - that cost is quite prohibitive if you want to do say a dozen across the year.
That said you only live once and you're not going to take the money with you -think I'll have to just go down that route as I genuinely have petrol in my veins. I do think I will probably buy a track day car though - just don't like the thought of my pride and joy(s) getting damaged.
I also have realised, when thinking this through, that 99% of my driving is the more mundane commute in rush hour traffic – I think I will make the effort this summer to undertake some european / scotland / wales hoons to at least begin to enjoy the car in the right way once an empty)(ish) stretch appears!
I’ll report back end of summer with an update - thanks once again!
Sorry for not responding earlier - I was just thinking all this through.
Some really fantastic suggestions / opinions from everyone and I've read each and everyone - so thank you for taking the time out to respond.
Firstly I'm not wealthy, if I was I'd be driving in the F430 and racing around a track!
Having thought about this quite a bit before and after posting, I think my frustration comes two fold.
Firstly I'm not a great driver - I read some of your very own postings here and know that whilst compared to joe public I'd be quite a bit ahead, compared to some of you guys I very much a novice. I've never drifted a car, dealt with over-steer, under-steer or caught the back end stepping out etc etc. I've only ever driven on public roads and my self-preservation gene means I drive well within mine and my cars limits - I drive progressively (some say too fast) and enjoy straight line speed but stay to ability / road conditions and the DSC/TC stays on!!!
Yet I do have a need for speed and the desire to fly through corners - but my driving capability is holding me back. This also means a lot of my cars "ability" are wasted on me.
So first and foremost I think I'm going to stop spending money on buying different cars and instead invest in trying to improve my driving ability (i.e. driving ‘on the limit’ tuition on private roads from someone like Adrian Walsh).
This then takes me to my second frustration - I just don't trust other road users around me which has stopped me exploring my cars more fully. More and more I see unpredictable driving behaviours (for example idiots who just pull out of junctions without due care, or switch lanes without assessing speed of vehicles in their mirrors). This unpredictability puts me off (self-preservation gene again!) opening my car up. I think the only safe environment for me to REALLY open my car(s) up is going to be on a track day.
I virtually came to the second conclusion the other day and posted about my wifes GTI tyres in the track day forum and the possibility of buying a track toy for a couple of K (so I don't have to care if it gets damaged or bother with track day insurace).
The only thing that sticks in my throat re track day is the value for money -for example, £200 for Silverstone South (circuit-days), add fuel and wear & tear and you're probably talking about nearly half a grand for a few hours enjoyment - that cost is quite prohibitive if you want to do say a dozen across the year.
That said you only live once and you're not going to take the money with you -think I'll have to just go down that route as I genuinely have petrol in my veins. I do think I will probably buy a track day car though - just don't like the thought of my pride and joy(s) getting damaged.
I also have realised, when thinking this through, that 99% of my driving is the more mundane commute in rush hour traffic – I think I will make the effort this summer to undertake some european / scotland / wales hoons to at least begin to enjoy the car in the right way once an empty)(ish) stretch appears!
I’ll report back end of summer with an update - thanks once again!
Edited by steve singh on Tuesday 29th June 09:00
Edited by steve singh on Tuesday 29th June 09:00
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff