Love cars but not driving?
Discussion
I've been obsessed with cars since I was a kid and owned several cars in the past (205 GTi, E30 325i, Corrado VR6, Impreza WRX, MINI Cooper) that I really enjoyed driving and even some less good cars that I still enjoyed but the last few years I've found that I don't really get any enjoyment out of driving anymore. It's "easy" and convenient and I like my car (currently a mk7 Golf auto). It drives and goes well for what it is but my mileage is mostly commuting (50 miles each way) and driving the family about, I never go for a drive just for "fun" any more. Does anyone else find this? Did you ever lose your enjoyment of driving?
Not sure if it's a function of the type of driving that I do or the modern car. Things like braking, refinement and HVAC have improved significantly and I wouldn't want to go back to non-ABS for example but stuff like steering feel, good throttle response and weight gains seem to have blunted dynamics and response somewhat. I know that I only drive a Golf but I've driven nicer cars like modern hot hatches and notably a Mustang GT and a Camaro SS too and beyond the looks, noise and straight-line performance, they left me a little "cold" too. The only newish car that showed some potential on a short test drive and that I felt any connection with was the Toyota GT86. Most cars I find "nice"/adequate to drive. Not bad just kind of ok and there are only really a few new cars these days that I would be excited to own, of which I could probably count the ones that I could actually afford on one hand.
In contrast, I finally took my bike test last year and have been really enjoying my riding. It gives me a similar thrill/buzz to driving cars like my 205 GTi did 20 years ago. It has to be perfect conditions though. If it's too hot/too cold, too windy or raining then it sucks, so I wish I could still get the same level of enjoyment out of my driving!
So why have I lost my love of driving? Is it down to the type/quantity of driving that I do (urban/A-road mostly), is it the "wrong" car or just a problem with modern cars in general? Does anyone else still love cars but not driving and if you did lose your love of driving, did you manage to get it back and how?
Not sure if it's a function of the type of driving that I do or the modern car. Things like braking, refinement and HVAC have improved significantly and I wouldn't want to go back to non-ABS for example but stuff like steering feel, good throttle response and weight gains seem to have blunted dynamics and response somewhat. I know that I only drive a Golf but I've driven nicer cars like modern hot hatches and notably a Mustang GT and a Camaro SS too and beyond the looks, noise and straight-line performance, they left me a little "cold" too. The only newish car that showed some potential on a short test drive and that I felt any connection with was the Toyota GT86. Most cars I find "nice"/adequate to drive. Not bad just kind of ok and there are only really a few new cars these days that I would be excited to own, of which I could probably count the ones that I could actually afford on one hand.
In contrast, I finally took my bike test last year and have been really enjoying my riding. It gives me a similar thrill/buzz to driving cars like my 205 GTi did 20 years ago. It has to be perfect conditions though. If it's too hot/too cold, too windy or raining then it sucks, so I wish I could still get the same level of enjoyment out of my driving!
So why have I lost my love of driving? Is it down to the type/quantity of driving that I do (urban/A-road mostly), is it the "wrong" car or just a problem with modern cars in general? Does anyone else still love cars but not driving and if you did lose your love of driving, did you manage to get it back and how?
Edited by white_goodman on Saturday 6th August 21:50
There's a lot stacked up against the love of driving these days; the sheer cost (of the car and the privilege to drive the damn thing anywhere, the constantly lowering and encroaching speed limits, sleeping policeman every five yards, and the sheer volume of lumbering tit-wits around blundering about to name but a few.
On the right day, on the right road, at the right time...it's still magic and reminds me what I always loved about it. But much of the time driving is a bit of a chore, whatever you're in.
On the right day, on the right road, at the right time...it's still magic and reminds me what I always loved about it. But much of the time driving is a bit of a chore, whatever you're in.
I'm exactly the same, lowering speed limits, excessive traffic and kill joy mentality of the UK means your just a target if yo seem to be enjoying yourself. Driving modern classics and choosing your times helps but its harder and harder.
Its not just driving though the public seem to hate to see other people enjoying themselves. Cycling and drone flying also attract mostly negative responses.
Its not just driving though the public seem to hate to see other people enjoying themselves. Cycling and drone flying also attract mostly negative responses.
So many factors at play but main ones probably mentioned already by other posters. I’d say try to change your car for something radical. I’ve been getting a bit bored with driving recently so I’m looking to get my lardy arse into a Caterham next year. I’m hoping it’ll bring some of the fun back. Like you I’ve also thought about getting a motorbike again. I used to love going for early morning blatts on them when I was younger. Not sure my back would hold up though on a modern superbike.
I'm the other way - love driving but less about the cars now. When I was a kid I knew everything about every car and absorbed every fact and figure.
These days I have driven or owned most of the cars I wanted so it's all about the driving.
Getting up at 5am tomorrow to thrash the s
t out of my Caterham. Can't wait.. 
These days I have driven or owned most of the cars I wanted so it's all about the driving.
Getting up at 5am tomorrow to thrash the s
t out of my Caterham. Can't wait.. I feel same, and largely see driving as simply a matter of getting from A to B now. For that a somewhat unexiting, but comfortable, luxury car provides for a better experience.
That said, a quick trip over the channel, onto comparitvely empty roads, soon brings back the pleasure again.
That said, a quick trip over the channel, onto comparitvely empty roads, soon brings back the pleasure again.
QJumper said:
I feel same, and largely see driving as simply a matter of getting from A to B now. For that a somewhat unexiting, but comfortable, luxury car provides for a better experience.
That said, a quick trip over the channel, onto comparitvely empty roads, soon brings back the pleasure again.
Lol, my "dream" daily driver has descended over the years from a Ferrari to an Aston to a Porsche to an M3...and now it's probably something like a new diesel 5-Series/E-Class for that very reason!That said, a quick trip over the channel, onto comparitvely empty roads, soon brings back the pleasure again.
Did you consider going on some driving courses and trying to increase your skill level?
I found trying to perfect techniques really rewarding.
Adds another dimension.
Tyre choice is another easy fix. I drive a boggo Golf too and it feels noticeably different on different tyres. Out of the ones I tried so far, Continental Premium Contacts offered the most sporty, direct, enjoyable handling. The current Goodyear Efficient Grips feel a lot more squidgy and the car is less communicative. I guess if you have bigger wheels you could try even sportier tyres like Michelin Pilot Sport 5 etc. The OE tyres balance ride comfort and handling and aren’t bad at all however.
I found trying to perfect techniques really rewarding.
Adds another dimension.
Tyre choice is another easy fix. I drive a boggo Golf too and it feels noticeably different on different tyres. Out of the ones I tried so far, Continental Premium Contacts offered the most sporty, direct, enjoyable handling. The current Goodyear Efficient Grips feel a lot more squidgy and the car is less communicative. I guess if you have bigger wheels you could try even sportier tyres like Michelin Pilot Sport 5 etc. The OE tyres balance ride comfort and handling and aren’t bad at all however.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 7th August 06:42
QJumper said:
That said, a quick trip over the channel, onto comparitvely empty roads, soon brings back the pleasure again.
+1 Driving any car on UK roads is just a painful experience. I honestly have totally lost any desire to drive on UK roads, European holiday roads trips on the otherhand are a relevation. Having just got back from Norway, the plan is to do Swiss alps next year, but I don't think I can wait 12 months before another enjoyable drive. So need to work out some where to go for autumn half term.
Luckily for me using the pedal bike on the roads for daily commuting still makes me and keeps me sane, if I HAD to drive to work everyday to work am not sure what I would do......
Edited by gangzoom on Sunday 7th August 06:53
I often have to drive London to Liverpool and back.
I hate it and last week was the worst. No roadworks or accidents just a traffic jam droning on along at 60 mph.
It was like the Wacky Racers, as 100 miles later you were still seeing the same cars.
Just felt that no progress was being made and that your job was to stay in formation.
I headed back under the Mersey and down along the Welsh border, adding nearly 100 miles to the journey in order to cheer myself up but apart from some nice scenery, once again I was keeping formation.
Some bad jams when the roundabouts were numerous. Just so busy.
This was during the week.
Last night I had to dash across London for a family emergency and not wanting to drive I took the rarely used Vespa 300.
It was a joy, traffic was light and I just let rip, surprising the Deliveroo boys.
I was enjoying myself and making tons of progress. Felt like I was 17 again and out on my Suzuki GT185.
Don't get me wrong, even the bike is no joy on the commute, just endless filtering and avoiding wing mirrors.
So go out very early or late and use a bike. If you want to enjoy a car, move to the Hebrides.
I hate it and last week was the worst. No roadworks or accidents just a traffic jam droning on along at 60 mph.
It was like the Wacky Racers, as 100 miles later you were still seeing the same cars.
Just felt that no progress was being made and that your job was to stay in formation.
I headed back under the Mersey and down along the Welsh border, adding nearly 100 miles to the journey in order to cheer myself up but apart from some nice scenery, once again I was keeping formation.
Some bad jams when the roundabouts were numerous. Just so busy.
This was during the week.
Last night I had to dash across London for a family emergency and not wanting to drive I took the rarely used Vespa 300.
It was a joy, traffic was light and I just let rip, surprising the Deliveroo boys.
I was enjoying myself and making tons of progress. Felt like I was 17 again and out on my Suzuki GT185.
Don't get me wrong, even the bike is no joy on the commute, just endless filtering and avoiding wing mirrors.
So go out very early or late and use a bike. If you want to enjoy a car, move to the Hebrides.
And yet I’ve never known facts and figures, driving them is OK but I find to have fun on the road is tricky to do safely and/or legally. But I still really enjoy building, maintaining and repairing. I know how and why ever little thing works and can not just take it apart but even put it back together again without a jar of leftovers.
Edited by Arnold Cunningham on Sunday 7th August 07:22
The OP’s post could be written by me, I probably do 20,000 miles a year and genuinely dislike driving now. Lots of that down to behaviors of other road users, but the big thing for me is the fun has just gone.
I did put it down to the fact I’m lucky to have raced and rallied but it’s perhaps more down to the endless restrictions now in place plus the culture where the public complain about anything and everything !
Rather oddly perhaps I bought an old 996 last year and the joy that brought even sitting at 60mph was immense, I think the sense of occasion / noise etc that only a 911 can bring. I very rarely gave it a massive bootfull of acceleration but knowing I could if needed was enough.
I’ve never done the motorbike thing (wasn’t allowed after grandfathers constant injuries), however I do have a Mk1 Mini Cooper and that gives big thrills at low speeds.
I did put it down to the fact I’m lucky to have raced and rallied but it’s perhaps more down to the endless restrictions now in place plus the culture where the public complain about anything and everything !
Rather oddly perhaps I bought an old 996 last year and the joy that brought even sitting at 60mph was immense, I think the sense of occasion / noise etc that only a 911 can bring. I very rarely gave it a massive bootfull of acceleration but knowing I could if needed was enough.
I’ve never done the motorbike thing (wasn’t allowed after grandfathers constant injuries), however I do have a Mk1 Mini Cooper and that gives big thrills at low speeds.
Try getting away from the modern car, they're mostly bland and boring once you get away from the formidable acceleration braking and safe handling they have compared with cars of yesteryear.
Another problem being unless you're going to get up at 3am and/or find a country route to work you won't be able to experience much open road joy ever again due to traffic levels where everyone is stuck behind the bod in front doing 40mph everywhere he goes, i start work at 4am most mornings i don't use the main roads because even at those hours traffic is an issue but also the main roads are more damaged than the country roads, i don't drive fast to work in whichever car i take because chances are birds or deer are going to appear but despite just a gentle run it's still an enjoyable journey not seeing another car for 20 mins on the back road between the two small towns.
One of our cars is an ageing Prado, i've run Toyota 4x4's for years, for general driving about i find that a much more pleasurable drive than any car, got a brilliant sound system so Alice Coopers old albums can be enjoyed fully, aircon is quiet and efficient, bags of torque with a gem of a slushbox, soft riding with armchair seat comfort airy and space to breathe, it ignores pot holes and the usual tailgaters can be similarly ignored.
We'd both rather take that on any journey even locally than any other car.
Maybe try finding something different to drive even as a weekend and holiday toy, maybe older/simpler, doesn't need to be sporty, the only modern cars i drive these days are company pool cars from the VW group used to be Fords, don't enjoy any aspect of them at all, from the claustrophobic feel and gloomy interiors to the rock hard ride and seats let alone the switchgear and things i don't want such as EPB and stop/start.
Not criticising your choice of car, nor of people who like modern cars, they don't gel for me, but you asked the question and just thinking maybe if you found something different/unusual you might get back some driving enjoyment.
Another problem being unless you're going to get up at 3am and/or find a country route to work you won't be able to experience much open road joy ever again due to traffic levels where everyone is stuck behind the bod in front doing 40mph everywhere he goes, i start work at 4am most mornings i don't use the main roads because even at those hours traffic is an issue but also the main roads are more damaged than the country roads, i don't drive fast to work in whichever car i take because chances are birds or deer are going to appear but despite just a gentle run it's still an enjoyable journey not seeing another car for 20 mins on the back road between the two small towns.
One of our cars is an ageing Prado, i've run Toyota 4x4's for years, for general driving about i find that a much more pleasurable drive than any car, got a brilliant sound system so Alice Coopers old albums can be enjoyed fully, aircon is quiet and efficient, bags of torque with a gem of a slushbox, soft riding with armchair seat comfort airy and space to breathe, it ignores pot holes and the usual tailgaters can be similarly ignored.
We'd both rather take that on any journey even locally than any other car.
Maybe try finding something different to drive even as a weekend and holiday toy, maybe older/simpler, doesn't need to be sporty, the only modern cars i drive these days are company pool cars from the VW group used to be Fords, don't enjoy any aspect of them at all, from the claustrophobic feel and gloomy interiors to the rock hard ride and seats let alone the switchgear and things i don't want such as EPB and stop/start.
Not criticising your choice of car, nor of people who like modern cars, they don't gel for me, but you asked the question and just thinking maybe if you found something different/unusual you might get back some driving enjoyment.
Blast completed. Just having a coffee as I come down from the high I have just had for the past 2 hours. And yes, I love near London.
Saying that I could have had very similar thrills in any of my cars. The newest is 19 years old...
I actually think a Caterham is not the right car if you only have space for 1 fun car as they are a royal pain in the ass at times. Great on a day like today but miserable on a rainy October Sunday.
A Lotus or an older classic would be my choice.
Saying that I could have had very similar thrills in any of my cars. The newest is 19 years old...
I actually think a Caterham is not the right car if you only have space for 1 fun car as they are a royal pain in the ass at times. Great on a day like today but miserable on a rainy October Sunday.
A Lotus or an older classic would be my choice.
Driving for fun is art. Like drawing for fun, or tapping out a beat on an instrument, you don't even need to be good at it but you find a rhythm and get lost in it.
That's not something you can do when you live in/close to a large city. Even when there is no traffic there are traffic lights/speed bumps etc. There's no rhythm to the driving other than stop start.
That's not something you can do when you live in/close to a large city. Even when there is no traffic there are traffic lights/speed bumps etc. There's no rhythm to the driving other than stop start.
I think it's the type of car and the type of driving you're having to do. I do four big drives every month which I used to do in my old S Class. It was perfect for that kind of driving but not a car you just get in for a drive, too easy, too quiet although surprisingly quick. I sold it for a CL which is sportier, a V8 and despite being an auto (with paddles) it's comparably comfortable and more engaging.
OP, get yourself something manual and engaging to drive. Something comparable to what you used to enjoy driving even if it's not fast. I have a 19 year old Shogun Sport, it's slow, like really slow but it's really mechanical and so manual it's really fun to drive. You can't rely on it's acceleration so you keep up momentum, read the road even further ahead and it's really enjoyable!
OP, get yourself something manual and engaging to drive. Something comparable to what you used to enjoy driving even if it's not fast. I have a 19 year old Shogun Sport, it's slow, like really slow but it's really mechanical and so manual it's really fun to drive. You can't rely on it's acceleration so you keep up momentum, read the road even further ahead and it's really enjoyable!
I’m the other way too. I’ve never really been what some might describe as a petrol head or very mechanically minded, but I do love driving. Aesthetics are important too.
But as soon as anyone starts talking about cylinders, valves etc. I usually glaze over. However, I’ve become better in recent years, especially in my love of a manual transmission. So, if it directly affects driving dynamics, such as transmission, gear ratios, differentials, rwd v fwd v awd etc. I’m more interested. But only to a point.
I also have no interest in cars I have no intention of owning, so my knowledge of Ferraris, Lambos etc. is zero. And I generally prefer to learn about cars I might drive.
But as soon as anyone starts talking about cylinders, valves etc. I usually glaze over. However, I’ve become better in recent years, especially in my love of a manual transmission. So, if it directly affects driving dynamics, such as transmission, gear ratios, differentials, rwd v fwd v awd etc. I’m more interested. But only to a point.
I also have no interest in cars I have no intention of owning, so my knowledge of Ferraris, Lambos etc. is zero. And I generally prefer to learn about cars I might drive.
Smint said:
Try getting away from the modern car, they're mostly bland and boring once you get away from the formidable acceleration braking and safe handling they have compared with cars of yesteryear.
I think this is the way people will go, all the things the OP mentioned won’t matter when you’re driving an old hatchback from the 80s devoid of modern driver aids. Cars are phenomenally capable these days, back in the early nineties, my 205GTI had 130bhp and that was considered to be a performance car, now my 1.0 3 cylinder focus ecoboost is just as fast, comfier and returns 45mpg on long motorway runs,Part of the reason I think people dislike driving is the infotainment systems, you’re looking at a screen at home, at work, now in the car. You’re connected to a phone in the car and contactable, it never use to be like that for obvious reasons. If you don’t enjoy driving, perhaps it’s because there are other distractions.
People waste hundreds of pounds a month on a PCP deal to get a new car that’s dull to drive, overly powerful or unnecessary. All to be seen as successful, keeping up with friends or something. There are loads of interesting, easy to maintain cars under £3k aged 20 years or more around that will be fun to drive, you just won’t get the same type of car park kudos.
I don't get all this "too much traffic, too many lights etc" nonsense. It's just making excuses.
Get a proper car, get off your arse and get out there FFS. Make a bloody effort - there's lots of ways to have fun, irrespective of where you live.
Hell, if you can't have fun on an empty roundabout in something basic and exciting, you are dead inside.
Get a proper car, get off your arse and get out there FFS. Make a bloody effort - there's lots of ways to have fun, irrespective of where you live.
Hell, if you can't have fun on an empty roundabout in something basic and exciting, you are dead inside.
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