Not really sure what I want to do anymore
Discussion
One thing that is increasingly on my mind is that with increasing age comes decreasing ability to a degree.
I have a garageful of cars including some quite edgy ones. However I am also heading for 75 and decisions that were no-brainers at 60 are a bit different now with the reality that 80 would not be a huge amount of time after this . As it is I have one more car on order ( a 992 GT3RS to add to my existing Porsches), but I am beginning to question how much use I will get from it.
When I am in Arizona I mostly drive a Jeep, ten years old, simple, slow , cheap to fix but no fun to drive. Back in Toronto where I live downtown I often use Uber so cars are more for weekend and casual use. I fully expect to get rid of most of the cars in the next few years. Been a huge amount of fun and I have had great adventures, but we are heading to a time when my ability to go to a track for instance is coming to a close.
I do have scale models of most of them anyway
The other thing is that the advent of EVs is here. I have driven a ton of them, understand their utility but there is no adrenalin for me and that is the future.
I have a garageful of cars including some quite edgy ones. However I am also heading for 75 and decisions that were no-brainers at 60 are a bit different now with the reality that 80 would not be a huge amount of time after this . As it is I have one more car on order ( a 992 GT3RS to add to my existing Porsches), but I am beginning to question how much use I will get from it.
When I am in Arizona I mostly drive a Jeep, ten years old, simple, slow , cheap to fix but no fun to drive. Back in Toronto where I live downtown I often use Uber so cars are more for weekend and casual use. I fully expect to get rid of most of the cars in the next few years. Been a huge amount of fun and I have had great adventures, but we are heading to a time when my ability to go to a track for instance is coming to a close.
I do have scale models of most of them anyway
The other thing is that the advent of EVs is here. I have driven a ton of them, understand their utility but there is no adrenalin for me and that is the future.
Not much to add really. Like you, I'm a little ashamed to say that I probably enjoy watching car videos, reading about them, researching and looking at classifieds more than I do actually driving them these days. Unlike you though, I still have to commute an hour each way most days and having worked from home for a big chunk of 2020, commuting has gone from a necessary evil to something I begrudge a little for how much it costs me and the time that I waste every week commuting. In the old days, I'd mix things up a bit and find some fun alternative routes even if they were slower but this commute doesn't really have a fun alternative.
Like others suggested, a couple of years ago, I got my bike licence. Always fancied doing it but never got around to it/no time/too dangerous etc and my BIL had always wanted to do it too, so we did the course together. I got a bit jaded with modern cars being generally a bit boring/too expensive etc and I couldn't really afford anything better than what I already had that met all my requirements. The thing is with bikes, you can get something pretty tasty for not much money and even something fairly modest like my 400cc Kawasaki feels pretty quick. It gave me a whole new perspective of familiar roads, better visibility for overtaking and the need to pay attention more to the road surface and scan ahead, it probably made me a better driver too. I used to carpool with a colleague who used to live about half way, so every other week, I would ride to his place and get a lift with him from there. It made my boring commute actually quite enjoyable, definitely cheaper during last summer's high petrol prices and felt pretty invigorating, especially first thing in the morning.
I know that you said it wasn't practical with your living arrangements but could you get a cover, block it in with your car etc? I don't know what your area is like for theft (overnight would probably be the biggest risk) but I frequently left it outside my colleague's apartment in town all day and never had any issues.
All the other ideas are good though.
1) New car always seems to re-ignite some passion but I think that you're right to go with something that offers a sense of occasion rather than just fast. I always wanted a BMW M3 but in reality, I think that I would just find it a bit boring. A Jaguar XK8/XK is a great shout!
2) Maybe don't give up on the MX5 just yet though because they're great cars. My parent's neighbour now commutes in an NC MX5 after owning an E92 M3 and an F10 M5. He loves it (and has a 997 Carrera S as a weekend car, which he can take the whole family out in). I don't have his budget unfortunately and need 4 seats but an MX5 would be a really fun and inexpensive car to commute in.
3) Maybe get up early or go for a dusk drive when the traffic is light (or in the middle of the day if that works with your work schedule). A dawn, top down drive on some nice roads could be quite an invigorating way to start the day.
4) Plan a route with a destination in mind eg seaside, country pub for a nice lunch etc. I always enjoyed my motorbike rides more when there was a destination/objective, rather than just riding a loop and with company, whether it's another person in the car or a group ride/drive always seems more enjoyable.
5) Plan a road trip - Cornwall, North Wales, Scotland, Europe, wherever. I always enjoy a road trip to different places on different roads, even with the family or in a fairly mundane car. In an MX5/interesting car, it should be a blast and the cost of the fuel less of an imposition because it's in the name of enjoyment rather than necessity!
Like others suggested, a couple of years ago, I got my bike licence. Always fancied doing it but never got around to it/no time/too dangerous etc and my BIL had always wanted to do it too, so we did the course together. I got a bit jaded with modern cars being generally a bit boring/too expensive etc and I couldn't really afford anything better than what I already had that met all my requirements. The thing is with bikes, you can get something pretty tasty for not much money and even something fairly modest like my 400cc Kawasaki feels pretty quick. It gave me a whole new perspective of familiar roads, better visibility for overtaking and the need to pay attention more to the road surface and scan ahead, it probably made me a better driver too. I used to carpool with a colleague who used to live about half way, so every other week, I would ride to his place and get a lift with him from there. It made my boring commute actually quite enjoyable, definitely cheaper during last summer's high petrol prices and felt pretty invigorating, especially first thing in the morning.
I know that you said it wasn't practical with your living arrangements but could you get a cover, block it in with your car etc? I don't know what your area is like for theft (overnight would probably be the biggest risk) but I frequently left it outside my colleague's apartment in town all day and never had any issues.
All the other ideas are good though.
1) New car always seems to re-ignite some passion but I think that you're right to go with something that offers a sense of occasion rather than just fast. I always wanted a BMW M3 but in reality, I think that I would just find it a bit boring. A Jaguar XK8/XK is a great shout!
2) Maybe don't give up on the MX5 just yet though because they're great cars. My parent's neighbour now commutes in an NC MX5 after owning an E92 M3 and an F10 M5. He loves it (and has a 997 Carrera S as a weekend car, which he can take the whole family out in). I don't have his budget unfortunately and need 4 seats but an MX5 would be a really fun and inexpensive car to commute in.
3) Maybe get up early or go for a dusk drive when the traffic is light (or in the middle of the day if that works with your work schedule). A dawn, top down drive on some nice roads could be quite an invigorating way to start the day.
4) Plan a route with a destination in mind eg seaside, country pub for a nice lunch etc. I always enjoyed my motorbike rides more when there was a destination/objective, rather than just riding a loop and with company, whether it's another person in the car or a group ride/drive always seems more enjoyable.
5) Plan a road trip - Cornwall, North Wales, Scotland, Europe, wherever. I always enjoy a road trip to different places on different roads, even with the family or in a fairly mundane car. In an MX5/interesting car, it should be a blast and the cost of the fuel less of an imposition because it's in the name of enjoyment rather than necessity!
Edited by white_goodman on Wednesday 8th February 05:28
Edited by white_goodman on Wednesday 8th February 05:30
The world is a different place in 2022 to what went before. I have 2 cars, a MY22 BMW I3s and a MY05 SLK 55 AMG and commute 3 times a week into the City of London, a 14 mile each way trip.
Traffic is horrendous and the roads heavily policed. I average 11 mph on the way in with most parts of the city now reduced to 20mph speed limits. But 20 mph is just about right for London these days - it’s a jungle there, what with Scooters left right and centre - UBER Eats, Just East electric bikes, bicycles, Uber taxis, pedestrians and learner drivers. It’ll much safer travelling by public transport, or just wfh. I honestly believe that driving any faster seriously risks hitting someone especially those electric bikes and mopeds.
The EV has no soul. It’s sort of fast and my kids love the sensation of speed in the EV. But it’s not the lol experience of a V8 yet during my commute I can listen to a podcast, Spotify and be directed by Waze. It’s comfortable and efficient. Would I rather drive my V8 instead? No thanks, it’d be a nightmare.
The world has changed, it’s more fun watching vids on YT and dreaming on AT, but buying a fun ICE car? Not unless you have the inclination and roads to drive one on without seriously risking your licence.
Traffic is horrendous and the roads heavily policed. I average 11 mph on the way in with most parts of the city now reduced to 20mph speed limits. But 20 mph is just about right for London these days - it’s a jungle there, what with Scooters left right and centre - UBER Eats, Just East electric bikes, bicycles, Uber taxis, pedestrians and learner drivers. It’ll much safer travelling by public transport, or just wfh. I honestly believe that driving any faster seriously risks hitting someone especially those electric bikes and mopeds.
The EV has no soul. It’s sort of fast and my kids love the sensation of speed in the EV. But it’s not the lol experience of a V8 yet during my commute I can listen to a podcast, Spotify and be directed by Waze. It’s comfortable and efficient. Would I rather drive my V8 instead? No thanks, it’d be a nightmare.
The world has changed, it’s more fun watching vids on YT and dreaming on AT, but buying a fun ICE car? Not unless you have the inclination and roads to drive one on without seriously risking your licence.
I know where the OP is coming from. I lost the joy of a B road blast quite a few years ago, I don't bother going out just for a drive any more.
But that's turned into wanting to do trackdays more than anything. Which would be ok but I simply don't have the money to go play.
I also went and bought a v8 (a Monaro) last year using what seems to be pretty common "now or never" logic, and use that to go to work once a week. That's all it's used for.
It's really not a trackable car (or at least, it's heavy and has average brakes so needs a lot spending to get it to stop well, and will munch through consumables regardless, see above can't afford it) even if I could spare the entry costs.
What I did do years and years back is get a motorbike. They're a faff to take out - helmet, jacket, armoured jeans, gloves, thermal layers, blah - but once you're out
While biking might not be for you OP, a new challenge along similar lines could be?
Edit: Ha ha lots of people have suggested bikes haven't they, but if it's not for you, it's not for you.
There is a cost of entry with new kit and a test, it's true. Only thing I'll add is if you think you might want a bike sometime, get your test done soonest. The test will only ever get harder.
I did my test in 2008 (goretex jacket and fleece, jeans and Timberlands; I splashed out and bought mc gloves for 30 quid) and didn't get a bike til 2010. The insurance was 300 quid (for a 500bhp/ton bike) and halved the following year. Kit: 200 on a jacket, 200 on a helmet, 100 on boots. You can get stuff for much less (or a lot more, but in bike gear you don't always get what you pay for)so you can get going much cheaper and upgrade as you go.
One advantage of bikes is they tend to be impacted later by emissions standards etc. And EV bikes are a rare expensive thing at the moment. So it'll be a while before they end up EV only, or geofence speed limited, or GPS tracked, or otherwise throttled back by legislation to keep us all nicely in line like good little boys and girls.
But that's turned into wanting to do trackdays more than anything. Which would be ok but I simply don't have the money to go play.
I also went and bought a v8 (a Monaro) last year using what seems to be pretty common "now or never" logic, and use that to go to work once a week. That's all it's used for.
It's really not a trackable car (or at least, it's heavy and has average brakes so needs a lot spending to get it to stop well, and will munch through consumables regardless, see above can't afford it) even if I could spare the entry costs.
What I did do years and years back is get a motorbike. They're a faff to take out - helmet, jacket, armoured jeans, gloves, thermal layers, blah - but once you're out
- you're not stuck in a trundling train of cars behind the garden centre visitors
- overtaking is a breeze
- you see and feel a lot more of the scenery you're travelling through
- it's a whole new challenge to learn how to ride well, no matter how good a driver you are (or aren't)
While biking might not be for you OP, a new challenge along similar lines could be?
Edit: Ha ha lots of people have suggested bikes haven't they, but if it's not for you, it's not for you.
There is a cost of entry with new kit and a test, it's true. Only thing I'll add is if you think you might want a bike sometime, get your test done soonest. The test will only ever get harder.
I did my test in 2008 (goretex jacket and fleece, jeans and Timberlands; I splashed out and bought mc gloves for 30 quid) and didn't get a bike til 2010. The insurance was 300 quid (for a 500bhp/ton bike) and halved the following year. Kit: 200 on a jacket, 200 on a helmet, 100 on boots. You can get stuff for much less (or a lot more, but in bike gear you don't always get what you pay for)so you can get going much cheaper and upgrade as you go.
One advantage of bikes is they tend to be impacted later by emissions standards etc. And EV bikes are a rare expensive thing at the moment. So it'll be a while before they end up EV only, or geofence speed limited, or GPS tracked, or otherwise throttled back by legislation to keep us all nicely in line like good little boys and girls.
Edited by FNG on Wednesday 8th February 07:43
Understandable situation I think a lot of people these days will be in. I think the COVID plandemic and everything associated with it during and after has an impact on cars.
Lots of companies now offer a WFH experience which limits the requirement for a vehicle - I know at least a few people personally who have opted for the cheap family vehicles you see everywhere these days, Dacia, MG, Nissan, simply because they don't have a good drive into work anymore, weekends are spent with COVID babies. The desire to be spending excessive fuel bills and maintenance costs on fancy cars of the past is dwindling - and at the risk of assuming, its more a market for the older gentlemen with some extra pennies behind them.
My company (a plastics manufacturer: the irony!) have never offered any incentives on vehicles, but they're now part of a green movement, offering extreme discounts on EV's through a corporate scheme, even the 'petrolheads' of my work place are swayed by them and the desire for a hooning is fast going too. I've got guys who used to talk about pub stats, arrange weekend drive outs, watch motor sport; now they're talking about their EV range and the creature comforts for their 2 day a week commute into work. Sad.
I'm always and probably forever will be in two minds to change my car. I have a battle at the moment trying to talk myself out of buying a V8 RS4 Avant, I can justify the purchase price but I cant justify the regular maintenance and running costs. However, I am always drawn to the fact that not only are good nick V8s slowly dying out, in 10 years when I maybe CAN afford to keep one going and really enjoy ownership, they'll probably be well out of my price range due to the nature of the beast, more years gone, more miles, less perfect examples around. I've kind of resigned in part to keeping my current vehicle until its not fit for purpose, should my family grow and an estate becomes necessary, but there lies another argument for my own head. Get a normal estate or be a silly bugger and go for a big engine classic one? I know the PH answer, I don't know my missus and my bank accounts answer
My advice would be to follow your heart (within your financial means whatever that may be) and get a car and enjoy it for what it is. If you get to have a good drive out once a month, it will be worth its weight! Your current *Edit*: MX-5 if its going to have bugger all mileage and you're going to keep it pristine may well fetch you some decent return later down the line, whilst giving you thrills during.
Lots of companies now offer a WFH experience which limits the requirement for a vehicle - I know at least a few people personally who have opted for the cheap family vehicles you see everywhere these days, Dacia, MG, Nissan, simply because they don't have a good drive into work anymore, weekends are spent with COVID babies. The desire to be spending excessive fuel bills and maintenance costs on fancy cars of the past is dwindling - and at the risk of assuming, its more a market for the older gentlemen with some extra pennies behind them.
My company (a plastics manufacturer: the irony!) have never offered any incentives on vehicles, but they're now part of a green movement, offering extreme discounts on EV's through a corporate scheme, even the 'petrolheads' of my work place are swayed by them and the desire for a hooning is fast going too. I've got guys who used to talk about pub stats, arrange weekend drive outs, watch motor sport; now they're talking about their EV range and the creature comforts for their 2 day a week commute into work. Sad.
I'm always and probably forever will be in two minds to change my car. I have a battle at the moment trying to talk myself out of buying a V8 RS4 Avant, I can justify the purchase price but I cant justify the regular maintenance and running costs. However, I am always drawn to the fact that not only are good nick V8s slowly dying out, in 10 years when I maybe CAN afford to keep one going and really enjoy ownership, they'll probably be well out of my price range due to the nature of the beast, more years gone, more miles, less perfect examples around. I've kind of resigned in part to keeping my current vehicle until its not fit for purpose, should my family grow and an estate becomes necessary, but there lies another argument for my own head. Get a normal estate or be a silly bugger and go for a big engine classic one? I know the PH answer, I don't know my missus and my bank accounts answer
My advice would be to follow your heart (within your financial means whatever that may be) and get a car and enjoy it for what it is. If you get to have a good drive out once a month, it will be worth its weight! Your current *Edit*: MX-5 if its going to have bugger all mileage and you're going to keep it pristine may well fetch you some decent return later down the line, whilst giving you thrills during.
Edited by axel1990chp on Wednesday 8th February 10:21
white_goodman said:
1) New car always seems to re-ignite some passion but I think that you're right to go with something that offers a sense of occasion rather than just fast. I always wanted a BMW M3 but in reality, I think that I would just find it a bit boring. A Jaguar XK8/XK is a great shout!
Yeah it does for sure, however for me at least it always seems to be short lived. When I got my Porsche it was wonderful at first, but within a few months I was already feeling "meh" about it but then I was saddled with a car that could bankrupt me overnight. Took some of the joy out of it for sure! The XKR looks great and it would for sure be an event but I'm also wary at the same time of throwing more money at a problem when because of my fickleness, it wouldn't really solve anything.
white_goodman said:
4) Plan a route with a destination in mind eg seaside, country pub for a nice lunch etc. I always enjoyed my motorbike rides more when there was a destination/objective, rather than just riding a loop and with company, whether it's another person in the car or a group ride/drive always seems more enjoyable.
5) Plan a road trip - Cornwall, North Wales, Scotland, Europe, wherever. I always enjoy a road trip to different places on different roads, even with the family or in a fairly mundane car. In an MX5/interesting car, it should be a blast and the cost of the fuel less of an imposition because it's in the name of enjoyment rather than necessity!
I definitely need to do more of this though for sure. I haven't been able to use it much recently which I don't think has helped but the better weather is coming.5) Plan a road trip - Cornwall, North Wales, Scotland, Europe, wherever. I always enjoy a road trip to different places on different roads, even with the family or in a fairly mundane car. In an MX5/interesting car, it should be a blast and the cost of the fuel less of an imposition because it's in the name of enjoyment rather than necessity!
axel1990chp said:
I'm always and probably forever will be in two minds to change my car. I have a battle at the moment trying to talk myself out of buying a V8 RS4 Avant, I can justify the purchase price but I cant justify the regular maintenance and running costs. However, I am always drawn to the fact that not only are good nick V8s slowly dying out, in 10 years when I maybe CAN afford to keep one going and really enjoy ownership, they'll probably be well out of my price range due to the nature of the beast, more years gone, more miles, less perfect examples around. I've kind of resigned in part to keeping my current vehicle until its not fit for purpose, should my family grow and an estate becomes necessary, but there lies another argument for my own head. Get a normal estate or be a silly bugger and go for a big engine classic one? I know the PH answer, I don't know my missus and my bank accounts answer
My advice would be to follow your heart (within your financial means whatever that may be) and get a car and enjoy it for what it is. If you get to have a good drive out once a month, it will be worth its weight! Your current *Edit*: MX-5 if its going to have bugger all mileage and you're going to keep it pristine may well fetch you some decent return later down the line, whilst giving you thrills during.
I definitely sound the same as you as, like you, I feel the need to jump on the v8 bandwagon while I can but there's still questions about the affordability or whether I can justify it and even more so about whether it will solve my particular problem. I'm guessing it probably won't, and so with that being the case I may end up doing the same.My advice would be to follow your heart (within your financial means whatever that may be) and get a car and enjoy it for what it is. If you get to have a good drive out once a month, it will be worth its weight! Your current *Edit*: MX-5 if its going to have bugger all mileage and you're going to keep it pristine may well fetch you some decent return later down the line, whilst giving you thrills during.
I was out again this morning in the mx5 and even though it was just a fairly mundane trip I did end up taking a slight detour and it got under my skin again. The thing is the mx owes me nothing and I'd have to find more money to upgrade to something else, do I have the appetite? Not sure, in all honesty, it's nice not to have any debts or to have a car that's going to financially ruin me, it's quite liberating.
I hate my fickle brain sometimes.
Get a camper?
Not necessarily a VW but something like a short wheel base Transit or Vito.
Lots of fun to get away for short trips. Also fun for a drive out to a beach, warm dry place to brew up, eat chips and watch the world go by. Also handy for day to day use, tips runs, chucking a bike in the back and going on trips etc.
Not necessarily a VW but something like a short wheel base Transit or Vito.
Lots of fun to get away for short trips. Also fun for a drive out to a beach, warm dry place to brew up, eat chips and watch the world go by. Also handy for day to day use, tips runs, chucking a bike in the back and going on trips etc.
MBVitoria said:
Get a camper?
Not necessarily a VW but something like a short wheel base Transit or Vito.
Lots of fun to get away for short trips. Also fun for a drive out to a beach, warm dry place to brew up, eat chips and watch the world go by. Also handy for day to day use, tips runs, chucking a bike in the back and going on trips etc.
Now, that's not as bad an idea as it sounds and my mates would love that as we always go glamping or whatever. I have thought about how good it would be to be able to just go wherever, festivals and whatnot, throw a bike in the back etc, it would be very useful for sure.Not necessarily a VW but something like a short wheel base Transit or Vito.
Lots of fun to get away for short trips. Also fun for a drive out to a beach, warm dry place to brew up, eat chips and watch the world go by. Also handy for day to day use, tips runs, chucking a bike in the back and going on trips etc.
TameRacingDriver said:
white_goodman said:
1) New car always seems to re-ignite some passion but I think that you're right to go with something that offers a sense of occasion rather than just fast. I always wanted a BMW M3 but in reality, I think that I would just find it a bit boring. A Jaguar XK8/XK is a great shout!
Yeah it does for sure, however for me at least it always seems to be short lived. When I got my Porsche it was wonderful at first, but within a few months I was already feeling "meh" about it but then I was saddled with a car that could bankrupt me overnight. Took some of the joy out of it for sure! The XKR looks great and it would for sure be an event but I'm also wary at the same time of throwing more money at a problem when because of my fickleness, it wouldn't really solve anything.
white_goodman said:
4) Plan a route with a destination in mind eg seaside, country pub for a nice lunch etc. I always enjoyed my motorbike rides more when there was a destination/objective, rather than just riding a loop and with company, whether it's another person in the car or a group ride/drive always seems more enjoyable.
5) Plan a road trip - Cornwall, North Wales, Scotland, Europe, wherever. I always enjoy a road trip to different places on different roads, even with the family or in a fairly mundane car. In an MX5/interesting car, it should be a blast and the cost of the fuel less of an imposition because it's in the name of enjoyment rather than necessity!
I definitely need to do more of this though for sure. I haven't been able to use it much recently which I don't think has helped but the better weather is coming.5) Plan a road trip - Cornwall, North Wales, Scotland, Europe, wherever. I always enjoy a road trip to different places on different roads, even with the family or in a fairly mundane car. In an MX5/interesting car, it should be a blast and the cost of the fuel less of an imposition because it's in the name of enjoyment rather than necessity!
Someone earlier said they own an SLK55 AMG, which isn't a bad shout. Many of the advantages of your car but with more of a sense of occasion and I believe that V8 is pretty reliable, nice car for a road trip too. Ditto for the Z4M Roadster and TT RS Roadster. Ticks off the AMG/M/RS box and all pretty epic engines but I'm not sure if any of them are as accomplished as the Mazda handling-wise but could feel a bit more special and more lairy!
OP, I didn't work at home much during lockdown (was back in the office as soon as I could be), but my interests / tastes certainly changed.
I sold my long-term owned (21 years) Saab Convertible and replaced it with a 1971 Triumph GT6 which has allowed me to a) free-up some space in the garage, and b) free-up some funds.
a) allowed me to store some things in the garage that were previously in the house
b) allowed me to do two things: - pursue an interest in vintage Swiss watches: I have built up a small collection and working on them is far more comfortable than on old cars, involving sitting at the dining table with a single malt, and - embark on a PhD research program which will eventually earn me the title of Dr Turbobanana.
So, broaden your horizons, I say.
I sold my long-term owned (21 years) Saab Convertible and replaced it with a 1971 Triumph GT6 which has allowed me to a) free-up some space in the garage, and b) free-up some funds.
a) allowed me to store some things in the garage that were previously in the house
b) allowed me to do two things: - pursue an interest in vintage Swiss watches: I have built up a small collection and working on them is far more comfortable than on old cars, involving sitting at the dining table with a single malt, and - embark on a PhD research program which will eventually earn me the title of Dr Turbobanana.
So, broaden your horizons, I say.
May I suggest a something completely different?
A few months ago I invested in a racing PC and sim rig with an integrated motion platform.
I've really enjoyed driving the different cars and tracks. Each faithfully rendered, their characteristics emulated. Its been great fun. I can either race against other players, matched to my skill level, or take on the games' AI cars. Use the supplied setups, or I can tweak my car to my heart's content.
Depending on which sims you purchase, just about any car and track from any post war era, anywhere in the world is available to race.
I can travel the world and smash spectacularly into the scenery from the comfort of my own garage, a cup of tea by my side..
In my experience sim racing can be very immersive. Couple a VR headset with a high level, dedicated sim racing PC, a motion rig and a copy of Assetto Corsa and I guarantee that you'll be throwing up with motion sickness within the hour!
Thoroughly recommended!
A few months ago I invested in a racing PC and sim rig with an integrated motion platform.
I've really enjoyed driving the different cars and tracks. Each faithfully rendered, their characteristics emulated. Its been great fun. I can either race against other players, matched to my skill level, or take on the games' AI cars. Use the supplied setups, or I can tweak my car to my heart's content.
Depending on which sims you purchase, just about any car and track from any post war era, anywhere in the world is available to race.
I can travel the world and smash spectacularly into the scenery from the comfort of my own garage, a cup of tea by my side..
In my experience sim racing can be very immersive. Couple a VR headset with a high level, dedicated sim racing PC, a motion rig and a copy of Assetto Corsa and I guarantee that you'll be throwing up with motion sickness within the hour!
Thoroughly recommended!
Blib said:
May I suggest a something completely different?
A few months ago I invested in a racing PC and sim rig with an integrated motion platform.
I've really enjoyed driving the different cars and tracks. Each faithfully rendered, their characteristics emulated. Its been great fun. I can either race against other players, matched to my skill level, or take on the games' AI cars. Use the supplied setups, or I can tweak my car to my heart's content.
Depending on which sims you purchase, just about any car and track from any post war era, anywhere in the world is available to race.
I can travel the world and smash spectacularly into the scenery from the comfort of my own garage, a cup of tea by my side..
In my experience sim racing can be very immersive. Couple a VR headset with a high level, dedicated sim racing PC, a motion rig and a copy of Assetto Corsa and I guarantee that you'll be throwing up with motion sickness within the hour!
Thoroughly recommended!
Was thinking this very thing, what rig/setup do you have Blib?..A few months ago I invested in a racing PC and sim rig with an integrated motion platform.
I've really enjoyed driving the different cars and tracks. Each faithfully rendered, their characteristics emulated. Its been great fun. I can either race against other players, matched to my skill level, or take on the games' AI cars. Use the supplied setups, or I can tweak my car to my heart's content.
Depending on which sims you purchase, just about any car and track from any post war era, anywhere in the world is available to race.
I can travel the world and smash spectacularly into the scenery from the comfort of my own garage, a cup of tea by my side..
In my experience sim racing can be very immersive. Couple a VR headset with a high level, dedicated sim racing PC, a motion rig and a copy of Assetto Corsa and I guarantee that you'll be throwing up with motion sickness within the hour!
Thoroughly recommended!
Blib said:
May I suggest a something completely different?
A few months ago I invested in a racing PC and sim rig with an integrated motion platform.
I've really enjoyed driving the different cars and tracks. Each faithfully rendered, their characteristics emulated. Its been great fun. I can either race against other players, matched to my skill level, or take on the games' AI cars. Use the supplied setups, or I can tweak my car to my heart's content.
Depending on which sims you purchase, just about any car and track from any post war era, anywhere in the world is available to race.
I can travel the world and smash spectacularly into the scenery from the comfort of my own garage, a cup of tea by my side..
In my experience sim racing can be very immersive. Couple a VR headset with a high level, dedicated sim racing PC, a motion rig and a copy of Assetto Corsa and I guarantee that you'll be throwing up with motion sickness within the hour!
Thoroughly recommended!
I had the early makings of something like that, I had a g27 on a frame with an ultra wide perched in front of it, in my old house, but I had to get rid of it when I got kicked out as I no longer had the space. I doubt I could squeeze a motion rig in the space I have, but I guess with some clever configuration I could get a VR setup in here. Mind I didn't use it as much as I should when I did have it, computer games were a passion of mine but I can rarely be bothered now A few months ago I invested in a racing PC and sim rig with an integrated motion platform.
I've really enjoyed driving the different cars and tracks. Each faithfully rendered, their characteristics emulated. Its been great fun. I can either race against other players, matched to my skill level, or take on the games' AI cars. Use the supplied setups, or I can tweak my car to my heart's content.
Depending on which sims you purchase, just about any car and track from any post war era, anywhere in the world is available to race.
I can travel the world and smash spectacularly into the scenery from the comfort of my own garage, a cup of tea by my side..
In my experience sim racing can be very immersive. Couple a VR headset with a high level, dedicated sim racing PC, a motion rig and a copy of Assetto Corsa and I guarantee that you'll be throwing up with motion sickness within the hour!
Thoroughly recommended!
Edited to add photos:
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 8th February 16:18
nekrum said:
Was thinking this very thing, what rig/setup do you have Blib?..
I have an Intel 2070 based PC from SCAN, which was suggested by a PHer on a thread that I started a while ago.I've a Next Level Racing rig, fitted with their V3 motion platform. Wheelbase and pedals are Fanatec - 8nm, CSL DD & CSL elite V2 respectively. Coupled with their shifter and handbrake. I've got a buttkicker V1 too. Though I've not yet got round to connecting that.
I either use a 27 inch triple screen setup with bezels or VR using a Oculus Quest 2.
In short, I am the poster boy for the phrase 'All the gear, no idea'.
(The photo shows my previous pedals - as if anyone gives a monkey's).
Op should get rid of the car and see how it goes.
It’s ok to change your attitudes and interests. Just because you’ve labelled yourself a car enthusiast doesn’t mean you have to live up to that all your life. Nobody is taking names.
And if you find you are hankering after a car again after a while you can just get one.
I can can’t talk of course. I’m here writing this on a car forum instead of doing something useful with my life.
It’s ok to change your attitudes and interests. Just because you’ve labelled yourself a car enthusiast doesn’t mean you have to live up to that all your life. Nobody is taking names.
And if you find you are hankering after a car again after a while you can just get one.
I can can’t talk of course. I’m here writing this on a car forum instead of doing something useful with my life.
swisstoni said:
Op should get rid of the car and see how it goes.
It’s ok to change your attitudes and interests. Just because you’ve labelled yourself a car enthusiast doesn’t mean you have to live up to that all your life. Nobody is taking names.
And if you find you are hankering after a car again after a while you can just get one.
I can can’t talk of course. I’m here writing this on a car forum instead of doing something useful with my life.
I tried that actually when I went through the same feelings before, and sold my MR2 Roadster and went without for over 18 months. By then I was itching to get back in the game.It’s ok to change your attitudes and interests. Just because you’ve labelled yourself a car enthusiast doesn’t mean you have to live up to that all your life. Nobody is taking names.
And if you find you are hankering after a car again after a while you can just get one.
I can can’t talk of course. I’m here writing this on a car forum instead of doing something useful with my life.
To be fair on that occasion, I lived really near the city centre so was going out socialising a lot more, I now live more in the sticks and where all of the good roads start, and although I still socialise, perhaps not as frequently.
The problem is, especially now, even though I don't use it much, I do kind of need a car, or at least, it would seriously inconvenience me not to have one at certain times, and I can't bring myself to drive a 1.0 shopping trolley all of the time, I get enough of that when I borrow her car for quick trips. Add to that mine is worth basically piss all and costs peanuts to run (apart from the tax), as another poster said, I may as well just keep it and if I drive it only once or twice a month, so what.
Unreal said:
TameRacingDriver said:
I've actually been thinking for the last month what car to buy next, which will likely cost me more money that I could put to better use
Are you sure about that? What's the better use you have in mind? I could spend money on things other than cars but I don't believe any of the alternatives would improve the quality of my life.
I have two cars and do less than 4000 miles a year. The SLK V8 keeps me going. I hardly use it but then you get bored, you watch youtube or read a car magazine or an article on PH then you get that itch and you want to drive.
It's almost like an addiction, I have to have that V8 in my life! If I sold it then I know I will want to buy another V8 car at some time in the future. So this is a sound financial investment because it saves me from spending again!
littleredrooster said:
TameRacingDriver said:
We're not that far away actually, I'm further north. It's not like the quality of the roads are a problem really - they're excellent to drive on (when not covered in craters) and not too heavily trafficked, but still I don't bother. I think my problem has pre-dated covid as I felt a little like this before, when I had my MR2 Roadster, but it certainly hasn't helped.
Well, if you ever want to meet for a coffee and to chew the cud (or go for a jaunt somewhere), just let me know. If coppice sees this, perhaps he may want to join us too?I don't live too far from Thirsk. We've just moved up to North Yorkshire a year ago from overcrowded Surrey. It's been a manic year and have not had the time to explore yet but I'm taking early retirement soon and will have time on my hands.
I've always loved this part of the country and back in Surrey, it would take me 30 minutes' drive to find clear roads and now I have clear roads almost at my door step. This was one of the main reasons for the move.
PM me if you are planning something or when I've finally packed in work and have more time on my hands I can try to coordinate something for us.
I'm in a similar position and realised that I needed a more interesting driving experience. Noting this thread https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... it really does highlight that you might need to consider something that's older or more basic. Forget speed and handling - it's how it feels when you jump in the driver's seat. Is it going to make you feel alive at 30mph or make your drive as interesting as a microwave oven?
My 996T is certainly no Caterham but even rolling along at 24mph in traffic, I'm finding the drive absorbing. I'm well aware that others find it boring - perhaps drive it after driving a Mercedes C class rather than comparing it to a Caterham R500.
I'm currently looking at a replacement just because, and I'm torn between getting something that sounds and looks nice but is comfy (because I'm lazy) and getting something that makes me sit up and pay attention even when popping to Tesco.
My 996T is certainly no Caterham but even rolling along at 24mph in traffic, I'm finding the drive absorbing. I'm well aware that others find it boring - perhaps drive it after driving a Mercedes C class rather than comparing it to a Caterham R500.
I'm currently looking at a replacement just because, and I'm torn between getting something that sounds and looks nice but is comfy (because I'm lazy) and getting something that makes me sit up and pay attention even when popping to Tesco.
leef44 said:
Unreal said:
TameRacingDriver said:
I've actually been thinking for the last month what car to buy next, which will likely cost me more money that I could put to better use
Are you sure about that? What's the better use you have in mind? I could spend money on things other than cars but I don't believe any of the alternatives would improve the quality of my life.
I have two cars and do less than 4000 miles a year. The SLK V8 keeps me going. I hardly use it but then you get bored, you watch youtube or read a car magazine or an article on PH then you get that itch and you want to drive.
It's almost like an addiction, I have to have that V8 in my life! If I sold it then I know I will want to buy another V8 car at some time in the future. So this is a sound financial investment because it saves me from spending again!
that's one way of looking at it, I suppose leef44 said:
littleredrooster said:
TameRacingDriver said:
We're not that far away actually, I'm further north. It's not like the quality of the roads are a problem really - they're excellent to drive on (when not covered in craters) and not too heavily trafficked, but still I don't bother. I think my problem has pre-dated covid as I felt a little like this before, when I had my MR2 Roadster, but it certainly hasn't helped.
Well, if you ever want to meet for a coffee and to chew the cud (or go for a jaunt somewhere), just let me know. If coppice sees this, perhaps he may want to join us too?I don't live too far from Thirsk. We've just moved up to North Yorkshire a year ago from overcrowded Surrey. It's been a manic year and have not had the time to explore yet but I'm taking early retirement soon and will have time on my hands.
I've always loved this part of the country and back in Surrey, it would take me 30 minutes' drive to find clear roads and now I have clear roads almost at my door step. This was one of the main reasons for the move.
PM me if you are planning something or when I've finally packed in work and have more time on my hands I can try to coordinate something for us.
Hoofy said:
I'm in a similar position and realised that I needed a more interesting driving experience. Noting this thread https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... it really does highlight that you might need to consider something that's older or more basic. Forget speed and handling - it's how it feels when you jump in the driver's seat. Is it going to make you feel alive at 30mph or make your drive as interesting as a microwave oven?
My 996T is certainly no Caterham but even rolling along at 24mph in traffic, I'm finding the drive absorbing. I'm well aware that others find it boring - perhaps drive it after driving a Mercedes C class rather than comparing it to a Caterham R500.
I'm currently looking at a replacement just because, and I'm torn between getting something that sounds and looks nice but is comfy (because I'm lazy) and getting something that makes me sit up and pay attention even when popping to Tesco.
Off to look at the thread now My 996T is certainly no Caterham but even rolling along at 24mph in traffic, I'm finding the drive absorbing. I'm well aware that others find it boring - perhaps drive it after driving a Mercedes C class rather than comparing it to a Caterham R500.
I'm currently looking at a replacement just because, and I'm torn between getting something that sounds and looks nice but is comfy (because I'm lazy) and getting something that makes me sit up and pay attention even when popping to Tesco.
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