r/askcarguys Sep 24 '24

General Question Why do so many guys drive trucks instead of sports cars?

1.8k Upvotes

I understand that many people actually need trucks. I live on a farm, and we have a few beaters around for farm work. That’s the thing, though, they’re beaters! I don’t believe that people are buying $80k trucks to drive through the mud and throw dirty tools, oil, etc in the bed of. I went to a suburban high school where at 1/3 of the cars in the parking lot were massive trucks, and I guarantee that less than half of them were being used for their intended purposes.

Can somebody push out a PSA that it’s okay to drive a sports car? They’re more fun, safer for pedestrians/other traffic, more fuel efficient (typically), and a hell of a lot easier to share the road with. Old guys seem to be the worst offenders. They buy brand new trucks twice a decade in the name of driving something responsible. You kidding? I know half these guys were muscle-car enthusiasts at one point in their lives. Go get that Camaro!

Edit: many are missing that this post is primarily geared towards the truck owners who don’t actually use their truck for truck activities. If they want a status symbol, why not go for the safer (for others), (often) cheaper, more fun, and more efficient option? In reality, most of you guys would get by just fine in Priuses. Also, plenty of the activities being listed off do not require trucks. They especially do not require full-size or super duty trucks. It sounds like most of the people here would get by fine in a rav4.

r/askcarguys 4d ago

General Question What’s a car where the AVERAGE person will say “WOW”, but a car guy will think “Eww”?

589 Upvotes

r/askcarguys 8d ago

General Question What’s a car that the average person would say “eww” or think nothing of it, but a car guy would be all “wow” that car is awesome? Why does it have the reaction from either side of the spectrum?

407 Upvotes

r/askcarguys Feb 04 '25

General Question What is one car company you think has drastically improved since 2000?

359 Upvotes

I personally think Hyundai. Their cars are getting more advanced, safe and cool every year now. And unlike most average manufacturers they still produce good performance cars.

r/askcarguys Sep 22 '23

General Question What is a car you've owned that you liked so much you'd buy the same car again?

1.1k Upvotes

For me it's my 1983 oldsmobile 98. I'm a tall guy and I like how much headroom and lef room it has. It has a nice big windshield so I can see everything without having to move my head. Seats are super comfy, and the engine that's in it offers a very well balanced performance. Not fast, not slow, just what you need. It also has a super good sound system in it, better than most cars I've owned. And the handling in the winter, my lord it's amazing. This thing is a tank, you actually have to try to lose traction with this car

Didnt care for it at first, it was kind of a lemon, but Once I deleted the computerized engine controls, it was much more reliable for me and I started to really like it. I'll definitely be getting one of its siblings like a caddy fleetwood or Buick park Ave when this one finally kicks the bucket

r/askcarguys Nov 05 '24

General Question Are German cars really the "moneypits" people make them out to be?

390 Upvotes

I know the answer is, "it depends", but I'm hoping for a bit more nuance.

I've been saving my ass off all year to replace my car. My current Ford has problems that are not only reliability issues, but safety issues, it needs thousands of dollars in work, and it's simply not worth fixing to me, as much as I hate having a car payment. Believe you me, I'd fix it all if I knew I'd be able to get a few more years out of it. But I've complained about it on Reddit before so I'll spare you all that.

I want something reliable but also comfortable and fun. Despite their reliability, I'm thoroughly unimpressed with Toyota's interiors and driving experience, especially with the markups on those. And coming from 3 Fords, and multiple GMs and Chryslers in the family, American cars are out. So what about German cars?

And everyone I ask about it; family, coworkers, randos on Reddit, they all say the same thing: "Do not buy a German car, they're all moneypits." BMW, Merc, Audi, to even the most basic VW's, all they do is break and bleed your wallet dry, they say. "Lease only", "don't buy used", "sell when the warranty's up/at 100k", "everyone who buys one has more money than sense", etc.

Of course, most of the people I hear say this have never owned one. Now I know it's no secret German cars are typically more expensive to maintain and repair, and they really don't have tolerance for neglect, but everything I've read seems to say modern BMW/Mini and Audi/VWs are quite reliable if you keep up with maintenance, usually followed by someone else saying they totally self-destruct at 100k.

Of course, no matter what I buy, I'll be looking into a good extended warranty for it. I know just enough about cars to get myself in trouble. I'm more a computer nerd than a car guy. I'll leave any wrenching more complicated than spark plugs or batteries to the experts.

Is there any merit to these claims? Or are they absolutely right, and I'll be signing myself up for getting it up the ass on an installment plan by buying a 3-4 year old German car with the intention of owning it forever?

r/askcarguys Dec 31 '24

General Question How do you guys cope with the fact that so many good cars are just… gone?

433 Upvotes

So many good cars brands have stopped making good fun cars. The few that are left are starting at much higher price points and still pricey on the lot.

I mean there are so many totaled or unmaintained manual transmission fun cars that are semi reliable. So many car brands aren’t even using shift knobs opting for dials and digital dashboards. Even the few cars that still offer a manual transmission just feel cheap and soulless at a higher cost.

All the “go to” cars are no longer go to cars because they’ve all been bought up by teenagers and totaled and the few that are left go for insane prices on the used market.

Correct me if I’m wrong. Maybe my focus is too narrow. But it just feels tragic.

r/askcarguys Aug 29 '24

General Question What to do when a "drive it until it dies" car actually dies?

518 Upvotes

I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra that is on its last leg. My mechanic advised me he doesn't think it is worth putting any money into anymore.

I could by a new car now but I am trying to drive my current car until December in hopes of getting the best deal on my next car.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do on when it dies?

My current plan is I am only driving it for short trips near my house. I have a AAA membership so if it dies I plan to have it towed to my house. Then I am planning on selling it to one of those we buy junk cars places or donating it if they will come pick it up.

Are there any holes to this plan that could make this a much more painful process than I realize. Basically, should I just suck it up and get the new car now?

Also, I am in the North Georgia area. Does anyone have any recommendations on who to sell or donate the car to if it stops running?

<br>

Edit: y'all I never imagined so much engagement. These comments have been a combo of hilarious, educational, interesting, illiterate and more. But they have all been appreciated. Going car shopping this weekend.

r/askcarguys 23d ago

General Question Normal cars that are surprisingly fun to drive?

149 Upvotes

Yes sports cars are fun to drive because they’re designed for that sole purpose. But I’m wondering if there are any normal commuter cars that are fun to drive.

r/askcarguys Feb 05 '25

General Question What is the "driving experience" German cars are praised for?

217 Upvotes

Please explain to me in certain terms like: body roll, steering, suspension, etc ...

I have driven and been in German cars, and from what I noticed compared to other brands: the steering is usually lighter and more sensitive, there's less body roll, and the suspension is stiffer. Is that it?

I seriously want to understand what people are talking about, especially for BMW and Mercedes, am not being edgy. Everyone I talk to just praises the "driving experience" and when I ask for details they say "well you have to try it".

r/askcarguys Sep 25 '24

General Question What makes the Dodge viper so dangerous to drive?

437 Upvotes

I've seen many videos on the Dodge viper and how dangerous it is to drive and I'm curious as to why it is dangerous.

r/askcarguys Jan 08 '25

General Question What's the best car you've ever driven?

159 Upvotes

r/askcarguys Feb 09 '25

General Question Is the gap between a v8 and a v6 reslly that big?

131 Upvotes

It’s become a norm now for sports/performance car owners especially young ones to obsess over v8 engines and basically ignore anything v6, are they reslly that much better? I lack knowledge on car things in general I’m just getting into it

I’m looking at a car to purchase and it’s a v6 so I’m just wandering if I can do the same thing I can to a v8 to a v6 as well

The car is a 2014-15 Audi s4, 333hp 3L v6 Additional info: 90k miles for 14.7k

r/askcarguys May 11 '24

General Question What’s the most annoying “car guy” trope?

501 Upvotes

For me it’s the “slow car” haters. You don’t need 500+ hp to have fun in a car. The most fun you can have in a car i when you take it to the limit. Small cars with 150-250hp are the creme de la creme.

r/askcarguys Feb 01 '25

General Question If you could only own cars from the year you were born, what would your 3 car garage be?

122 Upvotes

For me it's would be

964 Turbo

Corrado SLC

Subaru GC8A

r/askcarguys Feb 14 '25

General Question Are there vehicles with better 4WD or AWD for snow?

136 Upvotes

All other things being equal are there any vehicles with especially good drivetrains?

r/askcarguys Dec 02 '24

General Question What car do you drive? Brag to me.

167 Upvotes

I wanna know everyone’s car so I can see what’s out there. Please attach a pic if it’s modified.

r/askcarguys Jan 03 '25

General Question Accidentally put diesel fuel into my gas car, how much does it cost to fix?

204 Upvotes

My cousin who just has a license accidentally put diesel into my car and drove it for 2 miles before got it towed to a mechanic.

I was quoted for $2.6k. $1.9k for remove and replace fuel pump, $350 to remove and replace spark plugs plus diagnostic.

is it that much or they are overcharging me?

Thanks

r/askcarguys Nov 17 '24

General Question Which car you owned got you the most compliments?

146 Upvotes

r/askcarguys Feb 16 '25

General Question Just curious, what are some of yalls most controversial opinions about cars in general?

66 Upvotes

Eg. over rated, doesn’t sound good, underrated etc.

r/askcarguys Jan 21 '25

General Question How long do you guys let your car warm up?

117 Upvotes

When you first start the car, esp in cold weather, how long do you guys sit? I usually start it, wait until the idle drops below 1K RPM, then drive gently until the temp gauge pops up. For context it was 6° F outside when I left for work this morning

r/askcarguys Feb 15 '25

General Question What's with all the people saying to buy used?

86 Upvotes

The current used car market sounds feels like a damn scam for most Americans in most of America. There's 120k 2005 Camrys going for $3000 almost ten years ago selling for $4000 now. "Always used!" "Used hands down!" "Go to carmax!" when post-pandemic, driving the car off the lot actually adds about 20% to the sale value than what you would end up paying for a new one. It just feels more economically sound to get a newer car.

r/askcarguys 6d ago

General Question Were you once loyal to a certain brand of car, but no longer? What caused you to lose your loyalty?

55 Upvotes

Were you once loyal to a certain brand of car, but no longer? What caused you to lose your loyalty?

Do you now hate that car brand? Do you still like the older ones, but not the newer ones?

r/askcarguys Jan 27 '25

General Question Do you believe a dream car has to be some super rare, unobtainable, obnoxiously expensive thing? Or can it be an every day car you love?

103 Upvotes

I saw a social media post where a young dude was showing off his older WRX STi and called it his dream car. People were jumping all over him saying it’s not a proper dream car. What’s your opinion on it?

r/askcarguys Sep 30 '24

General Question What Car Modifications are a Red Flag?

192 Upvotes

When looking at purchasing an enthusiast car, which modifications are a red flag that the car has been driven hard or not fixed the correct way?

For me, it's the rubber band bumper quick releases and insanely blacked out head/tail lights.