Thread: Car guys are funny....

In my short time on L4p, Ive noticed that there are two totally different worlds of thought on exotic toy ownership..

Those of the boaters and those of the exotic car guys..

Car guys believe that you shouldn't buy any exotic toy if you cant pay cash for it.

Boaters believe in big cash down, monthly payments. Why tie up so much cash in one basket? Especially since average ownership is under 3 years before upgrading.

Car guys feel that exotics have exorbitant maintenance costs. Sometimes upwards of $10,000-$15,000/year in parts/labor. And that the only people that should work on the car is someone with blood relatives working in the manufacturers assembly line.

Boaters will shop many different custom engine builders before deciding on who to let work on their rig. And 9 times out of 10 they go entirely different builders every season. It rarely goes back to the company that built it for service or upgrades. Average rebuild on a blown BB motor is $25,000. Per engine.. Sometimes twice in the same season. Not to mention fuel, dock, truck, trailer, insurance, plugs, belts, top ends.

Car guys feel that you should never upgrade anything besides wheels/tires as it hurts the "market value" of the car. Keeping it stock is the way to go. And if you customize it in the least, you've killed the value and any true afficianado would be disgusted at the fact you painted your dash. Or washed it yourself.

Boat guys customize nearly every single aspect of their boat. From lights, to paint, to dashes, rigging, interior and that a stock boat will bring less value in the market because of its lack of unique-ness.

Car guys feel that you shouldn't do anything besides drive the car. This includes not eating in or near the vehicle, allowing strangers to get in it, having special outfits they wear while driving (no buttons or rivets on their jeans) and the car may be considered a total loss if someone in the market finds out you drove it in the rain one day.

Boat guys eat, drink, sleep and party on their boats. They leave wet mardi-gras beads on the leather seats and the stains are just a reminder of the weekend your wife almost left you because you tied up next to a bachelorette party. The cooler is always leaking stale beer onto the carpet and theres almost always some cheetos ground into the upholstery SOMEWHERE. Not to mention that you rarely know ANY of the girls that are dancing all over your $50,000 paint job.

Car guys feel that the only sound you need in the car is that of the 4oo horsepower italian motor singin its song. And you will be looked down upon for upgrading to anything other than an ipod connection.

Boaters feel that the wattage of the stereo system must equal the amount of fun you plan on having. And it must be louder than the guy next to you. Unless he has a generator, then he gets to play his, all day.

Car guys wouldn't dream of stepping into their ride with wet feet.

Boaters prefer as many soaking wet bikini bodies as possible dripping on their floor.

Car owners rarely get to drive their car the way it was intended to be driven from the factory. And if they do, they will spend weeks prepping the car for the track, buying outfits and hiring photographers.

Boat owners usually run the boat at 9/10ths almost every time they are behind the sticks.

Car guys feel they are just babying the vehicle to maintain its market value and to keep it pristine for the next owner.

Boaters would rarely consider selling anything that hasnt been used up, beaten, broken, tired and stained unless they are getting something faster or louder..

Just a few general observations Ive made.. Dont take offense to it..

Im becoming a car guy more and more. And plan on getting something pretty soon that will fit into the majority of these categories.. Its just simple things Ive picked up on that really seperate the two mentalities of exotic toy ownership.

I figured this would raise a few hairs, its been kinda boring in here lately..

Feel free to comment! Any other observations you care to throw in?

I'm a car guy and I think you just hit me on the head... Damn, are we that anal? LOL

i actually would love to have my own boat soon...nothing too crazy but something cool

very keen observation grasshopper

When I get an exotic (whenever that may be) I plan on using it.. Lots of mileage, ill wash it at the car wash, Ill let my buddies drive it and I will probably enjoy some mcnuggets on occasion while bumping the huge stereo I plan on installing..

And when Im done with it, Ill look at it and think. That was very much worth the $2500/month of fun I paid for..

But, again, *I am a boater*

Let us know how long your car lasts!

Well I doubt theres anything that could happen to it (other than totalling it) that would cost more than a boat would to be brought back to usable condition, no?

Thats kind of my point. If a guy is going to spend just as much maintaining a car as he would a boat and fixing the things that break from use, shouldnt you be able to enjoy it like you would a boat?

to be honest, the only thing i am "religious" in my car is EATING in it and for a few personal reasons - i dont like the smell of food in any tight and confined space and the fact that i am quite OCD and dont want anything moving or shaking or sliding about inside my car

ok forget all that i am just really OCD...go ahead ask my GF, she'll tell ya

Originally Posted by KandyRedCoi

to be honest, the only thing i am "religious" in my car is EATING in it and for a few personal reasons - i dont like the smell of food in any tight and confined space and the fact that i am quite OCD and dont want anything moving or shaking or sliding about inside my car

ok forget all that i am just really OCD...go ahead ask my GF, she'll tell ya

I kinda agree with you on that one. I put an end to food in my vehicles other than my truck. The day I brought it home, a buddy of mine left a cherry slush sitting on the center console and I put it in reverse to back up, the entire thing hit the floor. Still have a red stain there.. Boats have open air for the most part and usually an overwhelming smell of racefuel so lingering food smells dont exist..

However, I do NOT allow smoking on anything I own, including my yard.. That smell sticks to EVERYTHING..

Car guys feel that if they "bump" into something with their car, the weekend is ruined. Especially if it was the wall of where you store your car..

Boat guys understand that bumping into docks, trailers, OTHER boats is just a fact of life and other than a little razzing from the dock monkeys, it wont affect their weekend in the least..

Hmm, very interesting post. However I am a car guy, and i belive in paying cash for cars, as you do not have to worry to get stuck with the /monthly payments for the car especially in these though times. . :-)