So you want a supercar? Part 2 - The Infrequent

"Battery Tender Unnecessary" (carac)
10/04/2013 at 15:30 • Filed to: Supercars, SLS AMG

Part 2 deals with the rarer issues you will encounter with a supercar. Stuff you might not encounter on a daily basis, but still happens frequent enough to note.

If you haven't already, check out Part 1 for the basics.

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This disclaimer applies to Part 1 as well:

I am writing this from the perspective of someone who grew up with "normal" cars. I didn't win the lottery or inherit a large sum of money. I worked hard and bought my dream car.

Some of these aren't exclusive to supercar ownership, but you rarely get the combination of them all with any other car.

I couldn't resist breaking my #8 in Part 1 for the picture above.

11) You will unnecessarily downshift/rev when in proximity to a Prius.

You just will.

12) Certain types of people will "snap" at the sight of you.

I don't know if it's some kind of complex, esteem issues, or just plain old road rage but there are some people that will have severe negative behavioral shifts at the sight of your car. You have likely experienced someone speeding up as you attempt to pass on the interstate or multi-lane highway. Most of the time this is because your pace makes them feel more comfortable speeding up. Or they realize they missed a speed limit sign a few miles back and they are below the limit. These things happen. What isn't typical is WOT throttle acceleration from the car in the right lane once they notice what you're passing them in. Even in the middle of busy traffic, I've had cars that were driving normally for miles, suddenly flip out the second I begin to pass or merge in front of them. It was comical to begin with but after 18 months with the car, I just shrug and merge into the space the car was before it rocketed ahead. People sometimes need to feel better about themselves and I guess it helps to have a "kill story" about a car that was just merging to make an exit. It's most common with lifted diesel trucks with smoke stacks that are "rolling coal." It never fails. As soon as they have line of sight...black cloud. Every once in a while it's all worth it because you'll see them pulled over in a mile or two. I can count four separate occasions in the past year and a half where someone driving normally chose to speed up at the sight of me and ended up with a conversation with a trooper. Maybe they have something to prove to themselves or their passenger, who knows. The milder form are people that just match your speed and make you look like an ass for not passing in the passing lane.

12b) Even on the brightest, driest days, people that have just merged in front of you will suddenly need to use their windshield washers, especially if your car is clean and detailed...weird, right?

13) Traffic tends to "make a path" for you

The inverse of #12. Drivers that notice you will often get out of the way and make a path. This is especially true if you are approaching quickly from behind. On more than one occasion I have found myself in a center lane of traffic and not needing to change lanes for miles because every time I'm about to move into the passing lane, they merge out of the way. You will also find people yield their right of way and wave you on more than usual. It's convenient but catches you off guard sometimes.

14) People will expect you to be a complete ass when it comes to driving etiquette

I assume some of the antics in #6 arise from this expectation. People expect you to wildly merge in and out of traffic lanes, expect you to not obey the right of way, expect you to drive like you are running a hot lap of the "Ring" just because of what you're driving. Imagine their surprise when I attempt to merge as soon as there's "one-lane ahead" sign instead of speeding ahead and merging at the last possible moment. I wait my turn at a 4-way stop. I ALWAYS use a turn signal. Richard Porter, a contributor to EVO and a script editor for Top Gear UK, was given a loaner SLS and had a similar experience where he felt "forced into letting people out of junctions not only because the world is watching but also because you assume other motorists think you're a total dick and you feel obliged to prove otherwise." My reasons are more for an ingrained sense of honor/propriety but you get the idea.

15) People will WANT you to be a complete ass when it comes to driving etiquette.

You will have drivers try and goad you into drag racing at a stoplight. You will have pedestrians yell to give them a rev. You will see people making a spinning tire motion in their car trying to get you to do a burnout in the street. Streetbikes will want to race on the highway. Resist as much as you can. You don't want to give anymore of a reason for #16 to happen.

16) You will get pulled over.

Whether or not you're actually doing anything. Knock on wood, but I've never been pulled over for speeding. I have been pulled over four times in the past year for "no front plate." I've only actually been ticketed for it once, during the Virginia State Trooper "saturation weekend." The other times I just got a warning, was told "I wouldn't drill a hole in that bumper either", and one just wanted "a better look at the car."

17) You will meet interesting people: the good, the awkward, the ugly.

One aspect that legitimately caught me by surprise was the variety of people that you tend to end up meeting and associating with. If you make it a point to participate in things like Cars&Coffee and car shows you will find a weird secret club vibe among fellow supercar owners. You approach an interesting supercar and it's owner. After a little back and forth chatter about their car they will invariably ask what you've brought. In hindsight, it feels like "the challenge" from spy movies with you replying with "the password" by responding and pointing to your car. Many will then actively stick around, make small talk, chat about what they've had, what they have, and their future purchase plans. They'll talk about to you about subjects you don't prompt them about in a manner one does to a friend of many years. It opens doors to experiences you might never have had otherwise. For instance, getting an invite to a private track from a NFL wide receiver I randomly met and having him ride shotgun teaching me the course. I watch way more motorsports than football, so I was surprised to find out how famous he was after the fact. Looking back I think he may have found my lack of knowledge about him refreshing. He was just a nice guy with a track-prepped GT3RS to me.

DISCUSSION (100)

William Byrd > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 15:44

Great writeup, thanks. I find that whether it be car mags, automotive TV shows, etc. the one thing I find missing from a lot of the review content is what it's like to drive around town. The realities of the attention it brings (both good and bad) is very interesting. I make no bones about the fact that I aspire to own a supercar one day, and at 37 I'm getting there slowly but surely. Great to read about your experiences, I missed chapter one, will have to go back and read it.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 15:46

Hey, I really have enjoyed reading about the annoyances of having a supercar; I hope to one day experience the same frustrations. On a side note, if you want to get an email concerning the next DC area jalop meet, email me at nickdezarn@hotmail.com. Last time was pretty cool, and we're anticipating twice the turnout next time around.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 15:47

I experienced first hand #12 last fall when I had a new SL550 for a week to review. Now, in my area of southern CT these cars are fairly commonplace, but seeing as the 2013 SL was all-new there were few on the road. I normally cruise in the left lane at 75 or so and had people who seemed content being the middle lane do one of two things: either pull in behind me and tailgate or stomp on it and pass on the right. The passive aggressiveness was bizarre, and it's not like an SL is an exotic by any stretch.

I did use the car (the last day of the loan) to score a test drive in a GT-R though. (#20) I pulled into the local Nissan dealer where one was parked outside the showroom and parked a few spots away. A salesman was outside heading my way before I'd even shut off the motor. I told him I'd been thinking about a GT-R for a while but had never had a chance to drive one, and that I'd heard they were pretty fast. (chuckle) Without questioning he disappeared inside and came out with the keys. I guess I'm glad nobody noticed the MFR plates on the back of the Benz.

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 15:49

I've long ago decided that a supercar is very low on my priority list for car ownership (unless a few things go right, in which case count me in), but I find this really awesome nonetheless. Keep 'em comin'!

TheOnelectronic > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 15:51

Interesting set of write-ups. I don't even like the SLS, but damn, you managed to have some sexy photos.

I've had dealership issues as well, and I absolutely refuse to deal with places that have given me shit.

My favorite story involves a Gallardo and an Evo.

A few years back, when I was 17, I was looking for a car to replace my dad's Silverado that I'd been driving. My two main interests were the WRX and the STI, but I figured I'd check out the Evo IX just to be safe.

Being a nice summer day, I decided to take my mom's 08 Gallardo out, since I was about the only person in the family who drove it on a regular basis. (My mom, bless her heart, quickly learned about the attention issue)

As it happened, I parked around the side of the Mitsubishi dealership, apparently unseen by any of the sales people. When I went to talk to the guy, I was met by lots of condescension, with quips like "Do you even know how much an evo costs?" and "There's no way anybody will let you test drive an evo." (This was approximately a few weeks after I had test driven a Maserati GT and an Aston DB9)

Needless to say, I told the salesman to fuck off in a considerably more polite manner and returned to the car.

Normally, I try not to drive in asshatish ways on public roads. On this occasion, though, I embraced my inner douchebag. Started it up with a bit of throttle to get that nice explosion of noise, and then left the dealership at full bore in a "look at me!" orange Lamborghini.

The subaru dealership, by the way, treated me wonderfully, so I ended up with a WRX. When I returned a few years later looking at an STI, though, I got the same kind of bullshit, so I got a 335i instead.

I try pretty hard to avoid the "rich asshole" stereotypes, but sometimes, just sometimes, it's absolutely worth it.

As an aside, I find your ski trip comment interesting, since the last run is usually the one where I go all-out.

desertdog5051 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 15:59

Off topic. A few weeks ago I did a survey to find out if there was any medical doctors in the Oppo world. We do have a very diverse audience. Someone said They thought you were. So, when I saw your post I thought I would ask.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 16:06

highmodulus > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:10

21. How to respond to Personal Thank You Letters from CEO of Tire Rack

#j/k nice car!

Maxxuman > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:21

Oh yeah? Well when I was young I had a supercar too

Kinja'd!!!

No really, I had one just like it. Interesting article though.

Party-vi > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:24

Another great read.

cazzyodo > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:28

Number 11...always.

Looking forward to your future posts. I enjoy these thoroughly.

OliverGowen21 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:30

Im diggin all the Virginia plates in this thread. Love seeing supercars in my state.

Dangerous > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:33

The funny things is all these things hold true when driving a little ol' Lotus Elise too.

Azzy > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:35

Interesting! Keep them coming.

I think that having something that is far out of ordinary gets you some of the issues form both of your articles so far, be it a supercar or not. Just maybe not to teh extent.

TwoZeroFour > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:35

Thanks again for the fun and insightful article. The SLS is my girlfriend's dream car and we had the chance to drive it at the dealership since I was already an AMG owner. Forwarded this to her.

Drew > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:38

I think I have seen just about every point you have made.

While many may argue my car(Lotus Evora) is not a "super car" I think most would at least say "Exotic"

I live in a small town in the Midwest so the chances of seeing anything more exotic than a Camaro are rare. Heck My old 370Z was rare in these parts.

the biggest joy, besides driving, is the looks you get from people. sometimes a thumbs up or sometime a flip off, but you do get reactions

The worst thing is that anyone with anything remotely sporty thinks I'm all in for a street drag race to prove some sort of point. Like I'm going to risk losing my car or injuring someone to put some 17 yrd driving Dads 1980 Firebird in his place.

I look forward to every drive in that car. Just wish I had more time to do it. But with an expensive car come, well, expenses.

johncalvinyoung > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:38

Cars & Coffee in Raleigh? Whereabouts? I work in the area and would enjoy C&C.

DennyCraneDennyCraneDennyCrane > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:40

I took one look at that video, and my first thought:

"Hey, is that Atlanta Motorsports Park?"

That Kart track is FUN. I need to get back there...

Illegal Machine > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:43

Hello,

I greatly enjoyed reading this story. You seem like a very nice, interesting, young man. I am happily married, but if you ever come to the Houston area, let’s go grab a steak, be bros, talk about cars and see where the night takes us.

Thanks for your time.

Illegal Machine - Houston, TX

Br3ntster > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:43

I think we haven't covered one of the main questions - does it help you get some ass :)?

Illegal Machine > Illegal Machine
10/04/2013 at 16:43

Hit me up on Twitter and Instagram @Illegal_Machine

Dream Crusher, a name suggested by steliosr32 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:44

One thing that would piss me off if I had such a car, the asshats telling me how I wasted money by buying an exotic car. YOU didn't work for MY money, don't tell me how to spend it and the fact that I am able to spend x amount of dollars on said car means that I am pretty good with my money TYVM. That is how I would handle those kinds of people.

CAcoalminer > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 16:44

Wow great story. I feel really bad for you that you're "the only person in the family who drove [the Gallardo] on a regular basis." Also, I'm glad you showed those mean salesman that you deserved their respect by embracing your "inner douchebag."

Battery Tender Unnecessary > johncalvinyoung
10/04/2013 at 16:45

It's moved a couple times due to people doing burnouts and speeding off afterwards. They have a Facebook page with details.

M H > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:45

The best part about this thread is that you don't actually need a supercar to do anything listed on this "Part 2", just buy something obnoxious, rare and loud and people will come over to look at it. Say.....a 2000 Imola Red MCoupe :)

Saracen > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:48

From my experiences related to shows such as C&C, the trend seems to be that the stereotypical supercar owners are silver spooners that never grew out of being spoiled rich kids...where as the guys who worked for a living and build up their careers and wealth from scratch (yourself, rb1971, etc) are generally very nice, approachable, and down to earth.

(of course, there are trends...there are always exceptions!)

Grab Paddle > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:48

GrrrRRRRRR FART, GrrrrrRRRRRR FART Grrrr, burp burp burp burp

Repeat.

James > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 16:48

So you're an entitled little shit. Sorry bud, you're gonna get nothing but hate on here.

11b3p > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:50

In the video, is it common at tracks to have the "A" at the Apex at each turn? I've only done motorcycle track days at WSIR and Sears Point/Infineon/Sonoma Raceway and I've never seen those markers. Is that setup by the track day org? Would be nice for a track you've never ridden/driven before.

2 Wheels awesome! > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:51

#11 every time I pass a smug Prius driver in my 1968 Firebird 350... they look at me like a just beat their first born child to death with a baby seal.

#17 It's fun to troll people who act like assholes at car shows because they think I am too young to own a car at the show and don't know anything. "That's a sweet paint job mister! how many horse powers does this thing have!?"

BlackPenquinn > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:53

You forgot:

OTHER PEOPLE WILL SUDDENLY HAVE TO DRIVE FASTER AND MORE RECKLESS AROUND YOU.

I have had a number of cars and every time I take out an exotic I have to deal with "guy" in an obviously slower car who has to prove to the world that he is more of a man than me. They try and race you, they speed past you pretending not to look as they cut you off, etc, etc, etc.

You even notice the mini vans have to suddenly drive faster then you. I end up creating a crime wave.

When I drive around in my Range Rover, traffic is just so much calmer around me.

kyldare > M H
10/04/2013 at 16:54

The clown shoe makes them girls drool.

/terribly awkward rap persona

langadamd > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:54

Great write-up. Interesting to hear the perspective of an actual enthusiast supercar owner.

MykePagan > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:54

You can experience most of these supercar situations for a fraction of the price in a Lotus Elise or Exige. People look at it like it was a$250K Ferrari, but you don't have to tiptoe around in fear that you will bang up a rare piece of rolling real estate. Heck, we a Elise owners can go to the race track and hammer the little beast 'cause a used one costs about as much as a new Camry.

Tommy861 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:55

I commented on your other post about how I have one of the first 2010 Camaros, I encountered #20 while shopping for a Hyundai with my now ex girlfriend. The whole dealership stopped and dropped what they were doing to check out the car. I felt bad for the people who were legitimately trying to buy a car there.

toadboy65 > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 16:56

I agree totally about the salesperson thing. I was lucky enough to get a good paying job right out of college. I am also a car person, from a family of serious car collectors. I found out early on that the only way a salesperson would take me seriously is when I parked right in front of the store. I have never bought a vehicle for what others might think. I am not a vain person. Truthfully, you cannot really judge anyone by the car they drive. My dad is a very wealthy car collector. But unless the weather is absolutely perfect, he drives a dented Toyota pick-up.

imwithadd > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:56

i find the hardest thing is to actually purchase the car, i for one have the money to buy my dream car (lambo gallardo) but i find that i use that 150 grand and invest it, im a big car enthusiast so whats wrong with me?

Upshift > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:56

Here's my sad situation. I've experienced 12a, 13, 14, 15, the opposite of 16 and 18 has been some of my own friends. And all I have is a 2012 race red mustang v6 (love your car btw, way up there on my wish list). I just don't get it -_- this is in Canada as well so it's not like if the mustang is rare at all here. Sigh

rigidjunkie7677 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:57

A lot of these apply to buying a first year car after a redesign. My first car was an S10 pickup that was one of the first of the 94's and everywhere I drove people were acting like I was in a Lambo on fire with a stripper dancing on the antenna. Only lasted a few months, but it got really old really fast.

Maxxuman > 2 Wheels awesome!
10/04/2013 at 16:57

How about, "I bet that thing's really grounded to the ground"

B_dol > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 16:58

I always take joy in reading your articles, very well written and planned out.

When you are out scouting dealers for a test drive, is there any technique you use to keeps the sales pitch to a minimum and just check out the car? Perhaps I am too nice to these salesmen, but I often spend much longer than I intend at a dealer.

FRSFTW-ActuallyboughtaFocusST > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 16:59

Fuck the dude above me, cool that you have the opportunity to drive and own some awesome cars.

Thunder > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:00

I wonder if we're (relatively) neighbors. You mentioned Cars & Coffee in Raleigh; I live in a suburb.

You might find interesting that there happens to be a white 458 Italia in the Cary Porsche dealership at present - perhaps "The Ugly" offloaded his there.

afaik > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:01

that sl65 owner is an asshat. Even more reason not to buy an FF

toadboy65 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:01

The biggest issue in my experience is tires. I have a very well equipped shop, and can generally do whatever maintenance or repairs that are needed. But I can't make tires. The higher performance the car is, the more expensive the tires, and the shorter their service life is.

travestyebo > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:03

Lot less hate from the peanut gallery this post. Good jeorb! Nice writeup. Keep'em coming. All valid points...

05STi > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:03

A good percentage of these things apply to driving an STi. Rolling coal, wanna be drag racers, enthusiast crowd. Of course on some of these (rolling coal especially) I think a Prius may get the same treatment for DBs.

Speedmerchant > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 17:05

I talked a salesman into letting me drive a 455SD T/A..... Now that I am one, I would have NEVER let me do that! LOL

I've made tons of sales to people who don't spend big bucks looking the part but have the cash.

Thunder > rigidjunkie7677
10/04/2013 at 17:08

Awesome description.

Nailed the visual image.

BlackPenquinn > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:10

TRUE STORY:

I was driving my Aston Martin V12 Vantage, when a Police officer pulled me over to look at my car. He then proceeded to have me wait till the road was clear of cars and instructed me to let it rip up and down the street because he was "old school" and just wanted to see it in action.

But I have also been pulled over and harassed for no good reason while they went looking for something I might have done. Strange way to treat a 40 plus year old with no record or tickets.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Illegal Machine
10/04/2013 at 17:14

Sounds like fun. I definitely message if in in the area.

05STi > Dangerous
10/04/2013 at 17:18

High percentage of people think your car costs more than an SLS.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Thunder
10/04/2013 at 17:18

Hmm, someone else must have bought one "on his street." Too common for him at that point.

BlackLab > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:19

I like your car but I think it falls under the "Good choice for a really rich dude with no family" much like a Audi R8 does.. Super Cars are like Ferarri where people buy em but never drive them because they fall apart..

agent45007 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:23

Yea, life must be rough.

BKRM3 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:23

You know, you strike a chord with me every time. Number 11. I know it's utterly childish but I cannot tell you how happy it makes me when I get the perfect opportunity to blip a 3 to 2 downshift at about 45mph in the M next to a Prius with an open driver's window. Surely you remember that S65 snarl.

It happens a few times a summer. Those days are the best days.

ndukyh > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:24

Oh wow I was at that Raleigh C&C (have the same pic of it next to the white 458) and was seeing that guy with the MR SL65 Black talking to a guy. I liked his car and my girlfriend told me that I should go talk to him cause I had some questions about it — I told her I didn't really want to bother and I'm glad I didn't now after reading this.

R W > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:31

so why the merc over the r8?

ZiptieMcBumper > BlackPenquinn
10/04/2013 at 17:31

" When I drive around in my Range Rover, traffic is just so much calmer around me."

That was just so ironic I thought you might be trolling there for a minute. Damn, I took the bait.

Ilike_cougars > M H
10/04/2013 at 17:33

Happens to me in my Interlagos Blue 2007 M roadster

gzdesign > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:33

With all this things in mind, I'd rather go for a sleeper... Maybe a Volvo? Maybe. But estate Volvos certainly look even more unpretentious. All the driving smiles, not any unwanted attention...

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Jackals_Discple > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:41

Thanks for the writeups! Great reads overall. Though I am not quite in the same league I have worked hard and now in my mid-twenties own a '14 Shelby GT 500 and an '11 WRX for my daily driver.

The amount of attention I generally receive in the Shelby is a bit more than I am used to but nothing near what an SLS would be. The blipping of the throttle on downshift is right on point.

Most importantly I want to commend you on taking the time to show not all younger supercar owners are jerks. Many people that do not know me assume that because of my car and age I am going to be an asshat. Many are - especially the kids at C&C in the Houston area. No one expects that working hard your whole life to go to a good school, get a good job and make sacrifices is something anyone does anymore!

David Brown > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:44

Just to start with:

Point 12b: How paranoid or narcissistic does a person have to be to believe a road user in front of you is using windscreen washers just to fuck up your newly detailed car and not because they have something on the windscreen they need rid of. TBC.

fintail > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 17:47

Bootstrapper!

Thunder > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:50

I haven't seen an SLS around here yet. I guess you're safe.

Thus far, I've seen one while cruising on I-95, and another on Hutchinson Island, Stuart, FL.

David Brown > David Brown
10/04/2013 at 17:54

Wow! That was quick.

Point 13: Cars get out of your way. I understand completely. It must be so terrible when cars don't cut you up or dawdle along in the over taking lane. "Ah but," I hear you say, "what if these people are getting out of the way because all they want is for you to accelerate by them."

Guess what you over privileged, self absorbed, mindless twonk. Much like you used to do, before you could afford a super car, you'd let cars go by so you could look at them and listen to the motor roar. You are making the day of the guy in front if you overtake him when he pulls over.

I'm no where near finishing this article yet and I am developing a dislike for this author.

magman007 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 17:57

#13

Not that I have any experience in driving super cars, But I did notice this phenomenon when I achieved my first "rational" dream car, an e46 m3. Now, I went to school in Salina Kansas, a small city of 50k people. Needless to say, unless another e46 m3 was comming through town, I was the only one there. When on the interstate I noticed this phenomenon most. The e46 m3, while no where near as polarizing as the sls, was still intimidating in its own right (I guess) and I would have people move over for no reason. It was a good feeling.

David Brown > David Brown
10/04/2013 at 18:09

I was correct. I do not like this author. Many of us who don't have the disposable income to afford such a car would sacrifice a few things in order to own one. However, this is a concession that few have to make. But to say you should not expect others to act as you have in the past is unrealistic. To say you haven't had the bug this intensely in the past only signifies you are not a petrol head. Only the truest hold this title. Only the truest will freak super car owners out. The difference to be observed is that only the true petrol head super car owner won't fucking complain about a load of pointless shit he/she thinks is inconvenient when all he/she is doing is bring sunshine into someone's, otherwise, hopeful day.

rageify > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 18:15

Kinja'd!!!

When my Grandpa let me hoon his R8 for the day, I stopped first at a gas station and got a lot of weird stares...Im only 18... But owners of mustang gts and chevey zl1 were pissed to see me and the car. Later when I went to lunch with my buddy, there was a 16 kid taking pics of the car, so I gave ride around the block and showed off the 8250 redline. He was supprised to see a nice person driving a supercar. Made his day and the car made mine.

Illegal Machine > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 18:29

Look forward to it.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > rageify
10/04/2013 at 18:29

Yeah, at the last show I went to there was a guy and his son checking out the car. Started talking to the dad while the kid was circling the car. He said, "I hope you don't mind, but my son is Autistic and loves your SLS. He drives one in Forza all the time and knows everything about it but hasn't seen one in person." I told him it was no problem at all. I have an autistic cousin. I told him to take all the time he wanted to look at it, let him sit in it and his dad took a picture. He left and came back a couple of times. I think the dad was just surprised/happy to find out I wasn't an asshole and didn't mind his son hanging around.

TheOnelectronic > CAcoalminer
10/04/2013 at 18:31

The salesman assumed I was some kid who didn't know a thing and was entirely unlikely to actually get the car. I relished in proving him wrong.

TheOnelectronic > James
10/04/2013 at 18:34

Entitled? Entitled to what? The only thing I was "entitled" to in my story was some basic respect. I understand that a salesman isn't likely to expect some 17 year-old kid to be a serious buyer, but this person in particular was particularly smug about it.

Also, Seeing as how I don't recognize your name, and you're grayed out still, I don't think you quite realize where "on here" is.

TheOnelectronic > toadboy65
10/04/2013 at 18:37

The thing that I find odd is that it's generally the more "exclusive" dealerships who are much more accomodating with test drives. I've had really good experiences with Audi, Aston, the local exotic dealer, etc..., but rubbish with Toyota, Ford, VW, and Nissan.

The same is true with bikes. Test rides with the big 4 are almost unheard of, but Ducati, BMW, and others will literally have demo bikes lining the street.

TheOnelectronic > FRSFTW-ActuallyboughtaFocusST
10/04/2013 at 18:43

This must have made it onto the front page or something. Usually the Troglodytes don't find their way onto Oppo. It's why a lot of us just avoid the front page altogether.

TheOnelectronic > Speedmerchant
10/04/2013 at 18:47

I understand that there's a certain amount of profiling that's going to happen at a dealership, it was just the guy's smugness that pissed me off. You're selling a $40k sport sedan made by a failing car brand. Don't act like I've offended you by even daring to be interested.

CAcoalminer > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 18:49

I understand that (believe me we've all been there) but I just think that you could have handled it in a more mature manner.

e_dash > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 18:53

An interesting read for sure, thanks for posting. Also well done for not being like that asshole with the SL65.

I don't get the petty reactions of other drivers though. I was with my uncle in his DB9 just stuck in a bit of traffic when a van full of builders drove past the other way and yelled out "asshole!" Super annoying.

Also those douchebags who speed up when you try and pass them (even if they were driving below the speed limit in the first place) should have their licences revoked.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Saracen
10/04/2013 at 18:53

It's a shame to because it can completely kill any enthusiasm you had about the car and talking to the owner. It a big reason I wouldn't want a new Ferrari. The cars themselves are amazing, but all but one or two owners I've talked to are complete asses. It's a pedestal to their wealth on wheels they can show off. They rarely have any knowledge of the heritage and history of the brand and know even less about the technical aspects of the car and what makes it special.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 18:54

I'm sorry, dude, but you will lose a lot of respect due to the snobby tone of this post. The "rich asshole" stereotype is never worth it, esp. when you're you haven't been the one earning anything. It's nothing you can control, but people are bound to get pissed off reading this. I don't agree with others' responses, but boasting about entitlement is something you want to avoid on a website with users who own station wagons as extensions of their personalities. I hope you don't take this as bitter criticism or leave the site due to unsupported, negative comments.

r0ckrat > CAcoalminer
10/04/2013 at 18:57

Like, starting it in a noisy way to get their attention, then driving calmly away from the dealership in as visible a direction as possible, so that they watch you go for a longer period, without thinking "What a douche." Is that what you had in mind? :D No offense intended, but that would have made more of an impact to me.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Jackals_Discple
10/04/2013 at 19:00

Yeah, it's espcially weird when I'm talking to someone at Cars & Coffee and they yell to their kid "get over here, I want you to meet someone." The parent will as how much they would like to own a car like that. "Ask him how he got a car like that." It's super cheesy but I basically just say stay in school, study hard, work hard. It's happened at least five times in the past year and hopefully one of them might take it to heart.

Analyticus > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 19:03

Looking at the comments below, I think that Rule 18 just kicked in.

I would have done the same as you, and have been very satisfied doing so.

Enjoy your life, which is better than mine. Kind regards.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > imwithadd
10/04/2013 at 19:03

Nothings wrong. That's just common sense telling you a supercar is a bad investment decision...unless you bought a Ford GT for sticker 9 years ago. That would have been a good investment.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > R W
10/04/2013 at 19:05

Personal preference mostly. I've had a thing for gullwing doors ever since BTTF and the sound it makes is worth most of the price of admission itself. The new R8 V10 Plus would have made the decision much harder though.

TheOnelectronic > CAcoalminer
10/04/2013 at 19:05

I'm not sure I see how it was immature. Maybe that's my problem?

In case the tone wasn't clear, I did not actually tell him to fuck off. I said something along the lines of "Well, alright then." and left.

TheOnelectronic > r0ckrat
10/04/2013 at 19:06

I figured they hadn't seen me pull up, so I might as well try the sound approach on the way out.

It's not like full bore in 1st gear is all that fast. It's a very short gear.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > 11b3p
10/04/2013 at 19:07

Not very common. Sometimes a group will place cones depending on what type of cars are running since the apex might vary depending on your style as well. It was a nice private track. Kind of like a country club for cars instead of golf. TI = Track in, A = Apex, TO = Track out.

Racescort666 > CAcoalminer
10/04/2013 at 19:10

Yeah, probably. I probably would have done the same thing in that situation though and I'm 27. I've dealt with some real douchebag salesmen (and some really great ones) but how many times are you in a great position to stick it to someone? Plus, hooning is fun.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > desertdog5051
10/04/2013 at 19:10

Yes I am. Fun cars are a welcome distraction after a week at work.

TheOnelectronic > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/04/2013 at 19:15

Does it really seem snobby? I apologize if that's the case.

I was honestly just irritated at the salesman's smugness and "you are not worthy" attitude, so I figured I'd throw it right back at him.

In case it isn't clear, I don't expect people to respect me because I can throw money at them, and I certainly don't expect to ask someone about a car that's as much of a douche-magnet as the Evo without a little suspicion, I just REALLY don't like being blown off by people just because they assume _____ about me. In this case, I just had the means to get my own little personal revenge, so I took it.

I do apologize if it seemed like boasting or anything of the sort. It isn't meant to be. If I wanted to boast, I wouldn't have included the fact that the car wasn't mine. If you look at my posting history, I generally try to avoid mentioning any of these things for exactly that reason. It just seemed like a relevant anecdote.

StoneColdSteveUrkel > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 19:16

Is it possible that the owners of the Ferrari's you met were just asses anyway and they just happened to own Ferraris?

Why would a car change who you are at heart? Can't a person be solid enough inside to withstand the stresses and joys of owning an exotic sports car?

TheOnelectronic > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 19:17

Is your reply supposed to be empty? I can't tell if my browser is acting up...

desertdog5051 > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 19:18

Yay! A lot of people said there would not be any doctors and I disagreed. I was only to find a single guy in med school. I can claim victory. Thanks.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > B_dol
10/04/2013 at 19:20

I've found knowing as much as you can about the car beforehand minimizes a lot of the chit-chat and just brings the conversation down to "is this guy serious?" My response to this is behaving as if the purchase of the car is a done deal already. If they get the impression you've already bought the car in your head, then there's no harm in test driving it.

As far as being nice goes, I end up being fairly good friends with some of my salesmen (which a lot of people will tell you is a bad idea). Hang out after work, etc. I also don't get the vibe that they're constantly trying to make a sale. That's probably because I'm so "matter of fact" about the business part of the relationship. They know if I'm on the fence about a car there isn't much they can say to sway me. I'm very binary in decision making. Pick something and commit. The advantage to this is that if I'm walking away from a deal, they know I'm not just bullshitting. They know they won't see me again about that particular car unless they improve the terms.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > StoneColdSteveUrkel
10/04/2013 at 19:26

That's more than possible, it's the most likely scenario. It's also proven by science. Successful top level executives rarely get there by being nice and likable. So it stands to reason that the successful people that can afford those cars are more likely to be abrasive that not.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 19:28

Weird. Kinja acting up I think. I clicked the star on my phone but it apparently generated a blank reply as well.

TheOnelectronic > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 19:31

Haha, I understand. Kinja is a strange beast.

Napop > Battery Tender Unnecessary
10/04/2013 at 19:32

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

candyfobreakfast > TheOnelectronic
10/04/2013 at 19:43

Don't bother apologizing dude, a lot of people here hate people who are well off for absolutely no reason, and there's nothing you can do to change that. Pretty much anything you do will set them off, especially if you didn't earn every single cent yourself.