Do you let people drive your car/taught them how to?

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426)
02/19/2015 at 14:44 • Filed to: None

I know there are car people out there that say, "this is my car and I'm the only one that drives it." I don't really get that though. I feel lucky to have the car I have, and I want to share the experience with as many people (that I trust) as possible. My car is hibernating right now, but I can't wait for the weather to get better. Why? So I can drive the hell out of my car? Well, yes, but not entirely.

One of my good friends drives a manual Focus. He let me drive it last week and it was so nice to be back in a manual car. And, I honestly can't wait to bring my car back to school so he can experience what I might take for granted. Driving for me is all about the experience, and I feel like most would enjoy learning how to drive a manual/driving a car that's 44 years old. I don't want to be selfish. I can't wait for my girlfriend to come back from Australia. I've started teaching her, as in, I'm driving and she shifts for me. She's learning, but still scared. But, I'm excited to have these experiences. I've already thought three of my friends to drive stick on my car. Sure, it was rough, but they learned quick and they loved it. And, I have to say, if I met someone interested enough (almost any OPPO I run into), I'd let them have a go. What's the point of having interesting cars if you're going to keep them for yourself?

So, I ask you guys. Do you share your car?

DISCUSSION (37)

MIATAAAA > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:45

I share them all. You wanna drive them? Go for it!*

*I'm not liable if the Volvo murders you.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:46

I've taught 4 different people to drive stick my cars. It's tones of fun. However teaching some one to attack corners in your car, that is scary. lol.

505Turbeaux > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:48

only if the person I am sharing with is returning the favor with something equally as interesting. Or if my best friend needs to borrow it for something

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:48

All the time. If they want to and i know they arent a crazy ass driver i will let them

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:49

My Benz can be driven by a 10 year old child. My Rover requires giving instruction to that ten-year-old, and more upper arm strength and leg strength than most could muster. I've let people drive both, as long as they knew what they were getting into. Given that the Ranchero is going to be a 250hp+ column shift stick, not so sure on it, yet.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
02/19/2015 at 14:50

Yahhh, I don't think I'd go that far. Maybe a parking lot donut or two, though.

CPT Speedbump > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:51

Yes and no. If I've ridden with them, and know they are proficient or better at driving stick and pay attention, I might let someone drive my Z with me in the car. A handful of people I'd let drive it without me (my mums the only person to have done so though) , if they're somewhat decent at stick and pay attention, they can drive my Beetle with me (don't think anyone could figure that car out without me really). And my Toyota pick up..I'm down to teach someone how to drive stick in it and let people drive it...it's a Toyota pick up, not like they'll be able to hurt it.

Spaceball-Two > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:52

Other than my wife I find that my dad takes my keys when I'm visiting him as he hasn't driven a manual in a long time. He's used to fire trucks and Harleys. Most of my friends shy away as they feel driving a stick is too much work. blah!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:52

I don't let anyone drive my BRZ, but I'll toss the keys to the A-Dub to anyone. I've taught a few people how to drive stick on that and some of the cars I dailied in the past, but the BRZ is mine. There are a few people at my local autocross who I'd probably let take a run or two in the Subie, but they're the exceptions, not the rule. I see how they drive and know they'll be good. Random terrible driver friend isn't.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:53

I did also teach my sister in law to do e brake 180's on gravel in my old Integra GSR, that was fun. I even almost got her to do a real burn out.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
02/19/2015 at 14:54

Dude. Sweet.

Sam > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:55

I'll let anyone drive any of my cars at least once. Their insurance covers it if they crash, so they have to have that. But we never do anything too crazy.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:56

I've let a few people drive the Montego, man it's weird sitting on the passenger side.

I let my brother in law drive it as his BDay present (he just turned 16 and got his license, that was a bit scary, he freaking loved it though). I also finally convinced my wife to try driving it, she's been deathly afraid because she says it's so big (She DD's a Jeep Commander, come on lol)

Too many M's > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:56

I'm the same way. I don't want my collection to be tucked in a garage away from everyone who might appreciate it. Cars were meant to be driven and I want folks to experience what I see everyday.

That and if I can get more folks to appreciate RWD-manual cars then I have won!! Three pedals over the paddles!

1.21 JIGGA WATTS!!! > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:56

Taught two people how to drive stick in my Cobalt before I crashed it. But I would let pretty much anyone drive it because it had been so long since they drove one.

I don't so much with my Silverado now, but that's because all my friends drive small cars, and the dimensions of a truck are big enough to unsettle them. (A LOT of curb checks). And maybe I am just a little selfish.

If I get the TDI Passat with a 6-spd in 6-8 months that I have been eyeing, then I'll definitely revive the practice and let them drive it.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:57

Hell yes I share my car. Cars are meant to be enjoyed. I've taught a lot of friends to drive stick on my cars at the expense each car's clutch, and that's fine by me. Most of the time if a friend asks to drive I'm more than willing to hand the keys over, and most of the time those friends are perfectly willing to toss me the keys when I ask to drive theirs, and I do ask to drive just about everything from a Ranger with a stick to a beat to hell 200k miles Cooper S.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:59

I encourage people to drive my cars. Why not? I used the Kia to teach my now-19-year-old sister in law to shift, and enjoy driving other people's cars.

It's a car. It's supposed to be driven.

lone_liberal > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 14:59

Nobody usually wants to drive my DD but if I borrow my dad's truck he gets my car in return. When I do have an interesting car I don't have any issues letting somebody I trust drive it.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:01

I've let a few people drive my FR-S.

-My mom used it when she was in town and I was at work.
-I've let a good buddy from work drive it a few times. He's a car guy and really appreciates the car for what it is, and even is debating buying one. I definitely trust his driving.
-I've let my cousin drive it. He's another car guy, plus we were on a road trip and it meant I didn't have to drive the entire time.
-And I let a buddy co-drive it at a rallycross event a few weeks ago. He owns a BRZ (stored in the winter, which is why he co-drove with me) and won his class in autocross back in San Jose when he lived there. So I definitely trusted him. haha

I actually really enjoy seeing the pleasure that it brings people to drive my car. Sharing the joy, that I get to experience every day with my car, is incredibly satisfying.

fhrblig > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:03

I've never been that guy. Then again, I've never owned a car worth more than $16k.

camaroboy68ss > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:03

Other than my dad and grandpa no else has driven my Camaros and my grandpa and I are the only ones to drive my pickup. A lot of my friends drive to fast and are not even remotely used to any kind of horsepower so there is no way I'm letting them behind the wheel of my stuff. My cars are really the only thing I'm selfish about because they are the most valuable things I own and the things I take the best care of.

jariten1781 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:05

My wife can drive them. I'll happily teach/coach someone on any of them as well as take it for a spin with me in the passenger seat. Other than that, no. I've had multiple bad experiences with people curbing wheels, backing into posts, managing to lock the keys inside that I'm just not putting up with that anymore.

detailer4u > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:05

I am sorry I was distracted by that picture ....... what was the question again!

Kinja'd!!!

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:08

A couple friends and my girlfriend have driven it in car parks. My grandad is the only one to have driven it on the road other than me since I bought it.

I don't like people driving my car.

PelicanHazard > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:15

The only person besides me who can drive my Dart is my brother, since he also owns a manual and is a good driver. I also let my girlfriend drive my 500. Other than those two exceptions, no one drives my cars but me* because I know for a fact they're not good drivers. Also the same reason I drive everywhere and haven't let a friend drive me in years.

* This doesn't include auto shops, which drive it for the dozens of feet it takes to go from the lot into a bay for new tires/annual inspection.

cazzyodo > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:20

For the first 12 months, only I drove it the FoST. I was teaching myself on it and wanted nobody else to touch it but me.

Then I gave a couple lessons to my gf.

Then a one friend did a loop in a parking lot to get a feel for it.

Then I let my buddy get back behind the wheel of a manual vehicle.

Then I taught my brother.

Grand total of me not in driver seat...probably somewhere north of an hour haha

Jonathan Harper > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:24

If I owned a car I would share it generously.

Since I don't, most of the cars I get to drive I can't share because of insurance.

Little Black Coupe Turned Silver > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:25

The daily? Knock yourself out. I tried to teach a friend stick in it, and I routinely let a couple other friends drive it. The big thing is just the fact a lot of my friends can't drive stick, so that limits who can drive it.

The track car.... Eh. I've let my friend track it a few times now, but I trust him. And want to see what he can get out of it, so I have some goals. I've let a few friends drive it on the street, but I'm still fairly protective.

Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:28

No manual here, but I enjoy watching folks drive my car. Not every Tom, Dick, and Harry off the street gets the privilege, but I can quickly recognize those folks who, like me, adored the car since its introduction - for some its a dream come true and who am I to deny that. Family, even the most distant cousin, can drive any of my cars (they're all modified in some way) with a little instruction.

What I find most thrilling is letting someone in my car club who has the exact same car have the keys ;). They know getting in its the fastest, loudest, most modified stock block, but as soon as the put their foot on the gas they know its a totally different animal than theirs. The looks on their faces are PRICELESS.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:48

I've let most of my immediate family and some of my friends drive my M3 (only ones that know how to drive a manual well, of course) - sharing the joy of driving it is part of the fun of owning it! I even let a distant cousin from Germany hoon it a bit in a parking lot - you should have seen the smile on his face!

I doubt if I'll ever teach someone to drive in this car, though. 450 hp + novice driver can get out of hand pretty quickly, and I don't need any unnecessary wear on such expensive parts...

Somewhat related: As a dad of three kids, there's nothing much more fun than taking one of them on my lap and letting them "drive" through the neighborhood at idle speeds.

E. Julius > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 15:53

My Civic is free and open to any who choose to drive it.

I have had no takers thus far.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Too many M's
02/19/2015 at 15:56

Manuevangelist!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 16:06

None of my friends have ever been allowed to drive my car, because it's not technically mine.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 16:46

Not city folk. A best friend/ former car friend moved to NYC. He's not driving any car I own, ever again. City folk's only point of reference for car piloting are usually cab drivers, which is completely fucked. After a few visits home all our friends share my sentiment. S'like a kid with a learner's permit and a hard on for TF&TF. It was never cute, man.

I'm eager to teach my lady friend once I get my car back. Practicing on her father's badass lifted FJ40 was too traumatic so she's too afraid of messing up her brother's "new" Volvo C30 because "it's sooo nice and sooo fast I don't want to burn the clutch out" ...I once sold C30's, or attempted to as a euro-centric salesman. I tried not to pull a sarcastic face.

More to the point I relish teaching people in my car, especially apprehensive women people. If they can be comfy in what is basically a rally missile they should be able to pilot anything. For one I'm not worried about the clutch its rated at 600ft/lbs and the trans is rebuilt, I launch the bitch at4.5k all the time . While my car is nothing amazing, certainly not look at, it is still a sporty driving sports coupe with some surprises. Showing people who normally think of cars as an appliance what it is to enjoy driving is indeed fulfilling.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > banjo cat ghost of oppo past
02/19/2015 at 16:52

what do you drive?

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 17:16

A 1st gen Eclipse GSX with the LSD rear that came to me as a ragged yet capable street racer, I tried restoring in college, and is now on its way to becoming a more ragged rally racer unless I have a wild hair up my ass and re-re-reregister it this spring. I might

My contributions were new suspension, turbo, transmission, black leather interior aaaand Jaguar British Racing Green paint! Vocational school students are just, just great.

Big Bubba Ray > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
02/19/2015 at 20:13

You're a brave man to share your 2002, but I do the same thing with my Z. Pretty much anybody that asks and knows how to drive stick is allowed wheel time in the Datsun! Why be selfish? It gets people in on the car hobby and it's always a good time.