Car Culture Question: Do you wave?

"cazzyodo" (cazzyodo) 09/09/2015 at 10:23 • Filed to: None

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I pulled out of the driveway from work yesterday, turned onto the main road and was waved at by a guy in a white FiST. I returned the gesture and was struck for a second by how I hadn’t experienced that in a car.

On the motorcycle, yeah...happened all the time.

But never in the FoST or anything else (granted the FoST is the most interesting thing I’ve driven). I don’t see many STs in the Boston area (a couple black FoSTs, two FiSTs now, a couple yellow FoSTs) so I imagine it also has something to do with vehicle population density as well.

I’m aware of the “Jeep wave” but what about you guys? Do you wave to other drivers?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:25

3

If I want to say ‘thanks for letting me go’ or ‘thanks for not cutting me off’ I wave...otherwise no

TractorPillow > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:26

6

In my neighborhood I wave at everyone. On the road I wave at other cool/unique cars that I like. Sometimes they wave first. If it’s a car guys car (like STs) then the recognize you as one of them so they wave.

Bottom line: never hurts

spanfucker retire bitch > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:26

0

I give a little bit of a wave if someone lets me into their lane, or return one if I let someone in.

Beyond that; nope.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:26

0

It depends. I saw a nice S-klasse diesel the other day and didn’t, but I’ve been known to.

Nerd-Vol > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:26

0

I tried to, but most Miata drivers are in their late 70s and don't know what a first generation one looks like.

Boxer_4 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:27

0

The other day I got a wave from an older gentleman in a bugeye Outback Sport while I was in my Forester. Yes, I wave.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:28

0

Subaru guys tend to wave at me because I have a blue Subaru. I don’t usually wave back.

Party-vi > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:29

48

I used to wave at other BMW drivers, but they all suck.

I get lots of Jeep waves in the Willys, but my seating position has me not able to notice most of them until it’s too late and then I feel like an ass.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:29

1

I’ll wave when I see other Toyobarus or any cool/unique car too, which happens a lot in Chicagoland.

I also do the wave if someone lets me in.

Chris Kasinskas > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:29

0

Subie Wave. Yes, Always to other Subie drivers!

cazzyodo > TractorPillow 09/09/2015 at 10:30

14

I’ve taken to the thumbs up out the window for classic cars I pass. At traffic lights, a drooling stare is my go-to.

RazoE > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:31

17

In my MS3, if I see another (or any other Mazdaspeed), I’ll do the quick two beeps and peace sign out the window, if they’re coming the other direction, I’ll give a thumbs up.

yitznewton > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:31

1

Yep, I am wave. Most of the time my wavees are Toyobarus, but also the occasional Miata or S2000 or aircooled German thing.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:31

0

People in classics I like get a thumbs up. Otherwise nothing...

Jagvar > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:32

84

I tooted my horn at another Phaeton once. The guy flipped me off.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:33

8

I give a thumbs up whenever I see someone passing the other way in a classic car. They rarely wave back. Toronto : (

Ash78, voting early and often > Jagvar 09/09/2015 at 10:34

6

I had a guy in a Phaeton once open his sunroof and wave at me when I was stopped BEHIND him in my modded Passat. VW is very hit or miss like that. Total douches, oblivious old people, and everyone else. I like to think I’m in the latter. I still get reciprocal waves from other VW/Audi people sometimes.

EL_ULY > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:34

19

Justin Hughes > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:34

1

It depends. Mine shows its Subaru pride in World Rally Blue with gold wheels, but who really cares whether it’s in Subaru or Scion form? They’re cool cars whatever form they’re in. I often swap waves from other FR-S/BRZ drivers. They’re not terribly common here.

More surprising to me is when I get waves from WRXs and STis, probably because I have done up my car in Subaru colors. Never mind that either of those cars could easily outrun me.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:34

25

As an ST driver, all STs get a thumbs up. As a FiST driver, I ignore all the plebian fiestas. Gotta have standards, you know? I make sure to voice disgust if one of the ungifted peasants parks next to me! (I don’t actually do those things)

Ash78, voting early and often > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:35

224

Isn’t this called FiSTing? Let me go do a quick search to be sure.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jagvar 09/09/2015 at 10:35

121

He thought you were a passat

Agrajag > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:35

3

I only reciprocate.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:35

3

i always wave at Land Cruiser/Disovery S1-2/FoSTs/FiSTs

Most people think I’m “special”

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:37

42

If I waved at every F-150 I saw my arms wouldn't work anymore

cazzyodo > EL_ULY 09/09/2015 at 10:37

2

My gf absolutely hates her haha

cazzyodo > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 09/09/2015 at 10:38

2

I do the same and get the same. To be fair, if I were in a classic I’d be too insanely focused on not hitting shit to return a wave haha.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:38

2

I always wave. Usually they don’t wave back, but when they do, it’s rather nice.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:39

0

I waved to someone in a classic Mini once.

EL_ULY > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:39

0

lol my big sister does as well for some reason

Patrick George > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:40

8

When I had a WRX, owners always waved to me. I’m driving the new one at the moment and they still do it. I kind of miss that about owning one.

nermal > Party-vi 09/09/2015 at 10:40

278

I know the BMW wave!

TheRealBicycleBuck > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:41

3

WRX drivers will go out of their way to get the attention of other WRX drivers so they can wave.

It appears nobody cares about the rest of Subaru’s lineup.

Ash78, voting early and often > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:42

12

“It’s very dangerous to wave to someone you don’t know, because what if they don’t have a hand? They’ll think you’re cocky.”

—Mitch

McMike > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:43

13

Other Vanagons only come by about once a year, so yeah. I wave like I’m drowning. Every time.

Classic Minis are even more rare, so I’ve tried to wave at modern MINIs, but gave up. I watch them and see if they even notice me. Sometimes they do, and I wave.

Motorcycles? Yeah. Most every time if I can. I’ll even wave to mopeds, scooters, etc...

Viperfan1 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:44

2

I absolutely can’t stand her.

Sprinty > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:44

0

I often wave both hands at fellow 1994 Taurus drivers as many of them are over the age of 80 and I fear they won’t be able to see me approaching.

SaveTheClassics > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:44

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Nope, I’ve owned several of the typical “wave” cars. If someone waves at me, I’ll wave back sometimes. But I never initiate the wave.

TheRealBicycleBuck > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:44

1

“My gf absolutely hates her haha”

Why would she hate her haha? Does she laugh like a hyena? Or is this a euphemism for something a bit more private?

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:44

2

I live in the South. We wave at everybody.

fairlady78 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:44

0

Self-confessed WRX bro, wave at other WRX bros (or any cool subies).

Also, when I drive the Datsun lots of people wave at me, and I wave back if I see them.

Vintage1982Benz > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:45

0

Back country road, haven’t seen a car in miles - get the 2 fingers wave and nod.

City driving if someone lets me make a lane change or turn in to heavy traffic I always give them the thank you wave.

Eggshen2012 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:45

1

Lots of waves among us Mustang drivers!

daender > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:45

8

I sorta wish I had a NA Miata so I could do the headlight pop-up blink, but I don’t want the inferior night time lighting distance nor the reduced aerodynamics.

infinityedge > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:45

0

When driving my 1952 Chevy pickup, I wave at other classic cars.

When driving my Miata, I wave at other Miatas and wink the headlights at other NAs.

When riding my bicycle, I wave at other bike commuters.

When riding my motorcycle, I wave at other motorcyclists.

Most of the time they wave back.

adamftw > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:45

3

I use to get and gives waves in my Jeep, now its just me and another guy in a Disco 1 flash our lights at each other on my way home from work.

Shop S-Mart > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

0

A peace sign for any other aircooled VW’s (bugs, busses, ghias) that I see when I’m driving the bug.

KillerBee > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

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The Miata Wave is a thing. Or “wink” if you’ve got an NA. It’s more popular with the younger drivers, though.

Spoon! > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

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When I was in my '14 FoST, yep, lots of times. Of course it was often a housewife or retiree with no clue on the receiving end. Did it for the first couple of months I had my '15 GT, back when they were thin on the ground. Now with everyone renting V6 convertibles at the airport, not so much.

Fragile_this_side_up > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

7

I wave when I see another Saab owner. So, like, once a month... Maybe... ;) (No, that’s not me.. Wish I had an old 900 Turbo though)

Matt Kirsch > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

5

In the Wrangler, I’ll initiate the wave and success rate is probably around 50-75% here in MI. I don’t usually initiate with other S2000 owners but they often wave when I’m driving the S.

ChrisinKY > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

0

I live out in the sticks, everyone waves at everyone. When I first moved out here, I asked my at the time girlfriend now wife “damn do you know everyone?” but alas its just how they roll in the country...

damnthisburnershitsux > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

2

In my cul-de-sac neighborhood I wave to my neighbors, outside of there I don’t. When I’m on my boat everyone waves.

Another interesting phenom is in the Caribbean where it is common to toot your horn and wave whenever you see someone.

Atomic Love Zombie > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

0

I’m a premature gray 45 and I recently purchased a WRX. I get waved to and wave back to all the JDM kids in their own Subies, WRX or not.

It’s fun. I like that camaraderie that I haven’t had since my Jeep days.

El-Verde > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

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The Subaru community does “deuces” (peace sign). It’s kind of embarrassing to admit but I did love being a part of that.

I guy in a 911 waved at me the other day while I was driving my 911. That was weird. Usually we all smugly ignore each other.

Telecaster1959 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

0

I live in Houston. I wave to people that let me in a non-moving line of traffic. Sometimes people wave at me for letting them in, too.

But out in the country, almost everyone waves on the county roads.

The most waves though, came when I drove my Plymouth Superbird. No matter where I drove, pretty much everyone waved at me.

Frenchlicker > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 09/09/2015 at 10:46

5

In trucks it's the two finger wave like in the picture. Maybe that's just our area.

babydriver > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

9

other miata drivers get a “sup” nod.. or a thumbs up if my windows are down.

but i also live on a county road and if you pass someone on the gravel it is customary do do the 2-finger county road wave

gilligan156 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:46

0

I always wave at other Nissan Zs. Not always, but usually, the wave is reciprocated.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > nermal 09/09/2015 at 10:47

29

that’s the Jersey salute

signinsrlame > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:47

0

with my YJ I ignored “the wave”

when I had my superbeetle and people in new beetles gave the wave I would flip them the bird

I’d like to say I’m over that now, but I doubt it

Viperfan1 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:47

18

In my Si people revved at me, in my Miata everyone waved or flipped their headlights, in my Mini girls smiled and guys waved flamboyantly, in my C5 only old guys waved, in my WRX people yelled “nice whip bro”, in my G35/G37 people wave and then blow by me. I usually give a slight wave to any exotic or nicely modded car I see.

#NotAllInfinitiOwners

CallMeTURBO > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:47

0

I wave at other BMWs, however once I realized most of them were just boring commuters buying a badge I amended that to waving at anything with an ///M badge, modified, or anything pre -99.

I also have a euromafia banner so I wave at other modified euros, and occasionally get unprompted waves

Tom McParland > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:47

10

I wave to other GTI drivers...unless they have hellaflushed slammed out cars with the radio blasting and are driving like an asshat. One dude like that rolled up and gave me the male neck-spasm of recognition. I was like “I don’t know you bro” and ignored him, because he makes us look bad.

Aldairion > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:48

0

My friend has a Mini - Mini drivers always seem to wave.

I’ll always give a thumbs up to a nice car, and in my Golf TDI I occasionally get waves from fellow oil-burners.

Speakerboy1114 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:48

0

I used to wave at other W123’s when I had mine. Most other driver’s waved back, usually with diesel grease and grime on their hands.

anonkc > Justin Hughes 09/09/2015 at 10:48

1

Came for confirmation that the “Subaru Wave” was listed.
Granted it is mostly WRX and STi owners waving.

@RJ > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:49

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The Miata wave is pretty common. It started when the NAs came out, and owners would flip their headlights up at each other. But it seems to have carried on with the following generations. I have an NB and get waves from other owners pretty regularly.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:49

0

Yeah that’s a good point. People wave at me a lot in my ‘69 Chrysler but I’m usually too busy driving to notice. Guess I’m a part of the problem haha

Haze > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:49

0

Depends on the car. Alfas almost always wave at each other. Chevy Silverados, not so much.

muwenk > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:49

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The only time people wave at you here in Pittsburgh is to let you take a Pittsburgh left and get out of their way...

cazzyodo > TheRealBicycleBuck 09/09/2015 at 10:50

2

I forget the reasoning but to each their own. I don’t think she’s that funny but don’t care enough to go beyond that.

Wacko > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:50

10

I own a 2 door jeep, and get waves from every 2 door jeep. 4 door jeeps don’t wave.

OMG, TTA! > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:50

7

Got the wave all the time driving my C4. I felt silly since I was driving the poor man’s Corvette, and C5s and C6s were waving. It felt like a “we’re not worthy moment” for me.

STIKleinWagon > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:50

0

WRX’s give the *hey* wave. Legacies here and there, Foresters never (unless XT)

JeepJeremy > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:50

3

I used to hate the “Jeep Wave” but then it occurred to me that it creates a sense of community. I have seen Jeeps pulled over to help out Jeeps along the side of the road. Complete strangers united by something in common. It has always made me feel a little more secure that if I were stranded on the road for some reason...a passerby in a Jeep would stop to help.

sharris4721 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:50

1

I have a Subaru BRZ and I used to get waves from most WRX owners and all FRS/BRZ now no WRX waves and I feel like I’m not a Subaru with only 2 drive wheels.

dkpjester > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:50

0

I wave to other FRS/BRZ drivers. In Michigan where the winters are harsh and the loyalties are ‘Murca they are still a pretty rare sight. A lot of us know each other anyway.

anonkc > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

I’ve had a handful of Cayenne owners flash their headlights at me during the day. I like this acknowledgement so I try to do it now. I call it the “Cayenne Flash”. <-That shit’s trademarked!

I try to wave at all tuners. No hate for any car people even if it is a Civic molested beyond belief. I revved my Cayenne Twin Turbo at a 240sx setup for drifting. I think I made that kid’s day.

idriveayak > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

I wave at G8’s when I stumble upon them. I’d say it’s 50% wave-back, 50% who-the-fuck-is-this-fucking-guy?

Kinja'd Again > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

Considering the cars I drive, I would look like a complete moron waving at people who have the same cars. Because I live in Paris, NYC, and the Hamptons I would also have to wave nonstop.

njscorpio > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

I do the Camaro wave. This started when I was driving my 1979 Trans Am (and 1990 RS) around 1999. Camaros (and at the time Firebirds) were not nearly as popular as the 5th Gen is right now. Most Camaros/Firebirds you’d see were not “current gen”, cars you’d have to keep repairing to keep on the road, thus the drivers (odds are) were fans of the model. A wave between drivers was very common.

I started doing that when I got my 5th Gen Camaro, but it happens less often for three reasons. (1) There are so many 5th Gen drivers that you’ll run into some who aren’t “car people” and thus the wave makes little sense to them. They don’t get that same feeling we get when we see another one of our cars. (2) The visibility. You have less of a chance of seeing a driver wave from behind the wheel with that low windshield. They might have waved. Who knows? (3) Air Conditioning. Back when most Camaros/Firebirds waving at each other were 15+ years old, odds are the A/C didn't work. With one arm out the window, it was easier to just give a wave to a passing F-Body.

Arv Raman > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

I’ve gotten waves driving a Jeep YJ and 2dr Tahoe. Also if you live in the South (I’m from Savannah) most definitely people randomly wave to you regardless of what you drive.

Miata2016GT > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

Miata drivers used to be famous for this. No longer. I think the younger guys/gals that have bought up the original NA’s are not aware of it, and the older guys like me have just given up. Example: waved at no less than three other drivers of Miata on Monday, including a twin to mine... no response.

DangerRanger > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

0

I try with other Elements sometimes, but no luck yet. Maybe in a few more years when they start dying off more, and the only people in them are those that really love them.

cazzyodo > Patrick George 09/09/2015 at 10:51

1

Simple solution haha

SirUno > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:51

1

If I see another Mustang that doesn’t look like a rental, or a meth addicts ride, then I generally do.

About half the time I get it back in kind...but mostly people just seem to suck.

550F2 > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:52

1

I wave in the Jeep, nobody waves back. I wave in my electric car, all other EV’s wave back even the BMW i3’s.

p.s. I want a full electric Wrangler with no driveshafts and diffs to break, just a bunch of hub motors and some batteries (in a waterproof box please) .

shirosake > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:52

0

WRX drivers are nutso wavers. You are INSTANT bro’s.

cazzyodo > Fragile_this_side_up 09/09/2015 at 10:52

2

When my family had a 9-3 not a single person waved haha.

GoesLikeHell > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:52

0

In my turbo mopars I wave if it looks like another enthusiast (few and far between).

In the daily driver 01 Neon R/T I gave up on trying to wave at anyone, even passing my wife on the road she won’t see me, the car might as well be invisible.

Enderxenocide23 > Agrajag 09/09/2015 at 10:52

3

And that’s why you suck in bed... yaknow in a reciprocating fashon.

CARBOMB > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:52

0

I do, or I’ll give a thumbs up. My girlfriend thinks it’s a little weird.

I think the reason I do it is because I grew up near the ocean and we had a boat. When you’re out on a boat you practically wave at every other boater you pass especially if they’re helping you out or making space for you at a dock. That sort of attitude of waving for a kindness on the ocean followed me through when I learned to drive... and it has not been reciprocated!! Haha, I shouldn’t really bother, but it’s habit.

FortifiedWithBiscuits > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

0

Growing up in a rural/farm area, everyone would throw up their hand, or at least a couple fingers in acknowledgement of drivers you were meeting. I moved to a small city about 20 minutes away, and no one does it. It was a small culture shock to see how unfriendly everyone acted.

When on my motorcycle, I always do the “biker wave” at other bikers, regardless of what they ride, and it is usually reciprocated.

Future next gen S2000 owner > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

0

I grew up in a very small town, I still get waved at when I go home. I still wave back.

SupersonicATX > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

0

VW drivers do this a lot.. well at least all of them except for newer model Jetta and Passat drivers

5mtFXT > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

0

Subaru people more towards the performance side will give a wave. Mostly WRXs, STis. I got a few WTF? looks from my FXT

Bryce Womeldurf > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

3

There’s a “Miata wave” that’s mostly practiced by NA and NB owners, though to be fair, I did get a friendly beep and a wave from an NC owner the other day. It’s either waving done with your hand or activating your pop ups once or twice. It depends on how aware I am of the person. If I see them in time to flip the switch, they get the pop ups. If I don’t, they at least get a wave. I have been waved at from other convertible owners though, as well, like a Mustang or a Corvette here and there. It’s the first car I’ve owned that’s had this kind of reaction and I enjoy it.

ElTedChuck > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

0

Do I know the other person? If not, then hell no I don’t wave at random people just because we have some common interest.

icanneverremembermyburnercode > cazzyodo 09/09/2015 at 10:53

0

It depends on where I’m at. If I’m back home where I live in a small farm town, everyone waves at every car they pass. When I moved to a large suburb close to the city, no one waves, at all. When I first met my wife, who’s from the suburb, she had no idea why I waved at everyone.