Hot Take: Cleanliness is the Ultimate Luxury

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley) 08/19/2020 at 13:09 • Filed to: Best of COFL

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Most of you know I have four cars, three of those I bought, one I inherited.

The three that I bought are all on the bottom rungs of their respective manufacturer’s offerings. A Golf variant, a Fiesta and a Forte, built with the best recycled pop bottle plastic and cost saving Mexican labour money can buy.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sure, I could have bought nicer cars, with leather, suede and all, but I prefer having a series of niche cars to fulfill specific needs/feelings rather than one “all rounder” that would leave me feeling nervous about driving it and maybe missing out on certain driving experiences (can’t off-road a Porsche or track a Jeep).

Also, I’ve long held the belief that “luxury” is mostly bullshit. Sure, leather, padding and soft touch materials are nice, but I can’t count the amount of times I’ve been in somebody’s higher end car and it’s been full of garbage, with streaks on the windows, brake dust on the rims and dust on the dash.

To me, the overall cleanliness of a vehicle is way, way more important than almost any other aspect.

When I get into a clean car in the morning to go to work or after my shift, the world feels right and in balance...like I’ve got all my shit together. I don’t care that what I am driving happens to be a Mexican made Korean sedan with no AC.

Conversely, the few times where I have had a rental/loaner in higher spec, I get in and immediately feel stressed.

I also take a huge amount of pride in the amount of times people have asked if my ST was brand new, even when it has 70,000 miles and 6 years of age under its belt. I’ve been in cars with 4,000 miles on the clock that seem to be on the path to the scrap heap already.

How does Oppo rank cleaning/cleanliness?

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:17

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I certainly like my vehicles clean, but damn if black isn’t a bitch to keep clean, especially driving on a few dirt roads a couple times a week

Svend > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:17

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Well, I can’t argue with any of that.

To see a clean car, looking the best it can and knowing I did that, makes me happy and seems to make owners of the other cars I do very happy.

People like getting a new car, and being able to make that feeling of getting into their car again just like it was their first time picking it up, is a great feeling. 

i86hotdogs > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:18

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With the van doubling as a rallycross vehicle, it’s hard to keep it clean. I keep garbage and clutter out, but I’m starting to think it will forever be dusty inside and out.

Just Jeepin' > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:18

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I’m a slob at heart, so one nice side benefit of driving in a naked Jeep all summer long is that it can’t accumulate crap. I have to keep it clean, or else everything will just blow away (or be stolen).

When I reassemble it in the fall, things start piling up, especially since access to the back seat is such a pain. Next spring, I’ll dump it all out and the cycle begins anew.

The outside, meh, it’s a Jeep. It’s supposed to get scuffed & dirty & bruised. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > i86hotdogs 08/19/2020 at 13:21

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You can always wand wash it on the way back! Also, a poly coat/wax would keep the crud from sticking.

If you want a quick interior dust, swiffer DRY UNSCENTED mop pads are a must have.  I just keep a bunch in the glovebox and snag any dust that accumulates.

phenotyp > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:25

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I don’t care enough about the cleanliness of cars’ exteriors , but if the car interior or the kitchen isn’t clean, I’m noping out of life.

DasWauto > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:29

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Cleanliness ranks low on my list is priorities as far as my cars go. Driving dynamics are my first concern, followed by practicality for my use.

My cars never have any garbage in them but almost always have some amount of gravel dust/mud and/or bugs splattered on them. One exception to that is the glass, especially the windshield; I keep glass cleaner and a roll of shop towels in each cars as I clean the windshield an order of magnitude more often than I do the rest of the car. 

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:30

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Ooooh, unscented? Didn’t realize those were an option.

I’m farming an impressive amount of dust on my V70s overly large dash currently. This could be a game changer.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:33

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I try to keep my cars presentable, but for the most part they aren’t particularly clean. I’ve never really liked washing or cleaning cars, I just find it tedious.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:35

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I used to obsessively clean and detail my rides. Then I got married and had a kid. Everything is dirty, I’m too tired to care and being simultaneously pulled in every direction but the one that I want to go. The car is lucky to get truly cleaned on an annual basis, and it’s ultim ately a waste of time and energy.

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:36

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100% ppl are shocked to see my lexus has 220k km on it.

I would like it to be a bit cleaner. Yes its a luxury car, and I do like the leather, but the big thing is keeping it clean.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:37

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I keep the inside of my Focus fairly clean, although it could use a good vacuuming soon. The exterior? Not so much. But, then again the paint is peeling several places, and rust is setting in. I need to get after the rust and repaint areas if I can. Until then, I wash it maybe once every month or two, unless Michigan roads give it a good coat of grime. Then it gets washed.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:37

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I rank it very low. I never eat in my cars and I vacuum with some frequency, but washes are seasonal at best. But since they're both garaged they will still not die.

My wife treats her disposable transportation as such: food, drinks, dog hair, clothes, it’s a rolling studio apartment basically.

My life is becoming less and less vehicle-oriented which is somewhat depressing.

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:39

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I like to keep clean, but I have to do it mostly with automated car washes in between the rare hand wash and wax. It just demolishes too much of a day to do it myself o n a regular basis. I do think it important to keep the inside clean and free of junk. The hard thing for me to get used to is the fact that putting a wheelchair in and out several times a day adds wear and tear far beyond normal age and use. No way around it though if I want to enjoy my cars.

Jim Spanfeller > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:40

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Since my only option parking-wise is to park my T-bird outside, it getting dirty again within a day or two of cleaning is pretty much inevitable, and seeing dirt on it honestly makes me feel a tiny bit like my world is falling apart. Th e dirt always congregates in places like the edge of the hood and trunk and it looks terrible. It’s not supposed to look that way. It’s supposed to be a beautiful , clean, shiny classic car and it’s great when it’s clean. When it’s dirty I somehow become even more aware of the car’s various problems... It feels like a once-great car reduced to a dirty beater, which is sad to me because it shouldn’t be that way. That car is my prized poss ession, my pride and joy. I want it to look as beautiful as it can be,  but it’s just not practical to wash it every day. Sigh...

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/19/2020 at 13:41

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“ My life is becoming less and less vehicle-oriented which is somewhat depressing.”

I feel you on that.  Even though it isn’t evident yet, I feel the “current” of my life changing if you will.

DipodomysDeserti > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:42

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I keep the inside of my vehicles clean. Couldn’t care less about the outsides. I’ve been camping almost every weekend again, so washing them would just be a waste of time. I almost never wash my motorcycles, just wipe them down with a a rag every now and then. We haven’t had any real rain in months, so anyth ing left outside for a few hours is going to be covered in dirt anyways.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 13:46

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I like me cars clean to. That is however not my day to day reality. I do my best. The family car is frankly terrifying. I take care of the exterior pretty well and vacuum and wipe down the inside but the dog makes that almost useless.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Jim Spanfeller 08/19/2020 at 13:49

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That sucks! Just remember, old cars are resilient . My truck lived 34 years outside, with 20 of those being abandoned in a back ally in the inner city of Edmonton.

Life can change quickly, one day you may find you can garage and care for it as needed.  Just don’t get rid of it!

PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 14:07

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Pre kids, outside cleanliness of our vehicles was just as important as the inside. Since we had two spawn, who are just beginning to fend for themselves (5 and 6) , I find my priorities have shifted and car washes aren’t as common .

Inside has always been more of a priority but I find I’m even less particular about that. I try for a good wipe down and vacuum every month or so. Since eating in my car is kept to an absolute minimum and I always clear out the daily clutter, I regularly get compliments on how new the interior looks/feels , for an 8 year old car in your so called ‘luxury’ category. It does help that both vehicles are garaged.

If I’m being honest, I’ve never liked washing a vehicle, so it wasn’t a hard sell to reduce that workload.

All-in-all, I love a sparkling clean car and certainly enjoy the feeling of accomplishment afterwards but life seems to get in the way.

Let’s also not forget that a DD clean car is dirty soon after and the cycle continues, like a circle....a vicious circle.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 14:15

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I've nowhere to go and no time. Dropping big bucks on a newer whatever so I can drive it a whole 2,000 miles a year makes zero sense.

HoustonRunner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 14:20

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Totally with you....

hillrat > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 14:35

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Very high. I come from a family that appreciates cars, and the foundation of that is that a clean car rides better. Every car my father and uncles drove was always immaculate. Their h umble Toyotas, ooo-la-la Saabs, and boring Oldsmobiles were clean and well maintained in an almost ostentatious way .

T he first time I ever had car keys in my hand, sat behind the wheel, and got move the car 5 feet was when we washing my uncle’s cars. In my family washing the car is part of tightly proscribed, multi-generational, manly ritual.  

Washing your car is also the first step in basic car maintenance; that’s when you check the air in your tires and pop the hood to check your oil/fluids. It’s about giving a damn and creating a nice space for yourself and the people who ride with you.

Real talk? I don’t respect people who drive cars.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 14:36

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/wash my car once a year

/Sees self as a social bottom-feeder

Checks out.

fintail > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 14:55

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I’m single and still loving it, so I can indulge in a higher spec car and fuss over it and keep it relatively spotless. The best of both worlds.

That being said, even if my DD was an older car, I’d be the same way - I was with my W126 and didn’t let my guard down as the E55 aged.

I also have more respect for a pristine 95 Cavalier than I do for some guillotine fodder shitbag in a Urus or Bentayga etc, or another filthy neglected late model lease special 3er/A4/C or Model 3 etc.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > fintail 08/19/2020 at 14:57

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I’ve seen some really odd vehicles that are clearly cared for and kept stock.  I always, always try to approach the owners and let them know someone else out there cares that they care.

hillrat > hillrat 08/19/2020 at 15:03

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Real talk? I don’t respect people who drive cars.

Real talk? I don’t respect people who drive dirty cars.

fintail > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 15:04

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I see some around like that too - just this morning I saw the very clean 86-89 Mazda 323 wagon I see out and about now and then, older woman driver, obviously a beloved car.

i86hotdogs > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 15:21

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Oooh I gotta try those mop pads. The exterior is an easy wash. Just gets dirty every race weekend!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 15:21

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The ideal amount of cleanliness for me is somewhere between obsessively immaculate and “time for a clean.” I dislike clutter in a car and I don’t want physical dirt to transfer from a surface when I touch or sit in/on it. I also don’t want it to be visibly dirty. I’m ok with just “a pretty good clean,” done more often. I park it outside anyways and the floor mats immediately get covered in mud (when I have a car; wow, I can’t get used to this). However, the windows must be clean, the dash dusted, and no misc items rolling around.

Long_Voyager94 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 16:04

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Dirty vehicles stress me out as well.

Doesn’t matter if it’s a $100k luxury vehicle or my $100 beater car, it needs to be clean.

Not only does it make me happy to get into, but it gives me time to check out things as I wash, vacuum, and wipe them down, so I generally notice things before they become an issue.

SmugAardvark > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 19:39

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Washed my car on Sunday morning. Then we had a freak thunder storm Sunday night, which ignited wildfires across the region. Woke up today, car covered in ash. :(

DC3 LS, Fuck Hyundai, now and forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 20:29

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IMO not having to worry about cleanliness is a luxury. Although I do keep the interior acceptably clean. I literally can’t member the last time I washed the exterior of a car. Probably my first car in high school though.

onlytwowheels > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 23:12

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I can’t tolerate sitting in someone’s filthy car. Don’t offer me a ride if you haven’t cleaned it up. Period.

I used to be over the top on cleanliness. I have relaxed quite a bit as I have aged. I no longer need to wash my car each time I drive it. I no longer do a full detail every week. I no longer wax the door jambs. I no longer detail the engine compartment every time I wash.

Maybe OCD is capable of fading.

Urambo Tauro > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/19/2020 at 23:23

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I live on a gravel/dirt road and couldn’t agree more. C leanliness is indeed a luxury.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/20/2020 at 08:17

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I have a 5 car fleet. I love all of them…

76 TR6

85 Jaguar XJ6

98 SAAB convertible

13 MINI

16 Volvo V60CC

I unfortunately don’t have time to keep them as clean as I like, having a wild 3-YO boy.  But the MINI is a beautiful orange and I’ve been extremely careful with it so even at 97k it looks MINT when it is clean. But yeah a nice clean car sure is nice.