What does one do...

"Taylor Martin" (tjmartin)
08/29/2020 at 20:05 • Filed to: None

...when you find yourself stopped at a red light. A car pulls up next to you in the right lane, and because you’re curious, you look to see what car it is. In the process you accidentally lock eyes with the other driver, and then you’re both trapped in a staredown.

It was odd, the other lady was reaching to grab something, looked up, and saw me looking at her car. I turn my head and she’s looking at me. We stare for about 4 seconds (but it felt like forever), and then, to break the awkwardness, I throw up the weirdest little wave and look away.

Typically I’d just... break eye contact... but like, I didn’t. So my natural response was to wave almost exactly like this guy is in this stock photo.

Thought you all would find that funny, or stupid, or both. For your trouble, here’s a Mercedes E320 wagon I spotted the other day. I have no idea how cool, unique, or significant these are. It was just a good looking wagon, front to back.

Take Care Folks!

DISCUSSION (38)

phenotyp > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:19

One says: Hey. Y’all good?

Cool.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:25

i just turn away.

Spanfeller is a twat > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:27

what car was it though....

facw > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:29

“ Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?”

Shane Moore > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:33

Hit her with the ole Joey “How you doin’? ”

DipodomysDeserti > facw
08/29/2020 at 20:39

Kinja'd!!!

subexpression > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:46

I’m pretty sure that could lead to a shootout in the more dangerous parts of my area. Or maybe a date. Or both .

smobgirl > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:46

I tried to wave at another Fiat next to me at a light. She ignored me but the guy in the truck on her other side thought I was being friendly (or hitting on him?)

So awkward.

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 20:49

All that rust! And why do you need AWD in Florida? Hell, even in St Louis it’s really not necessary, yet I see tons of cars around here with it. More weight, more parts, more things to break - way too much for the handful of times it may be useful. Just get snow tires if you’re so worried about the snow.

My mom still drives her 2002 E320 wagon, silver and charcoal like that one. It has a few scratches and dings from nearly two decades of parking near college students though, but it’s still soldiering on, unlike my dad’s 2000 that was disintegrating despite being meticulously maintained. He sold it to his mechanic for $2K and bought a Volt; that car works well with his solar panels. I didn't keep mine long enough to have any problems, and am glad to have something affordable and reliable these days.

Shoop > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:04

Rev, and wiggle you’re eyebrows, then laugh . This is especially effective when you’re both driving shit boxes.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:06

Obviously you have to move to another city now.

Urambo Tauro > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:16

F O U R . S E C O N D S .

onlytwowheels > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
08/29/2020 at 21:17

Most of these Florida residents have or had homes in the north, “snow birds” as they are known around here. Most likely the car has seen many winters in the north before they transitioned to Florida. There are multiple homes in my neighborhood that are empty all winter and their cars have Florida plates when they return in May.

Taylor Martin > facw
08/29/2020 at 21:45

It irks me that I still haven’t seen this movie. Mr. Myers is a hero of mine, but how can I call myself a fan of his if I haven’t seen this masterpiece.

I may have to cave and rent it on Amazon sometime.

Taylor Martin > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
08/29/2020 at 21:48

TwoWheels has it straight. Florida is a great place to be... but living there? Not as great. But there are also a ton of banger, beater Mercs in the state. People like them, they run, they can take a hit, and they’re cool enough so that all their pimp and druggie friends will like it too... ok, probably not that last one... as much... maybe a bit?

Taylor Martin > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/29/2020 at 21:49

Bags are packed, Identity is changed. I’m off to Omaha Nebraska.

SmugAardvark > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:49

I just say, “Sorry, you can’t afford me...”, then wink and drive off.

Taylor Martin > smobgirl
08/29/2020 at 21:50

It’s funny, there aren’t a lot of TSX Wagons here in the sunshine state, but when I do see one I always want to say hi to the other driver.

They never say hi back :(

Taylor Martin > subexpression
08/29/2020 at 21:50

A one night stand off?

Taylor Martin > Urambo Tauro
08/29/2020 at 21:51

It was a real long time... which made the awkwardness of breaking eye contact increase exponentially as time ticked on.

Taylor Martin > Spanfeller is a twat
08/29/2020 at 21:52

A newer, b lack Toyota Camry. 2017ish. Good question. Dull answer.

Taylor Martin > Shoop
08/29/2020 at 21:53

Especially effective when you think you’re driving a faster shitbox.

ttyymmnn > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:53

Just smile and look away.

ttyymmnn > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:55

Why Omaha?

I was watching a cooking show, and this chef from Eastern NC was traveling the country to try regional barbecue restaurants. She and her friend, an African American chef, visited some old grizzly BBQ from Carolina, and she introduced her friend and said he was from Denver. The old guy quipped, “Well, that’s a hell of a place to come from.”

Taylor Martin > SmugAardvark
08/29/2020 at 21:56

That a real smug answer... go figure. If the windows aren’t rolled down though what do you think they think you’re saying?

Spanfeller is a twat > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:56

You should’ve shouted “I LIKE CAMRYS! ” That would’ve made her laugh.

Taylor Martin > Spanfeller is a twat
08/29/2020 at 21:58

I’ll slip that ace idea into my pocket in case the situation ever arises again.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 21:59

When you’re bold enough to straight up launch your shitbox, you’re usually driving the ‘faster’ one

Taylor Martin > ttyymmnn
08/29/2020 at 22:01

It was a long shot Breaking Bad reference, and also the first random city I could think of off the top of my head. Next would be Deca tu r Tennessee.

I like Colorado. Specifically for the cold, and it’s proximity to a lot of natural coolness and great driving roads. Me and my dad could both see ourselves living there one day.

SmugAardvark > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 22:06

Then it’s their loss for not having me pretend to arrogantly crush their dreams, I suppose.

ttyymmnn > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 22:30

Never watched the show, so that explains a lot.

PowderHound > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 22:50

Rev the shit out of your engine, dump the clutch and stall it

arl > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 23:01

It is required viewing! A great comedy for sure.

smobgirl > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 23:25

They always make me happy to see. I don’t need a minivan AND a wagon or I’d think about getting one.

Nick Has an Exocet > Taylor Martin
08/29/2020 at 23:36

Ive had a lot of interactions like this in the Exocet. Im a bit paranoid about bing hit by someone who isnt paying attention. The interactions are usually funny. A guy in Prius once asked me whether it was fast. I revved it (he covered his ears) then asked if he wanted to race. He and his wife laughed their asses off.

The other day in my Jag, I was stuck in traffic with the Jag. For the hell of it, i was making it pop and crackle. I lookes over and a guy in an Audi A3 (a soul crushing car if there ever was one) raised both hands in a “what the F---” motion at me. I continued uninterrupted.

Taylor Martin > Nick Has an Exocet
08/30/2020 at 00:01

My car isn’t even that interesting to the normal person, nor is it that loud where the revs are remotely intimidating. It’s got dual exhausts, which means it has dual mufflers. I could redline the engine to get some noise out of it, but I also don’t want to 1.) kill the car at a light (very unlikely) or 2.) be that guy. Though, if someone is staring into my soul it may be the only option.

Seems unfortunate that the guy in the Prius was trapped in a Prius, he seemed like a cool dude.

Taylor Martin > PowderHound
08/30/2020 at 00:01

Not a manual, so I’d rev the engine, throw it in park, and turn off the car... same results right?

19JRC99 > Taylor Martin
08/30/2020 at 01:20

Just give a friendly nod and look away.