There’s a difference between someone who has a car and someone who loves cars. They get from point A to point B just the same. They uphold their end of the bargain when it comes to ownership and maintenance. But where there are differences is in levels of care, oversight, and connectedness with the vehicle.
These differences, however, extend beyond the mundane, cementing even further how someone considers their car something more. It doesn’t have to do with finances and value but instead pride of ownership.
How They Refer to It
The casual driver refers to “the car.” The casual driver notes observational details about “the silver honda” or “my SUV.” The car is generic, interchangeable, non-descript.
The car enthusiast refers to their car with specificity. They know the model designation, engine option, and trim level. They can even tell you why they specifically have that make and model. They don’t just own a BMW – they own an E46 330i and can tell you why that generation is the best.
And this knowledge transcends their own vehicle. The casual driver sees “a red car”; the enthusiast sees an entire thesis about what they’re looking at. The car enthusiast knows all different vehicles on the road by model generations because they can see variances in aftermarket modifications, factory options, and limited editions.
Personalization Choices
The casual driver might purchase floor mats or an air freshener – personalization stops at basic convenient items.
The car enthusiast makes well-thought-out choices about how their car looks and feels. They’ve chosen wheels carefully. They’ve added some interior accessories that reflect personal interest but pay respects to the OEM integrity of design. They’ve selected Private Number Plates to represent both themselves and the vehicles.
For these modifications are often reversible and tasteful with limited exceptions for more extreme selections that enhance appearance instead of redoing something completely – cost effectively – because they need it done dirt cheap.
The Approach of Maintenance
The casual driver maintains their vehicle when it’s broken. The casual driver maintains their vehicle when the light goes on, and they hear clunking sound.
The casual driver gets their vehicle serviced reactively, usually at the most convenient shop down the road because they need a quick turnaround to get the issue fixed.
The car enthusiast maintains their vehicle when it’s due whether they notice something or not. They get their oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles – not because the oil light goes on – but because they know that’s what’s due. They realize when the air filter should be switched out and which maintenance options should be preventative instead of working toward avoiding troublesome issues down the road. Many car enthusiasts keep a detailed log of every service completed, repair needed, modification made – partially for prospective buyers and partially because they’re genuinely interested to see how their car ages and what work is done over time.
And purchases differ. The casual driver gets whatever’s cheapest; the car enthusiast researches specs and has opinions about brand names. The car enthusiast knows what kind of oil works best for their engine – and why.
How They Drive
The casual driver drives with automatic sentimentality – gas, brake, steering. The casual driver does not extend much beyond input into how the vehicle responds.
The car enthusiast drives with intention. They know how their cars perform best, what conditions are best suited for functionality, and they match revs on downshifts in manual cars because they understand how their vehicles operate under pressure.
This does not mean they drive aggressively – but rather with intent and meaningful consideration for how their cars operate best.
The Standard of Cleanliness
The casual driver washes their car when it’s dirty. The casual driver has a build-up in their floorboards – old receipts, spare change, probably some trash crept inside over time.
The car enthusiast washes their car as part of active maintenance. Spills are treated immediately. Dirt doesn’t get a chance to settle – it is treated promptly. The interior is organized because clutter makes them mad.
Knowledge and Understanding
The casual driver knows how to drive his/her vehicle and where buttons are – and that’s enough for them.
The car enthusiast knows how his/her vehicle works. They can articulate where components go, how systems relate to one another, and what noises represent which symptoms. They follow forums, watch DIYs, and pay attention to common concerns.
This happens for two reasons – for practical abilities to diagnose or speak with mechanics – and secondly – to become more familiarized with the machine.
The Group Factor
The casual driver never thinks about community or who’s out there that owns the same model.
The car enthusiast often connects with other enthusiasts in forums online or at local meetups and car shows that foster communities brought together through connections based on automotive passion. They might see other enthusiasts out on the road – a wave or nod exchanged in appreciation.
Plans for Longevity
The casual driver keeps cars until they’re unreliable or no longer a good fit and trades in what’s next up for grabs for convenience’s sake.
The car enthusiast takes preventative measures to ensure cars run smoothly. Small issues are repaired before they snowball into debilitating ones; caution is taken against rusting and deterioration; long-term goals are addressed with intentions that this won’t be traded any time soon.
Ultimately What It Comes Down To
The difference between enthusiasts and casual drivers is not one of superiority – both vehicles have their place. There’s nothing wrong with a casual driver who views a vehicle as a means of transportation – as that’s what it is – a function.
But for those who find more within – even intrinsic possibilities – for those who find joy in the minutiae, love driving as an experience, and finds purpose behind ownership – and thus turns cars into hobbies or passion interests – they stand apart in many little ways that add up to a totally separate ownership experience.
