Ownership joys!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 376
Likes: 6
From: Altamonte Springs FL
Ownership joys!!
Do you ever get tired of the burden of driving a 'Vette to the grocery store, the liquor store, or the bank? While it is a fun car to drive and a great car to have, isn't it just a pain in the *** for the real world? I normally drive my truck for the above mentioned tasks, but sometimes I do them in the car. I park further away, I walk further, I still find an *** that wants to park next to me, and I always find a driveway or entrance that scrapes my spoiler!! I must be getting OLD!
Is it just me or should an old guy just get a CTS-V and call it even?
Is it just me or should an old guy just get a CTS-V and call it even?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Jeffersonville Indiana
I drive my vette every day and I don't really mind it. Just have to be careful in some places and I park it just like a normal car and no one seems to bother it. The only thing that kinda bothers me is when I'm in a hurry and people want to stop me and ask questions about the car! Yeah, it's flattering to a degree but I got places to go people!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
These days I get to drive the Vette way less than I like.
But EVERY time I can I take the SB00,,,,even for a short cruise,,,it is a joy!
Bought my car over five years ago with 40ish on the clock,,,now close to 80K she gets a makeover in a couple of weeks! Bought it to drive!
But EVERY time I can I take the SB00,,,,even for a short cruise,,,it is a joy!
Bought my car over five years ago with 40ish on the clock,,,now close to 80K she gets a makeover in a couple of weeks! Bought it to drive!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Simi Valley CA
I know exactly what you are talking about. I try to drive the vette at least once a week. But, I pick the time and place. Parking the vette takes a little more thought than my Jeep. For errands I usually take the Jeep. I don't worry about it as much as the vette. The vette is a nice car to drive but does have it's drawbacks. It's a great second car, but I wouldn't want it as a daily driver. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I have driven mine everyday for over 10 years and none of the things you mention really bother me except when someone parks right next to me in the boonies just to be an ***.
The only real pain for me is that I cannot take the C5 to places like movie theaters, malls, etc. - they are completely off limits. Also avoid any place where alcohol is served (not hard for me) and can no longer park the car in my circular drive out front since the neighborhood now has an infestation of young kids that think my driveway is public property while their dumbass parents send them down to play and get hurt on my property.
The only real pain for me is that I cannot take the C5 to places like movie theaters, malls, etc. - they are completely off limits. Also avoid any place where alcohol is served (not hard for me) and can no longer park the car in my circular drive out front since the neighborhood now has an infestation of young kids that think my driveway is public property while their dumbass parents send them down to play and get hurt on my property.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I know what you mean. I drive my vette once a week and I scout out my destination and roads before I take it out just to make sure there's no road construction and the parking area is relatively safe. The biggest problem I have is scraping the front end. The front overhang on these things is horrible. I just purchased some front frame rail protectors which I hope will help.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 661
Likes: 2
From: New England
I know what you mean. It is kind of annoying to have to think about what stops need to be made during the day, and if the car will be safe in certain parking lots.
But yet, the $90,000 BMW or Mercedes is probably messed with less than a Vette.
But yet, the $90,000 BMW or Mercedes is probably messed with less than a Vette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
My 2000 is a daily driver and I drive it between 18,000 to 20,000 miles per year. I've got 181,000 miles on my "other" (1996) Vette and still love to drive it.
A powerful, bang for the buck beauty that is very dependable AND fun to drive.
A powerful, bang for the buck beauty that is very dependable AND fun to drive.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
From: Chantilly VA
I'm a DD, can't see driving anything else right now. When asked to go somewhere I haven't been before, I'll ask "what's the parking like?" But it is just a car, fun car, but just a car. Funny how we get so warped about these cars. It would seem as if they are money pits. Not so much for breakage but the mod bug. I guess the more we put into them the more important they become to us. But have a wreck, and most seemed more concerned about the driver/passenger injury, than the car. Good! So it's just a car. 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL
St. Jude Donor '10
D**m Guys. It's just a car and it's replaceable. Love my Vette, but try I not to get too eaten up over owbership. I drive it when I want to. If it gets damaged it'll get fixed. Flame suit on 
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Its a CAR and a depreciating asset! Vettes are made to be driven and enjoyed not kept pristine with low miles so the next owner can enjoy the car. Worrying about every little nick and ding will take you to an early grave. I have so many little paint dings and chips on the car from track boogers and rocks that it will never be "beautiful" again. Drive it every where and enjoy it !!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: North Topsail Beach NC
I split my driving 50-50 between the Vette and a 99 Blazer. The OP's complaints about driving the car don't really bother me. I've always taken good care of my cars and have been a member of the "park & walk club" for over 3 decades now. I've even got the wife trained to scout look for empty end spaces when we pull into a parking lot.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Mine's a DD,but there are certain parking lots I won't park in.
The other day my wife wanted to stop at Costco on the way home from a drive-I checked out the parking lot (wall-to wall cars &shopping carts),and told her "nope,not gonna happen"
She hates it when I do that,but she really should be getting used to it by now....
The other day my wife wanted to stop at Costco on the way home from a drive-I checked out the parking lot (wall-to wall cars &shopping carts),and told her "nope,not gonna happen"
She hates it when I do that,but she really should be getting used to it by now....
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 23
From: Ohio
Owning a Vette and living in the country 5-6 miles out of town is great. I have several different ways to get back and forth on 2 lane country roads. I think I might get somewhat bored driving the car in the city at 35 mph all the time or in heavy traffic. But it would still be a thrill getting in the car and hearing that engine come to life!