Im addicted to driving
Posted by szvmowak94@reddit | driving | View on Reddit | 157 comments
I think I can admit that I have a problem. I didn’t realize it before, but I’ve become aware of it recently. I think I’m addicted to driving aimlessly for hours every day. I’ve had my driver’s license for over two years—it was something I always dreamed about. When I passed the test, I felt free.
Driving gives me peace of mind: my favorite playlist and exploring different towns in the area. My trips vary—sometimes I’ll drive 80 kilometers in one evening, and other times I’ll cover 400.
Today, I hit 40,000 kilometers driven with my current car, all in just 11 months. Doing the math quickly, I’ve spent around €7,300 on fuel over these 11 months, which comes out to about €660 per month—on driving with no purpose (I live close to work and usually walk there).
What can I do to stop this? I really enjoy it, and it relaxes me, but it’s clearly a problem—especially since I’m spending a quarter of my salary on it.
Past-Apartment-8455@reddit
I hear everyone say, be a truck driver and that is good career but I went in a different direction, one that makes driving even more fun.
I live near a bunch of great roads with little traffic and lots of corners. But it doesn't matter if it is a full 300 mile day full of twisted roads or 950 miles on the highway.
I have loved driving for more than a few decades and have planned out my funeral after planning my mother's. Funeral happens in my hometown, burial is 380 miles away in the family burial plot. Winner gets to do donuts on my grave site and gets some flowers since some will be laying around.
FrostedFaith@reddit
I love this ^_^ and sweet little ride.
Bill___A@reddit
Work for Uber or Lyft
glowfuck@reddit
I had this problem and I got a driving job. Might as well make money driving someone's else's company vehicle.
opaqueism@reddit
Same here. Started driving a hotel shuttle (smaller van) and now I’m driving a shuttle bus for a private offsite airport parking lot. Best gig I could have ever asked for honestly. I still get in my car after my 10+ hour shifts and drive for at least an hour or two before going home lol.
glowfuck@reddit
What's that like? I drive for Amazon. Fast paced.. airport shuttle bus seems chill.
Previous_Narwhal_314@reddit
I don’t have the driving jones you have, but at 79, just drivin’ around is still the greatest thing ever.
Deeptrench34@reddit
Believe it or not, it's also good for your health and longevity. It elevates DHEA levels. The more you know.
perfectly_ballanced@reddit
Get a bike, or be a truck driver, bikes use way less fuel, and you could be making money as a truck driver
the_almighty_walrus@reddit
A good driving sim rig would be about half the price of what you've spent on gas this year.
Forza Horizon, The Crew, and Euro truck simulator might scratch that itch. And you can drink as much as you want!
Justneedsomehelps@reddit
If it’s to do with driving and not being a petrolhead, Invest in buying a steering wheel, wide monitor or a vr headset. Play asseto corsa modded (highway or countryside maps of real places) or truck simulators on the pc.
I’m also addicted to driving but daily a powerful, expensive car. Sometimes when I get the itch, i jump into the simulator.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
szvmowak94@reddit (OP)
I tried simulators and even borrowed steering wheel from my friend but it doesn’t seem to work for me. I drive a Ford Focus mk2 st with 2.5 liter engine and it may not be super expensive car it kinda is when it comes to fuel consumption and maintenance. I’m definitely a car guy and I love to drive around, I love the sound of the engine and everything about it but I can’t let myself burn all this money for the rest of my life. Parents always said don’t do drugs, don’t drink too much alcohol but they didn’t warn us about cars haha
cshmn@reddit
Now that you know you will put intergalactic mileage on your car, get a diesel for your next one.
opaqueism@reddit
Facts.
WhiteShiftry@reddit
Become a truck driver
Bibileiver@reddit
Helllllllll nooooooo
People won't let you in lanes you need to be at.
Bright-Ambassador238@reddit
I get so mad when I see this. Put some respect on their names and let them in
RejectorPharm@reddit
Nah they belong in the right lane forever.
Q7017@reddit
Anyone that says this should be forced to change a tire on the shoulder with no one getting over for them.
When I need to use it, I'm taking the left lane. I'm not going to hold you up since I haul ass to get around slower traffic, so you can deal with it and die mad.
pogo_chronicles@reddit
Some of the highways near me are 4 lanes. Trucks are required by law to use the two right lanes.
We all know no body is following the law, but do they really need to take the far left lane because traffic is gridlocked and they need to go 2mph faster in the car lane?
F outta here with your tall box blocking everyone's view of traffic patterns ahead
I will actively pass on the right (funny how they never want to ride in the wide open right lane) get in front on the left, and very gradually slow down until they decide the left lane isn't the lane they want to be in anymore. Then I quickly accelerate back to the speed limit, with traffic flow restored to order
opaqueism@reddit
ooo guys watch out! We have the civilian roadway police on our hands!
That’s soooo stupid, and you’re sooo big-brained to be a fucking asshole. You slowing in front of them is only causing traffic to be slowed behind the truck. You’re not helping out, you’re being a complete dick. How about just go around them, continue on about your business and leave them behind in the dust? Because guess what? You were in fact able to pass them on the right…
Do you really give that much of a fuck and love wasting the precious time of your day stressing over and trying to enforce a traffic law as if you’re a police officer LOL. Are you seriously so concerned about a single truck blocking the left lane when the right lane is wide open like you claim? Just fucking go around and go on with your day, rather than stressing over the stupidest, smallest shit.
Bright-Ambassador238@reddit
Sure and most of them do. but some people don’t let them in or out of the exit lanes
Bibileiver@reddit
I used to be a bus driver yeah nah that shit stressful. And I love driving my personal smaller vehicle lol
bmorris0042@reddit
They just cruise slowly in the passing lanes anyways. But it’s all okay. They just have to go that 0.3 mph faster than the other truck their passing.
Q7017@reddit
I see that happen maybe once a day. Meanwhile, I get about 40 instances of cars going 71 to pass my 70mph truck. Y'all are the problem.
illestofthechillest@reddit
I try to balance this out and always give every truck I see enough space, flash my brights to let them know they're clear, etc.
Stay safe out there
Affectionate_Ship129@reddit
What’s worse is when then just sit next to you. Or if you’re trying to get to the middle they’ll speed up to block you instead of just moving to the third lane
Q7017@reddit
Every time.
LuteceDevice@reddit
I second this…I made the mistake of becoming a trucker 🤣
noirdog123@reddit
No no OP likes driving with no destination truck drivers have only one, a rest stop they can shit at because they haven’t shit in two days.
ScheduleUpstairs1204@reddit
Don’t stop it, I wish I live in a large country so I could do the same.
I live in Hong Kong, it takes only 1 hour to drive from one side to another side, and traffic is dense, so driving is not fun here except when it’s night or on some twisty mountain roads.
Last year I had chance to travel in Germany with my friends, drove 3000 km in a week (it ain’t much cause I’m with my friends and we have to do some sight seeing). Driving at 240 kph there is really amazing.
This year summer, I did a SOLO US trip, drove 12,000 km in 12 days across 9 western states, and I planned my trip so that I can drive on the most stunning interstates in US, I woke up at 6 am and started driving as soon as I finished packing up, and reach my BnB at sunset everyday. During that 12 days, I was so so so happy and could finally do what I wanted to do for a very long time: drive very long distances for many days in a row (with amazing scenery of course). When I come back to Hong Kong, even if I have time, I won’t be able to do this, and it is so suffering, so frustrating.
So if I were you, I won’t let this addiction go lmao
youkickmydog613@reddit
My wife and I regularly go driving. Sometimes for 30 minutes, sometimes for hours and hours. We just love the uninterrupted time to talk while exploring our surroundings. My wife loves riding, I love driving. Like we were made for each other
Themanmythlegend69@reddit
Always loved to drive anything idk it’s just fun and relaxing
dingleberry0913@reddit
Why stop something you enjoy that is legal? Enjoy yourself OP, most of us don't get a chance to do that.
Appropriate_Touch930@reddit
Sign up for doordash. Get money for driving around.
Organic_Initial_4097@reddit
Do Uber or Lyft or both
cryptobugle@reddit
Become a medical courier. Find a place that will reimburse mileage
FluffyFry4000@reddit
Hmmm is this quarter of your salary loss killing your finances? or do you feel guilt over the fact that the money could be better spent elsewhere?
Because from what I see, this is just your way of decompressing, and if without it you are worse, then what is the cost to keep your insanity?
Although If I was in your shoes, I'd rather just seek balance. You can still do the thing, just not as long.
fromavi@reddit
I had a phase like that, I'd drive aimlessly outside of town and into the mountains for no reason. I know how to navigate the city like the back of my hand now, and it's a pretty big city too. I just kept doing it till I didn't, I'm chilling
Delicious-Window8650@reddit
You are a kindred spirit! I also enjoy driving. I live in the US and have driven in every State except Alaska. When I was in the Navy in California I would drive home to see my parents in Florida once or twice a year. Thats a 6600 mile (10,620km) round trip.
Why do you want to stop? Is it the expense? Your fuel costs are €0.18-per-km plus wear and tear on your car (oil, tires, maintenance, insurance). Try to find a way to offset the expenses. Perhaps you could offer private courier services. You could carry small, high value and or fragile packages or important documents from one place to another. But be careful, If you turn your passion into a job you run the risk of killing the passion.
TechnoWellieBobs@reddit
6,600 mile trip 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Massive respect to you Americans lol. I remember driving from Wales to Edinburgh and back, around 800 miles, and I will never in my life do that again. Manchester is the furthest I’ll drive now, that’s ‘only’ a 400 mile trip. Most of us Brits don’t appreciate how small our island is
Delicious-Window8650@reddit
I was going by my (faulty) memory. It is only 2700 miles each way, not 3300. The 3300-mile trip was Florida to Oregon, not California. I only made that trip once every year or two.
But yeah, it is a big country.
I had some British friends who were working with me in New York in the '90s. I took a vacation to Florida and they came along. It was only a short 1000-mile jaunt down the coast. I still remember their amazement that the Interstate highway just went on and on and on.
LameBMX@reddit
it always amused me when I'd get off I77S to hop on a plane at CAK.. get off the plane at CLT and hop on I77S to continue the journey.
Reddidundant@reddit
I had to look those airport abbreviations up. I've actually driven the entire length of I-77 practically nonstop on a couple of occasions.
LameBMX@reddit
same.. expressway to good weather. I had a buddy in HS that just drove down to FL a couple of times a year.
I get ya on I75... but if you're into aviation, there is a lot of good stuff right off of it for half of ohio. and it goes deep into the boring stretch.
Reddidundant@reddit
Ha! There was a period when I was making regular trips between Michigan and Arizona and I once made it all the way from Michigan to eastern Texas - 1100 miles - in one day! That was my all-time record.
stevenmacarthur@reddit
"Americans think 100 years is a long time; Europeans think 100 miles is a long distance!"
Roaring_2JZ@reddit
I live 2 states away from my best friend (about 330mi) I'll make that a weekend trip on a complete whim often just because I'm bored and I want to spend time with my bro.
Berfs1@reddit
Consider doing doordash/uber eats, that way you can make money while driving your car!
Reddidundant@reddit
Go to instantstreetview.com or Apple Maps and "click-drive" through any area you want - it will help with wanderlust. Or go to Youtube - there are plenty of videos of long cross-country trips on interstates and elsewhere. You can get the thrill vicariously in front of your computer without spending a dime on gasoline or subjecting yourself to any of the hazards and dangers of the real road. :)
Ok-Double-7982@reddit
You've been driving for two years. Wait until you have to drive daily for that M-F grind in that rush hour traffic, not because you want to, but because you have to!
DIY_DM@reddit
Sounds like you’re a fan of Bilateral Stimulation, it’s a technique used for anxiety control and some therapy types.
Stimulating both sides of the brain at the same time helps control anxiety and can help with ptsd and relaxation. Quick eye movement left and right, both hands controlling the car, music and other sensory things all happen while driving.
I figure it’s probably why I latched onto motorcycling so quickly. I feel free too. I think my motorcycle is probably cheaper than your car though lol
If you’re concerned about how much time/resources you’re putting into driving, try replacing it with other Bilateral Activities, see if it scratches the itch.
Sea-End-4841@reddit
In the early eighties when gas was cheap I’d cruise our small town for hours.
windowschick@reddit
That is a ton of mileage to pile onto a car in a single year. I hope you're getting regular oil changes at the very least.
blueorangan@reddit
Uber? Ubereats?
Admirable-Coyote8741@reddit
In 1991 I bought a brand new 3/4 ton Silverado pickup and put 110,000 mi on it. In 2 years. I used to drive as a means of dealing with anxiety or depression or boredom or anything really. I had my father's Texaco card in my pocket. They once called him to ask if he wanted a fleet account and I was the only person in the family who had the card. While my carbon footprint was probably terrible, I had an amazingly good attitude.
Hungry-Ad-7120@reddit
I took a recent road trip a town over and stayed overnight. I loved walking around town, explored a few areas, and drove back the next day. It was probably like a four hour drive each way and I listened to audiobooks the entire time.
Last month my brother and I took a week long road trip together and while we’re both avid readers, he commented he’d never seen me focused or finish books so quickly because that’s ALL I was doing, was reading.
I’d say try to have a destination in mind, go see things, maybe visit a museum or explore the landscape. Send postcards or letters to friends and loved ones when you’re in a new place telling them how you feel. For me, the joy came from being able to share that with people close to me. Make yourself walk around a bit, I don’t think youre addicted so much as you have wander lust, OP. There’s way to encourage it and not spend a whole lot of money while driving and exploring.
Sorry this got so long, but I quite love driving and seeing new things myself. And my brother was just talking about taking a road trip to Arizona for a week by himself. Seeing your post reminded me of that and I need to remind him to make that trip.
Savings-Lack9770@reddit
Motorcycle :)
Cheaper if you don’t ride like you’re on a track. You still get out there, but my gas tanks costs 10 USD to fill. My car is 5 times that. I’m addicted to driving and riding, but riding is far more justifiable.
When I’m not doing that, I play video games where I drive, fly, etc. that scratches the itch, particularly the simulator-types. Microsoft flight sim, F1, forza is fun on a controller, etc.
Otherwise, some addiction strategies I am familiar with: find something else to do every time you get the itch. At first, it was pushups for me. That turned into 10 hours of working out a week, completely sober. I know people color, draw, write, do chores… there’s a lot of things you can do to distract yourself, just keep it healthy and cheap! Consistency will make the itch fade away, which makes driving that much more special when you have a good reason to do it.
TReid1996@reddit
It's fun and relaxing when you're alone or with good company, but can become a chore if you end up having to taxi around others that don't have a license.
I live in a house with 4 others. Only 2 of us have licenses and us 2, that drive, are also the only ones that work. Yet most times I'm the one driving adults to their destinations. One is schizophrenic and is too scared to drive, one has their permit only, and the last has fines to pay before they can get their license back due to getting too many DUIs (driving under the influence).
These people are all 32 or older. It gets tiring having to drive them places on their time. When it's on my time when I want to go, then it's very different.
susan_meyers@reddit
Suggestion, don’t sto-, just have a destination. Eg camping, other cities, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. there’s a joke in motorcycling that we’re just going for a coffee…. 100 Miles away
stevenmacarthur@reddit
Nothing wrong with you, OP; just remember, you have a responsibility to your vehicle: care for it so it cares for you on your adventures!
I drive a truck fifty weeks a year, and what do I do on my vacation? ROAD TRIP! I'm on one right now, on my way back to Milwaukee from Southern California.
RunNo599@reddit
Now imagine if you had somewhere to go…
Adamantium563@reddit
Time to obtain CDL an earn some money doing what you love!
Legitimate_Profit236@reddit
Have you considered making it a career?
Aggravating-Lab-5432@reddit
I love it, live in Los Angeles, don't mind a 17 mile commute at all. I never take freeways if I can avoid it, set Google maps to no freeways and enjoy the drive. Mostly
Maleficent-Winter187@reddit
I see no problem, keep enjoying the drive
Salty-Art-2431@reddit
Honestly enjoy now because after some years it isn’t the same I used to be able to just drive for hours w some good tunes etc
Learn to drive big rigs I wish I did it would prolly keep things fun
3rd_gen_somebody@reddit
I would say, just get a job that is not close to your place of residence. I didn't mean this but I have an hour commute to work and I do enjoy it at times. But that would certainly be a good simple option while making all your driving useful.
Fejj1997@reddit
I drove my car 52,000 km in one year. I live in southern Germany, I've driven everywhere from Southern Britain to Western Romania. Every month I will take a 3 day weekend and just drive somewhere, during holidays I will take an extra day off to go somewhere farther.
I too, aimlessly wander. It's allowed me to see some wonderful places, though; small charming towns and interesting places in large cities.
Charisma1905@reddit
How old are you? Once you hit your 45-50s driving will give you a lot of health problems
Digital-Sushi@reddit
Nothing wrong with that.
My regular relaxing holiday is the North coast of Scotland where I will drive 4k miles in a few days
People think I'm mad.
Minerva_TheB17@reddit
Its not that big a problem tbh...think, you could be spending that €660 a month on crack or heroin instead....now that driving habit doesn't so bad, does it? Lol but naw, you're amongst millions of people who feel a kind of release driving around.
canolagray@reddit
Keep on cruising my man. Different people find different ways in finding peace.
marvel71marvel@reddit
Not bad. My friend was driving 2.5 HOURS to and from work. All year. No matter what the weather.
javiergc1@reddit
Become an Uber driver and your driving addiction will go away
CT-1738@reddit
r/fuckcars seething rn
Craftycarpenter76@reddit
Get a motorcycle, you’ll feel even more free and get more bang for your buck with distance and gas!!!! You’ll never regret it!!!
BreakfastShart@reddit
When I first got my license, I too would spend countless hours driving. Sometimes would fill the tank more than once in a day.
greyscalegalz@reddit
I had this problem and I easily spent thousands on gas as well as I had a car that got 16 to the gallon and took premium gas. $$$$$ for sure. Eventually I got a job that was an hour away and an hour drive back home, in traffic the whole time. I hate driving. I actually totally forgot I ever LOVED driving. I drove somewhere 2 hours away recently and the whole time I thought god I can't believe I ever agreed to this. Then the drive was spectacular and it reminded me years ago when I used to do this for fun and not money.
I suggest getting a driving job, or getting a job that makes you drive quite a while to get there. It works great. Once I get home I don't want to drive anywhere else. One day I hope to save enough money to be able to enjoy driving aimlessly again, except maybe more thought behind it like a road trip vacation or something.
Moist_Rule9623@reddit
If I converted km to miles correctly, we drive about the same amount a year (I drive 20-25000 miles a year), but more than half of mine is to and from work (about 250 miles per year, or 13K miles or 21K km)
I agree it’s relaxing and therapeutic, especially in the evening, I live in a small town and very little is open all that late and lots of people are off the road. Seeing as half of it is for work, I don’t beat myself up about it too much, I could have way more expensive habits.
thisplanetisstresful@reddit
Get your cdl
lituga@reddit
Yeah think about jobs where you get to do this.. pizza delivery. Rideshare apps
Party_Art7407@reddit
I’m at about 16k miles in 4 months just from work. Whatever that comes out to in KM. And I hate driving
MostlyUseful@reddit
Find a job that involves your passion for driving.
Anxious-Depth-7983@reddit
Maybe consider doing something that requires you to drive and making it a job. That'll take the fun out of it.
CanuckInATruck@reddit
Truck driver, executive car service or limo driver, bus or cab driver. Those are your easy to find options to monetize driving and learn to hate it.
If you have deep pockets, be a race car driver. Or sponsor me to be a race car driver and you can drive the hauler?
If nothing else, at least it's not crack.
1962Michael@reddit
It's only a problem if you can't AFFORD to spend a quarter of your salary on it. Some people spend a lot of money on their hobby. If you spent a quarter of your salary on sailing or skiing or mountain climbing or model trains or collecting antiques, you'd be considered an enthusiast.
It's certainly better than spending a big chunk of your salary on alcohol or drugs. Or therapists and anti-depressants.
Yes, over time you should probably regulate this in some way. Long term you'd want to be saving up that money for a house or a vacation or something. Make sure you aren't getting into debt. Maybe limit your miles or hours in some way. Or pay attention to what it is that relaxes you and maximize that without maximizing the fuel cost.
Neither-Way-4889@reddit
Get a motorcycle. They are much more fuel efficient.
boston_biker@reddit
Dont stop! Use that love of driving to your advantage and turn it into a money maker. Truck drivers are in high demand.
dodekahedron@reddit
I like driving because it gives me time to clear my head.
No one bothers you when you're driving you're clearly busy.
It's a great way to get 10 minutes to myself
untoastedbrioche@reddit
I also, hate mother earth and want it to kill everyone.
rookie numbers need to get autopilot so you can sleep while driving. up it to half your salary.
Tall-Poem-6808@reddit
Same here!
I put over 20k kms on my Wrangler from January to September, with at least 2 full months of being away during that time. I'd say 90% of that was purely driving for the sake of driving without any "real" reason to go anywhere as I work from home.
Now that I sold it, I rent a car from time to time to go around. This past Sunday I decided to go for a little drive to "get out", and ended up driving almost 700km.
Driving is my meditation.
cookerg@reddit
A few strategies you could try:
Keep a notebook in the car. Write down the distance and estimated gasoline cost every time you drive. Keep a cumulative total on the bottom of each page,.
Or set a quota for yourself, like I will do 300 km of pleasure driving per week (or less) and see if you can stick with it.
Or set up a points system: if I do an hour of housework or study I can drive for 15 minutes (or less).
Do any of these sound like they might help?
House_King@reddit
I already keep notes for my fuel stops as of a year ago. Mostly for knowledge of how many miles I’m putting on the car. It helps me but I also don’t enjoy driving through towns or on highways, so it’s probably different for him.
Low_Arrival5756@reddit
Same. I love driving it gives me peace of mind. Last night I drove aimlessly for about 2 hours and ended up driving 120 miles. It's so peaceful but I do spend a lot on gas. About $65 for 3/4 a tank of 91.
Q7017@reddit
Consider a career in trucking. We drive lots and some of us make six figs easy
funkcatbrown@reddit
Get a sim rig. Sign up for a sim racing game. Drive at home and race others. Problem solved.
knightingale11@reddit
Start driving for a ride-share, at least make some money from it and you can still drive during the times you want
a1ien51@reddit
Before GPS, when I was a teen we used to play a game of randomly taking roads and seeing where they go. Once we ended up like 40 miles from where we started and had no clue where we were. Finally found a main road and realized how far away we were. lol
SwastikaBrigade@reddit
Do uber, doordash or lyft
CristiSeara@reddit
For that money you could buy a mid-range to high-end gaming pc, a sim rig and a lot of driving and racing games.
nissanlover324@reddit
Just use it to your advantage and make a business out of it somehow, some sort of express delivery service comes to mind.
Same_Revolution4666@reddit
I’m also addicted to driving. it’s my favorite thing to do just to cruise alone on a nice road and listen to my music.
CaptainCasey420@reddit
You should door dash. Imagine all the money you could have made aimless driving lol
DisasterMedium287@reddit
im addicted as well but it's riding my motorcycle. it's therapeutic for me and I need to ride at least once a day.
I've turned this into work by doing delivery work and I enjoy it alot.
please don't judge me. I've been in corporate life before from within government departments to private corporations, I've been in advertising, retail to tourism and none of those gave me satisfaction as much as courier work, where i get to ride alot.
maybe you might want to try this as well.
Short-Resident-8895@reddit
Same, it makes me happy
Ok-Fox1262@reddit
Dude, a man after my own heart. I put 48000 miles on my first car in a year. Not bad since it was diverted from going to the scrapyard.
And now I'm taking it seriously and I live in a van.
50ShadesOfAcidTrips@reddit
If you’re concerned about how much you’re spending on fuel, buy a more fuel efficient car. But I see precisely zero problem here. If you can afford to do something you enjoy why stop doing it? It’s not harming yourself or anyone else.
Mycroft_Holmes1@reddit
I drove over 30k miles this year, I am in the same boat as you, first I was addicted to my bee camry, then I got a manual gr corolla and every excuse I use to drive it, some weekends I'll drive 5 hours 1 way just to the kancamagus highway in New Hampshire to catch the sun rise and rip up the road before anyone is ever on it.
No people for miles and miles and miles, just you, the mountains, and the hunk of steel under you
muletchron5000@reddit
Off topic but we don't have the gr Corolla Here but we have got the gr Yaris. How is it, is it fun to drive? I have been looking at them for a while and hoping we get them soon. In my eyes it's probably going to be the last "proper" car that isn't run off sparks or has some unnecessary electronic system. Would love to hear your opinion and experience.
Mycroft_Holmes1@reddit
It feels like if this was the last ICE manual car ever made, I could die happy having owned it and experienced it.
It drives like I remember 90s jdms to feel like when my brother would have me ride in them.
The turbo noises sound so classic, I love it.
the only thing I wish it had was an auto starter, I have been spoiled for too long I guess, these cold mornings have me missing it.
muletchron5000@reddit
That is nice to hear, I really hope it isn't the last ice manual but unfortunately that's the way it's going.
It's good to know it feels fun and sounds it too (even if it is artificial noise) as most cars now feel sterile and under powered.
Mycroft_Holmes1@reddit
The sound isn't artificial! All real, they designed it well
muletchron5000@reddit
Fair enough that's nice to hear, only wondered as the gr Yaris has artificial noise
krazyboi@reddit
The real answer is to try and make more money + look into competitive racing or a car related hobby.
RavenRose-@reddit
You’re not alone. I’m about to hit 100k miles on a 2021 Camry. I learned to think of it as a hobby I have to budget for.
If you genuinely want to stop, I recommend getting other hobbies to occupy your time. Go for a walk or bike ride with some headphones if you have an urge to venture outside, even drive to a park or hiking spot if you need new surroundings. Mainly, just keep busy. My urge to drive usually stems from boredom.
Rough-Area-2068@reddit
I really don’t think it’s an issue. Some people like drinking, some like video games, you enjoy driving. I don’t think it’s abnormal nor an addiction.
StonedRaiderz@reddit
Dtive uber
joshua4379@reddit
There's nothing wrong with that. I'm a delivery driver that does multiple apps like door dash, amazon flex, uber eats etc and I love to travel. However keep in mind though, the more you travel, the higher chance you take of getting into an accident, even if it's not your fault.
KW1908@reddit
Ever watch good olde freewayjim? Man devoted a decade and a half of videoing all major city freeways in the US since 2005.
97PG8NS@reddit
You sound like me from age 16 until about 30. My first new car I put 145,000 miles (233,300 km) in six years and the one that came after it hit 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in a little more than five. I'm a bus driver now so my car is spared the brunt of the abuse...it's three years old and only has 27,000 miles on it.
looker94513@reddit
1.2+ million miles since 1994 with most of it since 2000. Self-employed HVAC and restaurant repair mostly in the eastbay of the SF Bay Area. Actually like driving....just hate the traffic...lol
xxRemorseless@reddit
If I had the money to drive anywhere I wanted, I'd be a nomad, you'd never see me home! It's just the act of "going" makes me feel good. Like I'm on a mission or something.
MonzterSlayer@reddit
I got my license a few months ago and thought this was just a new driver thing…
I love driving so much that it wastes so much of time my time.
It’s annoying when people send me on quick rides like Dunkin Donuts to grab a coffee because I can’t stop myself from doing a loop or two on the highway.
Sometimes I get what I’d describe best as driving blue balls 😂. I’ll be almost home, but then someone gets in front of me and drives significantly below the speed limit and that forces me to take either take another longer route that I know will feel satisfying, or do one quick loop around the highway.
Put my playlist on and I just get locked the fuck in. People say avoid your phone while driving…literally never an issue for me. It really annoys me when people call me when I’m driving (people who know I’m driving). I am fully focused and in such a good mood, it’s wild. So much fun, so entertaining, so addicting.
brupzzz@reddit
Become an uber
Wish0807@reddit
Hahaha, I’m from Australia where you have to be on your Ls for two years first, before getting your Ps
Ls = having to drive with a fully licensed adult in the passenger seat for two years and 120 hours.
Ps = driving on your own but only 1 passenger that’s not in your family
(Yes I know it’s dumb)
Anyway, I have been on my Ls and am almost on my Ps, and I can’t wait, but even on my Ls where I can’t do much, I’m addicted, music + driving is worse than hard drugs!
cshmn@reddit
Honestly, that doesn't sound dumb at all to me.
I'm from British Columbia, Canada. We have a similar system. Write a test to get a student license, one year with a supervisor in the passenger seat, road test, another year as a novice driver (you can drive yourself with restrictions,) then a final road test for the license.
This is barely enough time for most people to just about figure out how to drive. I would add a mandatory driving school component to this system with passing and failing grades for different components. I would also have one of those 2 road tests happen during winter and make both road tests more strict and more involved.
As it stands now, people pass the road test and get their license with absolutely no idea how to drive in anything other than perfect conditions and light traffic. They just learn how to pass the test.
Wish0807@reddit
Yeah I know. The system here is so tedious and long but you don’t learn anything!
(Take the Ls test - which takes 4 hours and you don’t learn anything except that you shouldn’t speed. Then wait a month and then get Ls, then 2 years on Ls, then wait about 4 months to get a slot in the road test, then 1 year on red Ps and then another year on green Ps!)
Now this might seem good but all it is, is super tedious and no one learns anything…
Like on Ls you have pretty much freedom except you can’t tow, you need a fully licensed person in the passenger seat, 0.00 BAC, no big cities until 30 hours
But then when you get Ps, you can’t drive a car with more than a certain power to weight ratio (which is very low), you can’t have more than 1 passenger that isn’t family, still can’t tow, can’t rent cars, 0.00 BAC, and more stuff I forgot
Then Green Ps is the same, no difference! Just slightly harder to lose your license.
And the thing is, it’s all this but they don’t teach you ANYTHING, like it’s 4-5 years of this and at the end all you have to do is get like more than 60% on a few tests, promise you won’t speed and do a few hours of writing tests!
cshmn@reddit
That's an interesting difference with power to weight ratios and towing. We don't have any of those restrictions. You can drive a Ferrari, a pickup towing a 10,000 lb trailer or a big tour bus style motorhome on a learners license here.
Wish0807@reddit
Do you know what’s funny, we can too, okay not the towing part but the other two we can do on LEARNERS (Ls) as well but not on the next level up, Ps, which is so stupid!
FloralPorcelain@reddit
I say lean into it. I hate driving I’m actually pretty terrible at it and it scares me. I wish I was addicted from my perspective. Be a Lyft driver or find someone who hates driving and be their personal driver, I’m serious some people make a lot of money doing this it’s just hard to enjoy so many don’t see it being worth it.
SailboatSamuel@reddit
Drive for Uber or Lyft. Make money for every mile you drive.
Driving aimlessly for hours would be a lot more common if fuel costs didn’t exist.
If you really want to drive for hours, then maybe consider getting a hybrid vehicle.
It sounds like you’re passionate about driving for pleasure and there are definitely a lot of positive mental benefits to driving, so it can be a pretty healthy hobby. It’s just expensive.
AnonymousPicnic@reddit
What about getting into sim driving? If you saved some money that you spend on fuel and use it towards buying parts for a sim setup you could afford it and once it's done it would cost you nothing to drive for hours on the sim in whatever game you want.
Photocrazy11@reddit
I love going for drives. When I was younger, I put 25k miles a year on my car, just driving out in the country. Now I have a 2015 Miata that I drive around in the hills and mountains. I have put 5000 miles on it since I bought it in April. April. It will sit most of the winter, except on the occasional sunny days, when I will take it out. When I bought it, it only had 17k miles on it.
Suby06@reddit
meh we all have hobbies, hobbies cost money.. If you like it then don't worry about it or maybe get a hybrid etc
realjbj@reddit
I can’t relate at all
No_Difference8518@reddit
I used to be like you. Enjoy it while you can. After a while, driving just becomes getting from A to B.
Slight-Excitement-37@reddit
It's not a bad addiction. More miles driven just increases chances of accidents. But it's better than spending that much on anti depressants and drugs
IceFire909@reddit
Become a courier, drive for work, you'll quickly discover just exactly how much you enjoy driving when it's no longer a hobby
ScienceGuy1006@reddit
Why don't you do a delivery route?
Icedfyre@reddit
Amazon, FedEx, local mail carriers, etc.. All need delivery drivers, especially now
glowfuck@reddit
Yep, I did this. I work for Amazon DSP. It fixed my urge to drive in my free time. And I make money.
pm-me-racecars@reddit
Get a sim rig.
It's a little expensive to buy, but electricity to spend 3 hours a night on it is cheaper than gas to spend 3 hours a night driving.
Dry_Bodybuilder4744@reddit
You should buy a bicycle much healthier addiction.
szvmowak94@reddit (OP)
I’m cycling a lot on the season. About 600kms a week. But there is winter now
Killcycle1989@reddit
Just be careful where you leave it, please.
IJustWantToWorkOK@reddit
I mean, why is this a problem?
People who know me, tell me I have this kinda dreamy, blissful look on my face while I'm driving, especially on the open road. I'm lucky enough to live in an area where one can experience, whatever kind of road they want, close by.
I'm hooked, too.
BrozerCommozer@reddit
Perhaps a bicycle. Still got music. And cheaper no gas
jabber1990@reddit
#firstworldproblems
loopsbruder@reddit
Get a Miata and take it to the track.
Longjumping-Royal-67@reddit
Off topic a bit but I used to drive around aimlessly without a destination in mind. I really got into google earth and history in the last few month, when I find something interesting I pin it on my phone and on my next drive I go explore, take pictures etc. That way I don’t feel like I’m wasting gas since my drive had a purpose.
onlycodeposts@reddit
You have a better chance at rehabilitating yourself than a substance abuse addict.
And as long as you aren't driving to the casino, you have a decent chance of not going broke.
Good luck.
Frankyp42@reddit
I also drive a bunch… for leisure. I tend to justify the expense as if it were a service I was purchasing. How much does an hour on the road cost me? How much would an hour of massage or therapy cost. Most of the time driving around is cheaper than just about anything else I could pay to do for that time, and it’s where I want to be. If you find yourself needing to reduce the cost try limiting long trips to the weekend but don’t take away the nightly roll around.
There are other hobbies you could have but all of them will likely cost something.
TheWaterWave2004@reddit
Be a GA pilot. You can get a plane and fly yourself in VFR, it feels great.
Not that I've ever done it
Fast_Introduction_34@reddit
Be a truck driver, or personal driver
ThugMagnet@reddit
It’s refreshing to see your post! Notwithstanding the very real unhappiness some folks have with driving, it does become a little tiresome to hear how terrified some new drivers are. As you come into contact with other drivers who don’t share your enthusiasm, I assume you will become less enthusiastic yourself. I hope this doesn’t happen to you.
noahspurrier@reddit
Be a truck driver in the US. I’ve known a few.