how does one become a "car guy"?

Posted by Loafyer@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 20 comments

Hello!! im new into the scene, im just about to get my first car in the upcoming months and have been getting into cars, specifically jdm and vintage cars (my favorite is the 1988 honda prelude i do not know why) and i wanted to know how to get,,, well into the scene! :) so my main point is how do i become a car guy? do i just have to like cars or do i need to start learning about engines and stuff? i already have some basics down, but i mostly just want to be able to fit in at meets and stuff..

sorry if formatted weird, i dont use reddit a lot lol

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CameronsTheName@reddit

I consider anyone that simply likes cars and wants to learn about them to be a "car guy'.

You don't need to own a cool car or even work on them to be a car guy.

Some car guys drive the most boring NPC commuter cars but just love cars in general.

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FixMysterious5969@reddit

This, I love cars but can't stand 'car guys' who bully others for not having a cool car or not having as much knowledge as them. I currently drive a '24 330i M Sport and a '25 Volkswagen EV, I find both fun to drive in their own ways but neither are particularly exciting, interesting or eye-catching. My wider family are also quite big on cars and that's likely where I get it from but I couldn't open a bonnet and tell you every individual part.

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Medium-Pay-9057@reddit

Watch top gear from beginning to end (the original UK cast, not the new cast and not the American top gear, please!!!) Since you’re into JDM, I think you’re supposed to watch Initial D.

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9BALL22@reddit

The only TG after the original cast that was worth watching is the version with Matt LeBlanc, IMO.

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9BALL22@reddit

I was basically born one. I was imitating truck, car and motorcycle sounds before I could speak more than a few words. My favorite toys were Tonkas, then Matchbox/Corgi diecasts. I later got into slot cars and HO layouts that I would change to resemble various racetracks. I dropped all after school sports at 15 so I could get a job and save for my 1st car at 17. Educate yourself on the various sub cultures within the enthusiast community. Are you drawn to racecars, luxury vehicles, monster trucks, lowriders ect. Maybe there is a club nearby for the vehicles that you like. Maybe some cruise nights. Just show up and show interest, enthusiasts LOVE to talk about their vehicles. GOOD LUCK!

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Loafyer@reddit (OP)

Thank you!! ill definitely look into these things :DD!!

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nixiebunny@reddit

My twin brother is a serious car guy. He was given a toolbox with a socket set and a subscription to Hot Rod magazine at the age of thirteen. Forty years later, he had his car on the cover of Hot Rod magazine.

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Loafyer@reddit (OP)

dude the things id do with a 1961 impala. congrats to him thats crazy!

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the_couch_monster@reddit

I’m a woman and I’m a car guy 😂

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HojonPark4077@reddit

Take apart your only mode of transportation and then figure out how to put it back together with parts off an equally old ass vehicle.

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FwenchFwies_911@reddit

This is the way.

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Outside_Breakfast_39@reddit

One does not become a " car guy ", either do! or do not !

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rudbri93@reddit

Youre already there, generally it involves research about the parts of the automotive world you enjoy. For some its driving, wrenching, modifying, history, etc etc. When you go to meets, just talk to people about their rides and youll be amazed at how much youll learn.

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Advanced_Tackle_9723@reddit

I love hearing "my favorite vintage car is a 88 Prelude" Way to make a guy feel old!

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El_mochilero@reddit

You don’t have to know everything. None of us do.

Just find something you like and go on YouTube adventures to learn more. Maybe you’ll die deeper into that one interest, maybe you’ll expand to others.

I consider myself to know a lot about cars, but very little about doing actual mechanic work on them. Those are two different topics.

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nerobro@reddit

You're interested. Done deal. No go obsess and learn. :-)

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VW-MB-AMC@reddit

If you are really interested in cars you are pretty much already a car guy. Just go about it in your own way. There are no set rules.