Do You Care What Cars Automotive Writers Own?

Steve Neil
Apr 16, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Ooooh, I see.

Well, yeah, I would get my old car back if I could. I mean… nothing made me feel more alive then a highway drive.

I miss my baby…

As for getting around, I use a bike, or I walk.

I enjoy getting out!

FordRulesAll
Apr 16, 2009 at 3:20 pm

Steve Neil, it doesn’t sound like you had a choice I mean a place to live is more important than a car. You did have a car(as you said) and I’m pretty sure you’d own one if you could, what I and I think most of these people are saying is about these writers who just prefer no to own one.

Moparmaniac07
Apr 16, 2009 at 2:54 pm

Just sayin that there’s a better chance that the guy writing about cars is probably going to be better if he owns a few himself than the guy that just drives the loaners. I also understand that most of us probably won’t settle for just any old beater, but want the right cheap beater, which sometimes also poses a problem. The point was if you want a car bad enough, you’ll make it happen, which may also help the writer relate to the reader. And how do you get by without a car? What do you do if you have to go somewhere?

PsychoVolvo
Apr 16, 2009 at 2:02 pm

I think 1988 volvos are cool!!!

Steve Neil
Apr 16, 2009 at 12:59 pm

Or mayyyybeee… someone is paying off something else, because it’s more important? Thanks to everyone who says I shouldn’t write because I just sold both my cars, to pay off… MY MORTGAGE.

hemihotrod402
Apr 16, 2009 at 11:48 am

No, anybody can write about cars you don’t have to own one, but you can’t empathise with readers if you do not have a car and you are *in my opinion* not a petrol/gearhead

FordRulesAll
Apr 16, 2009 at 11:19 am

I’m pretty sure these car reviewers, like this guy Antoine, are bringing in enough money to buy a car. I agree with Moparmaniac07, the only way someone would not have any type of car(new, used, old, beater, etc) would to not have a job of some sort. You could go on Craigslist right now and I’m sure there is some cheap car listed.

bangshiftBrian
Apr 16, 2009 at 11:18 am

Freiburger is the king hoarder of automotive writers. The scary part is that 36 number is DOWN from where it was in the mid 40 range not too long ago.

I have one of his ex-gems, and I keep flaking out on Rob getting the ride page done.

This is an interesting topic. I don’t think anyone is less of a car guy if they don’t or can’t own a car. It’s a passion and as long as you are emotionally invested in it, I’m good with that.

I own some weird junk and half of it runs.

A 1956 Studebaker station wagon (not running)
A 1968 AMC Javelin (dirt track stock car) from F-Burger (in progress)
A 1941 Worthington Farm Tractor (most beloved and best running vehicle)

1970 Nova Drag Car — run it with my dad, goes 9′s.

That’s my story.

Brian

Moparmaniac07
Apr 16, 2009 at 11:11 am

Who doesn’t make enough money to own a car? If you really wanted one, I know it’s not that hard to save a couple bucks for a cheap car. I’m sure we’ve all done it at one point in our lives. The only way I can think of for not making enough to buy a car is by not making anything at all, as in not working or recieving a paycheck. Nobody said you have to buy a car brand new, just that if you really loved cars, you might one one of your own to mess around with.

Steve Neil
Apr 16, 2009 at 6:08 am

I’m here for my love of cars. So all of you are saying that because we may not make enough money to own one, we shouldn’t write about them??

Biggunna
Apr 16, 2009 at 2:22 am

That’s kind of besides the point, auto writers got to where they are because of their writing and objectivity more than their love for cars. If love for cars is a prerequisite why aren’t we all writing for auto mags?

Craig McAlpine
Apr 16, 2009 at 1:11 am

I think to really understand cars it is essential to own one – You love cars? You better own one.

fortyfordsedan
Apr 15, 2009 at 8:33 pm

Honestly I think the writers should know a great deal about cars. When they don’t, hardcore car guys see through it, but the misinformed masses don’t, and suddenly people are making decisions based on misinformation. I don’t care if they own a car, but they sure as hell better do their research on cars, features and what they are testing before they get in the car and call themselves an automotive journalist.

FordRulesAll
Apr 15, 2009 at 7:55 pm

The author of an automotive essay/blog/article etc. should have a large amount of information on what they write about. So definitely one who writes about cars should own one. One can’t get around with writing about cars by only using test cars for the simple fact that these test cars are new to the market. If that person only uses test cars they are ultimately getting the best of the best. And when that rare time somes where they get that average car to test they will obviously give that regular vehicle a lower rating/review because it is not up to the high standards of the previous top of the line test cars driven. So what does that have to do with the topic, well after owning a car the writer woud get a first hand experience on how bad a car can actually get, and how hard it could get at times to keep a car in running shape. The Cardomain Staff/Bloggers are great and they seem to always understand what the reader wants, that’s because they own cars, they work on them and they get the real understanding about a vehicle and do not review it as a movie would be reviewed(which is how most of these “car testers” review cars). It’s as simple as a person without kids should not be criticizing a person with a child.

GTwildfire
Apr 15, 2009 at 7:53 pm

I don’t think better writers need to own more cars. Experience dosen’t translate to how many cars you own necessarily. How many cars you’ve ownED, or if you’re a mechanic, have automotive design or other background related to cars/trucks…
-
Some folks don’t drive their rides into the ground, instead the car(s) are rejuvinated during ownership… there are so many roots that I think can nourish a good automotive writer BUT I do however think at least ONE vehicle is required.

DavidFreiburger
Apr 15, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Thanks a lot for the name-check, Rob. I actually have 36 cars right now. Does that bump me above Egan? (lol)

Simran_Virk
Apr 15, 2009 at 6:28 pm

It’s not possible to get a netural review and bias is everywhere.why is why you need to try different cars out yourself first and then buy one

JDMGTR
Apr 15, 2009 at 4:00 pm

I’m a writer, and I have sold both my cars, my Audi and my Skyline GT-R.

Does that mean you folks don’t want to hear from me? I ride a bicycle LOL.

Dboy23
Apr 15, 2009 at 3:13 pm

I’d actually rather them not own a car so they’re not bias.

brivan
Apr 15, 2009 at 3:05 pm

what..!? Volvos are cool too! lol

NobiZero
Apr 15, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Stuff like this is the reason I don’t really listen to these “reviewers.” They talk crap about a bunch of cars that really aren’t bad at all. The reasoning is because these people own high end vehicles such as Mercedes, and BMWs, and Audis. If you’re comparing a Chevy Impala to a Bentley, of course you’re going to think the Impala is a P.O.S. when it most certainly isn’t. This is why when friends of mine tell me when their car shopping that they read on Consumer Reports that their car was scored horribly, I laugh. I agree 100% with Coolpacer, everyone has an opinion on everything. I personally don’t like Fords and most Imports. Not to say they’re bad cars, just not my preference. So if you were to ask me, yes, I’d be biased. It’s just more of the same.

___nes___
Apr 15, 2009 at 1:53 pm

*Coolpacer

___nes___
Apr 15, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Coolpace sums it up. This blog should be closed now.

Coolpacer
Apr 15, 2009 at 1:44 pm

See, I think it’s all going to depend on what the writer writes about. In the case of St. Antoine, it’s his job to know a lot about all different types of vehicles. If he was going to own one, then he might develop a bias towards that make or model (or both). Then his writing would be more one-sided, and his credibility might shake a little (like C&D is clearly in bed with BMW’s). If I’m reading an auto review, I want it to be completely neutral, but also informative of other vehicles in the segment. If that writer owns his own vehicle, his day-to-day knowledge of all vehicles might not be as strong.

On the flip side, if you’re writing to rabid enthusiasts (as the CD blog, Freiburger, etc) you’ve GOT to own your own cars because credibility comes from owner experiences. I read the cardomain blog (among others) because of it’s focus on both the bloggers and member’s vehicles and their trials and tribulations. Think St. Antoine can tell me what kind of performance gains I can see day-to-day from a K&N intake on my GTI? No way. But Weston can.

sarahsmile90
Apr 15, 2009 at 1:03 pm

While I do not find it offensive that some automotive writers don’t own their own cars, I can see where it might bother some. I think readers feel like they can connect more with the author when they know about their personal choice in a car, especially if you are an avid follower. It seems a bit unusual for an automotive writer not to have that “need” that most car lovers have to possess their own vehicle.

AudiobahnV8SHO
Apr 15, 2009 at 12:28 pm

As an automotive writer I would find it hard to resist owning a car. But the fact comes down to this, it doesn’t matter if he drives a million dollar Bugatti or a 10 dollar Metro with mismatched wheels and paint. As long as he knows what he is talking about he should be fine. I do not understand how an automotive writer could really have a good stance when he himself doesn’t own a car. Does anyone else think its hard to take a guy serious when he doesn’t even own a car? I don’t mind St. Antoine’s writing at all, but I think when you know what the writer drives it makes you feel like you know them better. Thats just my opinion.

1lowscort
Apr 15, 2009 at 12:27 pm

There is no way that I have found for me to own even just one car, let alone no car. I a down to 5 now…from 11. I can’t figure out how to get rid of any of the remaining cars, as either I could not replace them with the same car, or I could not replace them for the money that I paid. Each car has its purpose in life.

camarofreak30721
Apr 15, 2009 at 12:15 pm

I can see both sides on this one. I am an avid reader of Motor Trend and have a subscription. I also like St. Antoine’s writing, although that’s not really the point here. I can understand not owning a car and saving the money that is required to shell out on one when you have nearly countless cars as your disposal. At the same time, though, I am a car freak and love to find out new things and get my hands on the keys to just about anything I can. It would be very odd for me to tell someone that I don’t own a car. There’s something very satisfying about knowing that no one can take away the set of keys in your pocket. In his defense though, he did make a list of the cars that he would consider spending his money on. Why he hasn’t though, no one can tell you that but him. It all boils down to preference. If he feels like he gets by just fine driving the test cars, so be it.

JDMGTR
Apr 15, 2009 at 11:54 am

You and me share the same taste Rob. I love reading Side Glances, and Peter Egan just has a massive sense of… honesty and perspective.

You’re absolutely right.

TOPlamborghini
Apr 15, 2009 at 11:46 am

lol. It kinda depends on what they usually write about. But for the most part not really, as long as they know what theyre talking about.

And P.S.: You should blog about that new Bugatti Veyron Centenaire. I heard it has 1400hp.