[Firedup6975]

To Not allow a family member or very good friend to drive our classic cars? I have found myself in this situation many times, and other than my Hubby, I don’t let anyone drive them, some have taken my answer of “no I’m sorry I cannot allow anyone drive it due to my Classic Insurance rules” as an insult and some still to this day treat me differently. I’ve been asked to use my cars in weddings having someone different driving in the wedding party precession, and have said no. What are your thoughts on this subject?

[Keith Seymore]

Probably.

But I've never used that as a decision making criteria when dealing with my cars.

K

[b-man]

Not rude.

Your car, your rules/preferences.

To expect that just because they’re family that it’s a given that they can borrow your classic for special events is what’s rude. A ton of time and money gets poured into cars built to the highest standards and they need to realize that.

Tell them insurance issues aren’t really the reason, tell them you don’t need the hassle or the heartache if something were to happen.

If they cannot understand your feelings about your rides that’s too bad, stand firm with no regrets.

[61-63]

I would never presume to ask someone if I could drive their classic car much less ask to borrow it too many bad things could happen. If you've lost a friend (?? on the friend part) because you didn't let them borrow your car then count yourself lucky.

[ponyakr]

It's your car, your money, your insurance.

So, it all depends on whether you consider any or all these things more important than the relationship you have with whoever wants to drive your car.

My personal thinking is that if someone chooses to end their relationship with you, because of this, maybe that relationship is not worth continuing anyhow.

I have lots of good friends with real nice Pontiacs. I have no doubt all of them would let me drive their car. Most would probably let me borrow it for a while.

But, first, I probably wouldn't ask. But, if they offered, I might take a spin. But I certainly wouldn't take offense & end a friendship because of not being allowed to drive a car. Opinions differ, & some are easily offended.

[Stuart]

I don't recall anyone ever asking to drive my car, but if they did I wouldn't have a problem with telling them no.

[Firedup6975]

When asked, I did offer to allow them to take photos with it, but I or Mike would drive it to the place they want the pictures, even allowing them to sit in it, but a few just got insulted and our relationship has never been the same. It’s very awkward.

[67drake]

If someone gets butthurt because you say “No” then that’s their problem, not yours.
I wouldn’t think to ask a family member if I could drive their high dollar car or bike. I just don’t think like that.
I inherited my dad’s American Flyer train from when he was young. Mostly 1940’s stuff. My nephew was about 8-9 years old and he loved trains. My sister asked if she could borrow the AF train for her son to play with. I said “No way”. I’d be happy to let him use it at my house, but no way I’m handing a 75 year old train over to a kid. She got bent out of shape, but she got over it I guess.

[67drake]

Originally Posted by Firedup6975

When asked, I did offer to allow them to take photos with it, but I or Mike would drive it to the place they want the pictures, even allowing them to sit in it, but a few just got insulted and our relationship has never been the same. It’s very awkward.

These are the last people I would cut loose with my car anyway. If they want it for photos they should be thankful that you let them borrow it and took the time to drive it there. If they complain that you wouldn’t let them drive it, it sounds to me like they’re more interested in driving it than for pictures. They would probably beat the tar out of it, and put it away wet. JMO

[Verdoro 68]

I guess it's just me, but I don't have a problem if someone close to me wants to drive my car. No one ever asks, but I'm happy to share the experience of driving some old iron with someone who doesn't normally have the opportunity. That's how the hobby keeps going.

[RocktimusPryme]

I let my buddy drive mine, but he has a BMW track car that he has let me drive. So that's fine.

Im not super tight about someone else driving mine. But if you have only ever driven FWD cars with anti lock brakes, I have a hard time letting that person behind the wheel of my manual brake, 600 ft lb car. No matter the relationship.

[indymanjoe]

Not rude. I wouldn't consider asking anyone to drive their classic car. I have been offered many times to drive other's but still declined.

[b-man]

Clearly your relatives don’t have a clue as to who you really are and don’t understand you, sad but unfortunately most non-car folks are like that.

Tell them no and sleep well.

[77 Canamman]

Not rude. Your car, your rules.

Nobody other than my GF or dad drives my stuff-new or old. PERIOD

[Cardo]

Not rude. The people i would let drive mine without me in the passenger seat i could count on one hand.

[Firedup6975]

Originally Posted by indymanjoe

Not rude. I wouldn't consider asking anyone to drive their classic car. I have been offered many times to drive other's but still declined.

I have been offered many times as well to drive friends that are car people’s cars, but I also always politely say thank you and that it means a lot to me to even suggest it, but I myself get a little white knuckled when I drive worrying about others on the road to always seem to be aiming for me lol. so I politely decline the offer.

[Firedup6975]

Originally Posted by b-man

Clearly your relatives don’t have a clue as to who you really are and don’t understand you, sad but unfortunately most non-car folks are like that.

Tell them no and sleep well.

You would think they would understand better then a stranger would, due to seeing exactly what went into the restoration, and how I handle the car at shows and car related events. I mean it’s not like I drive it to the piggly wiggly to buy some bubble gum lol. They know my drill but still just don’t seem to get it.

[Stuart]

I'm not terribly picky about people being around my car or even (gasp! ) touching it. If someone asked to sit in it or go for a ride, I would be fine with that.

[Firedup6975]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I'm not terribly picky about people being around my car or even (gasp! ) touching it. If someone asked to sit in it or go for a ride, I would be fine with that.

I have done this many times with kids who ask if they can get in for a picture. It’s the times I walk away and come back to find a Women had put her 4 year old in behind the wheel and closed the door which meant she opened it to put him inside. As I approached I see him steering the wheel back and forth making motor noises and her laughing and taking pictures. NOT OK! As I explained, she said I shouldn’t be so picky or don’t come to a show. I kept it together and told her have a nice day. (For the child’s sake)

[Region Warrior]

Some people just think;
Nothing will happen, and if does, its just a car. Can be fixed or REPLACED if does.
If they ready what it for whatever reason, they should agree to you driving.