10 Things Every Car Guy Says (and What They Really Mean)

Every car guy has their own language, a mixture of passion, optimism, and, let’s admit it—a bit of denial. You've heard these phrases if you’ve spent time with someone obsessed with cars. However, what do they “really” mean? Let’s look closer and uncover the real meaning behind the top 10 things every car lover says. 

1. “It’s just a small project.”

Translation: I’m about to dedicate every waking moment and paycheck to this car.

Every car enthusiast starts with the innocent notion of a “small project.” In reality, a simple task such as replacing a set of spark plugs or retouching the paint can quickly escalate into a comprehensive restoration. Weekends transform into extended garage sessions, and all available funds are allocated towards purchasing parts that likely didn't require replacement in the first place. Don’t let the word “SMALL” fool you—this “project” will eventually consume their time, savings, and relationships. Putting in all that hard work pays off when it comes to increasing your car's horsepower, right?

2. “I’m done modifying it.”

Translation: I’m done modifying it... for now.

When a car guy says they’re done with modifications, they are probably not being truthful. They may be misleading you, themselves, or both. Modifying and upgrading a car is like getting tattoos—you never stop at just one. Even if they’ve installed the dream exhaust system, added a high-performance air intake, and upgraded the suspension, another upgrade always grabs their attention. It might be larger tires or perhaps a new turbocharger. So, even as they claim they’re “done,” they’re already thinking about their next modification.

3. ”It’s running fine.”

Translation: It runs... most of the time.

When talking about cars, what "fine" means can change depending on who you ask. For someone really into cars, "fine" might mean the engine needs three tries to start, the brakes make a bit of noise, or a mysterious oil puddle in the driveway. They will disregard the issue as long as the vehicle can move and does not emit excessive, unusual noises. The reality is that car lovers get used to little problems and quirks. If the car still runs, it’s "fine"—even if the dashboard is full of warning lights.

4. “I got it for a great deal!”

Translation: I’m just choosing to ignore all the problems with it.

People enjoy getting a good deal, but car enthusiasts have a unique perspective. When they boast about finding a fantastic bargain, they usually overlook mentioning that the car needs a new transmission, the paint is peeling, and the tires resemble Uncle Frank’s thinning hairline. But hey, who’s keeping track? In their eyes, they’ve just found a hidden gem. Whether or not that gem needs thousands of dollars in repairs is just a tiny detail.

5. “It’s stock.”

Translation: It’s stock... ish.

Car enthusiasts often claim that their cars are "stock" however, this is not always the case. Sure, they might have gotten it stock at first, but now they’ve added a better exhaust, fancy wheels, and a spoiler so big you could eat lunch on it. For car lovers, "stock" is just the beginning—it’s where they start before adding all the remarkable changes to the car they dream up. So when they say it’s stock, they mean, "It was stock before I started making it my own."

6. "I just need one more tool.”

Translation: I’m setting up my own car repair shop.

Car enthusiasts often start with a few essential tools, but their collection quickly expands. It begins with a single wrench, and soon, they're adding more and more. They end up buying specialized tools they might use only once. The phrase "one more tool" becomes their mantra. They gather impact wrenches, torque wrenches, diagnostic scanners, and other mechanic's gear. Over time, their garage turns into a mini mechanic's shop. Even with a vast array of tools, they'll always claim they need "one more tool" to achieve perfection.

7. “I can fix that.”

Translation: I’ll spend three days trying to fix just one bolt.

Car enthusiasts are a hopeful group. When something breaks, their first thought is to fix it themselves. But they don’t tell you how long that “quick fix” will take. What should be a 30-minute job often turns into a whole weekend project, with multiple trips to the auto parts store, watching YouTube videos for help, and lots of frustration aimed at things that can’t even talk back. The upside? By the end, they’ll have a funny story to share—even if they still can’t find that one missing bolt.

8. “It’s not about the speed; it’s about the journey.”

Translation: It’s all about the speed. Always the speed.

Sure, they might say they love the freedom of the open road, the bond of car enthusiasts, or the beauty of a pleasant drive. However, as soon as they hit the highway, they accelerate vigorously and enthusiastically. Let’s be honest: it’s “always” about the speed. Whether achieving a quick start or accelerating to the maximum speed, speed drives every car enthusiast's passion.

9. “I’m selling it."

Translation: I’m emotionally attached and just need validation not to sell it.

Selling a car is a very emotional experience for car lovers. When car enthusiasts say they’re selling their vehicle, they mean, “I need someone to tell me not to sell it.” They might list it online, but secretly, they hope no one buys it. If they do end up selling it, they’ll likely feel a lot of regret and then spend hours looking at other cars to replace it.

10. ”This is the last car I’ll ever buy.”

Translation: Until the next one catches my eye.

Every car enthusiast has whispered those fateful words, "This is my last one" but let’s be honest—it's hardly ever the case. A rare classic? A roaring beast? A beauty that just screams "potential"? The quest for the ultimate ride never ends. Their garage might be brimming, but their hearts always crave another treasure.

Being a car lover isn’t just about the cars themselves—it’s about how they talk about them, their excitement, and the constant hope that keeps their interest alive. Like car enthusiasts always looking for their next upgrade, Pedal Commander is the best way to improve your driving experience. If you’re tired of saying, “I’m done modifying it,” Pedal Commander gives you the precision and power to enhance your ride.

Whether working on a small project or improving your everyday car, Pedal Commander is a must-have upgrade for anyone wanting to get more out of their vehicle. So, don’t hesitate to make that next upgrade. Pedal Commander might be what you need to take your car to the next level.

Next time you hear someone say one of these things, just smile, agree, and offer to help by holding the flashlight. You never know—you might end up saying, “Live Life Full Throttle,” and grabbing your Pedal Commander too.