So, you’re new to cars and find yourself being mysteriously drawn into their world. Well, as it turns out, you're not alone, and you may find yourself becoming a 'car nut' faster than you think—sometimes without even realising it. Just ask Sydney-based journalist Richard Glover.
In a recent humour column for The Sydney Morning Herald, Glover shared his unexpected transformation into a car enthusiast. After nearly two decades without buying a new vehicle, he picked up a base-level ute, and in no time, he found himself hooked.
“It’s nearly 20 years since I last bought a car. Why did no one tell me how good cars have become?” he muses, now marvelling at the modern wonders of his ute. It wasn’t long ago that he mocked those who fussed over their cars, dismissing it as unnecessary obsession. But now he’s besotted with features like voice control, automatic headlights, and even cup holders—more than he ever thought possible!
Glover finds himself joining the ranks of people who share a unique connection with their machines. Much like Dominic Toretto, the fictional protagonist from 'The Fast and the Furious' movies played by Vin Diesel (see photo), who says, “I live my life a quarter mile at a time.”
And it's not just about horsepower or looks—it’s about the experience they offer. Glover now finds himself able to command his ute to play podcasts, give him directions, or even locate the nearest service station. He admits that today’s cars are now so intuitive that even the base model feels like something out of a futuristic film.
But here’s the truth: anyone can fall in love with cars. Maybe it starts with something small, like the way your car connects seamlessly with your phone, the sound of the engine, or even just admiring the sleek dashboard design. Modern cars aren’t just vehicles anymore; they’re packed with so much tech that they begin to feel like an extension of yourself. Think about it: would you ever have imagined that your car could answer questions like, “What’s the capital of South Sudan?” Glover’s ute can.
What’s even more intriguing is the emotional connection that builds over time. As Glover points out in his article, the affection for his ute has him shopping for little “gifts"—from protective dash mats to personal torches designed to be charged in the car. Walking into an 'Autobarn' or 'Supercheap Auto' suddenly becomes less about utility and more about finding ways to express his appreciation for his trusty ute. In a humorous nod to this growing attachment, Glover writes, “In the end, I’m just a man standing in front of a ute asking it to love him,” echoing the famous line from Notting Hill. It’s this kind of connection that turns casual drivers into full-fledged car nuts.
Car culture has a way of sneaking up on people. It can transform the way you look at driving, turning the everyday commute into something more enjoyable, even exciting. Glover’s story reminds us that it doesn’t take a fancy sports car or a luxury vehicle to fall in love with driving—sometimes, all it takes is a little time and an appreciation for the simple pleasures that come with it. Whether it’s the cup holders, the Bluetooth connectivity, or the smooth handling, today’s cars offer far more than just transportation.
If Glover’s story has piqued your interest, why not take a look at what’s out there? At easyauto123 we have a massive range of vehicles just waiting to be explored. Who knows? You might find yourself the next proud member of the 'car nut' community, relishing the simple pleasures of your ride and, perhaps, even picking out a dash mat or two for your beloved vehicle.
Richard Glover didn’t expect to fall for his ute, but now he’s hooked, and the same thing could happen to you. It’s a journey many have taken before—from casual driver to car lover—and the road ahead is wide open.
To read Richard Glover's original text, click here.
