I’m without a doubt NOT condoning Grand Theft Auto here. It’s just an expression.

But I am saying if I happened upon a 430 Scuderia or GT2 and the keys are in it then consider that car gone!

By no means does it automatically imply any reckless behavior or endangering others, and it doesn’t even require that you break any laws.

A vehicle doesn’t always have to solely be a source of transportation. It doesn’t have to be a “white good” as they say. It doesn’t have to be an appliance purchased specifically to perform one utilitarian function. It can also be a provider of enjoyment, entertainment, stress relief, fun.

To “drive it like you stole it” is to have fun while you’re behind the wheel; I see absolutely nothing wrong with that as long as its done in a responsible manner. Does it justify driving like an idiot on a busy highway? Hell no, but then again that’s not really what you’re calling into question is it, Sam?

You’re continuing to miss the point.

As I said, “driving it like you stole it” is an expression and related more to the guy I saw driving HIS car recklessly in a parking garage and I’m not going to justify someone else’s actions as I don’t care to nor is it my place. Perhaps I should have named the article something different – it was a stab at humor but “Driving your car pleasantly to and from work” really doesn’t sound very fun.

Also – note that I never encouraged driving into fast traffic and flying off an on ramp to merge with traffic. Also, for the record, aside from my E46 being serviced for 5,000 to 7,000 mi oil changes, going through 1 set of tires, a broken seat issue, 1 controlling arm and the standard Inspection I service my car has performed flawlessly for the whole 68,000 miles I’ve owned it since new. So – it would appear I’m not dogging out my car nor is it likely most people on this site are.

I enjoy spirited driving when the opportunity both presents itself and is safe, BMW’s are made for that kind of driving and if you think that’s bad for the car then don’t attend a track day as you’ll probably be floored as to the way vehicles are treated. Do you not enjoy spirited driving in your bimmer? My point is that if I pay for my car then I will drive it to enjoy it.

And finally yes, my logic is traditionally self-justifying. I typically like to prove my own points in a debate.

My point is why does it make you feel better to drive a car like you stole it in the first place?

The power and speed of a car has value in normal driving. Sometimes you just need to get out of there or got on that onramp into fast traffic. Sometimes you are late and have to get there faster. But if driving a car like you stole it makes you feel better, please explain why.

It’s a pretty cool book, I’ve read it two or three times so far. Their website is http://www.gumball144.com. Most of it relates to the Gumball 3000 as that event began to really catch on. “The Battle for Rome” is a particularly good chapter about the E39 M5 dueling with a Porsche Turbo across the outskirts of Rome. I can’t recommend this book enough for a car enthusiast.

That’s a book that would be great as books-on-tape…

Yes, that’s my point more or less. I read Alex Roy’s book The Driver about using an M5 to cross the US and beat the current coast-to-coast travel record. His philosphy of driving smart and under the radar translates well to my mindset of enjoying my car.

The person buying the car should take it to be inspected, not just look at the mileage and test drive it. That will reveal how those miles were used. For example, the guy with the S2000 probably consumed 3x as much fuel as… well, as you do.

And you should have fun with the car, that’s why you got it.

But… having said that, it’s wise not have fun in a way that draws attention to yourself, like screeching around in parking garage where there might be pedestrians.

I see your point, but I think you’re missing mine. Revving a car above 3,500 RPMs when it redlines around 6,500RPMs isn’t trashing a car. I keep it well-maintained and try to be proactive with maintenance.

Enjoying the car for it’s sporting nature isn’t trashing a car. If I were to rev the hell out of the engine everywhere I went and then threw it dangerously into corners at every turn I found – then yes, I do think that’s both dangerous and trashing a car.

Please note above that I mentioned I push the car in conditions that would not endanger others. I’m not one of the drivers you see darting through traffic or cutting people off because I enjoy speeding or something. I think most people who read this blog are responsible enough to driver accordingly.

Please also note that “Drive it like you stole it” is an expression and isn’t necessarily indicative of how I drive on a regular basis.

This isn’t the Lincoln Towncar Blog. This is a blog for a vehicle brand that specifically targets individuals that enjoy pushing their cars, not doddling about in the right lane of the highway at 40mph.

Most of my “fun” driving now takes place on a track. I did somehow manage to powerslide the e34 525iT yesterday while busting a U-turn, though. There wasn’t another soul on the streets, so screw it… why not?

Plus, if I wanted to drive like I bought a Corolla, I’d have bought a Corolla. ;-)

What is the point of having a great car if you aren’t going to really drive it?

I’ll paraphrase a comment I read in this months Roundel: ‘BMW classifieds that say “never-tracked” might as well say “never-enjoyed”.’