Lending Cars to Family

WHL102 · 07-06-2016, 06:31 PM

I'm fortunate enough to have two cars at my disposal. Once in a while, I have a family member ask me if they can borrow a car as many of them live in the city and do not own cars. I usually object. I'm the guy who spends 4 hours washing his cars on Sunday, every Sunday, so they usually understand.

This past week, my cousin asked to borrow my car claiming he had to go to West Point for work.

Instead, he racked up over 500 miles travelling to DC with his friends.

Over the course of the week he managed to gouge the rear bumper, unevenly wear out the front treads, and build up more brake dust on the front wheels then I've ever seen in my life - and I commute 90 miles per day.

I've learned my lesson and my policy will always be 'no' going forward. Unlike many, driving, cleaning, and maintaining my car is therapeutic to me. I love every part of it. But when things like this happen, I probably let it bother me more than the average person.

So there's my little rant.

I'd like to hear your experiences or your "policy" on lending cars to family/friends. What would you do in my situation?

smoosh · 07-06-2016, 06:58 PM

Cars, girlfriends, clothes...all of these things can be borrowed w/o objection from me

silvergray545 · 07-06-2016, 06:58 PM

I've never actually had someone ask to borrow my car. Sometimes, I'll need to borrow my father's Touareg to pick something up I can't fit in either of my cars. Usually, I leave the GLI with him so he's not stranded without a car. He's always respectful of it.

My brother has his own car. Sometimes he'll ask to take the GLI around the block. I know he does it to hear the turbo. I'm not really worried about him messing the car up.

As far as the M3 goes, I'd say about 70% of the time, that car has the track tires and track brakes bolted to it. I don't let anyone take it out since the characteristics of those items are different from their street counterparts.

Verbiage · 07-06-2016, 07:02 PM

Only if I'm in it to supervise.

John 070 · 07-06-2016, 07:17 PM

Brothers, parents, yes. But they don't need any. First cousins come and go. IMHO the blood doesn't mean anything. Close friends can be more trustworthy. And relationships with close friends are real, not contrived. Your cousin flat out lied.

MKSixer · 07-06-2016, 07:18 PM

Is this for real?
Borrow a car?!!?!!

I will tell someone to put a rental on their credit card and I will pay them in cash before I let a car go farther than around the block without me supervising.

And 1st degree family or in-laws don't need.

I can see no reason for this occurring.

PJinCA · 07-06-2016, 07:23 PM

My car? Never gets lent out, not even my wife drives it. When I got my first 5 series 10 years ago, she borrowed my car once. She returned it with a cracked front bumper - she went into a parking spot head in (something I never do) and didn't pay attention. So now, nobody drives my car but, if anyone asks I always say the same thing: "sure, as soon as you make a payment"
If family asks to borrow a car they always get the wife's car, not mine. It's her family that lives nearby, not mine.

MKSixer · 07-06-2016, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvergray545

I've never actually had someone ask to borrow my car. Sometimes, I'll need to borrow my father's Touareg to pick something up I can't fit in either of my cars. Usually, I leave the GLI with him so he's not stranded without a car. He's always respectful of it.

My brother has his own car. Sometimes he'll ask to take the GLI around the block. I know he does it to hear the turbo. I'm not really worried about him messing the car up.

As far as the M3 goes, I'd say about 70% of the time, that car has the track tires and track brakes bolted to it. I don't let anyone take it out since the characteristics of those items are different from their street counterparts.

I had an old friend's son ask to take my M6 to prom (seriously) and he was very insulted that I didn't acquiesce to his request. I had to sit him down and tell him that the mere fact he made the request let me know that he wasn't mature enough to realize what he was asking and therefore not responsible enough to trust with a $100K, highly modified vehicle. My friend told me that it was exactly what he needed to hear because he was getting a bit full of himself.

The kid drives a Mustang now and I'm a bit afraid!!

silvergray545 · 07-06-2016, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

I had an old friend's son ask to take my M6 to prom (seriously) and he was very insulted that I didn't acquiesce to his request. I had to sit him down and tell him that the mere fact he made the request let me know that he wasn't mature enough to realize what he was asking and therefore not responsible enough to trust with a $100K, highly modified vehicle. My friend told me that it was exactly what he needed to hear because he was getting a bit full of himself.

The kid drives a Mustang now and I'm a bit afraid!!

Haha good thing you didn't let him borrow it. That could have ended badly.

I always laugh when people want to drive your car because it's fast. What makes you think that I can trust you after that comment?

He drives a Mustang now!? You know he's bound to hit something!

Katin · 07-06-2016, 07:58 PM

Grandpa taught me that there are 3 things you never loan to friends or family.
Cars
Guns
Cash

Give? Sure. Loan? NO.

MKSixer · 07-06-2016, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvergray545

Haha good thing you didn't let him borrow it. That could have ended badly.

I always laugh when people want to drive your car because it's fast. What makes you think that I can trust you after that comment?

He drives a Mustang now!? You know he's bound to hit something!

Exactly!
I'm going to give you my extremely fast car and let you take it to an environment know for poor judgement.

Not happening!!

csu87 · 07-06-2016, 08:05 PM

I let my family borrow my beater all the time. Sometimes my truck if it means i don't have to help move whatever they need a truck for. Rarely do they get to borrow a nice car

ASBSECU E93 · 07-06-2016, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

Is this for real?
Borrow a car?!!?!!

I will tell someone to put a rental on their credit card and I will pay them in cash before I let a car go farther than around the block without me supervising.

And 1st degree family or in-laws don't need.

I can see no reason for this occurring.

OP - Short answer is HELL NO

kyubiii · 07-06-2016, 08:17 PM

Lol this has been a very entertaining thread to read thus far

John 070 · 07-06-2016, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

I had an old friend's son ask to take my M6 to prom (seriously) and he was very insulted that I didn't acquiesce to his request. I had to sit him down and tell him that the mere fact he made the request let me know that he wasn't mature enough to realize what he was asking and therefore not responsible enough to trust with a $100K, highly modified vehicle. My friend told me that it was exactly what he needed to hear because he was getting a bit full of himself.

The kid drives a Mustang now and I'm a bit afraid!!

When I was 16-17 my buddy's dad (buddy is my son's godfather) let me borrow all his cars--I don't get it to this day. BMW 5, Mercedes S, Volvos, VWs. Nothing bad ever happened and I personally liked the 5 the best as it was a stick. I would never do that today...after driving Hondas for a decade, buddy's dad just got a '65 Mustang convertible...

EALm4 · 07-06-2016, 09:27 PM

what is the loaned car?

2016 Porsche GT3 RS... no
1984 Corolla S - sure

WHL102 · 07-06-2016, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyubiii

Lol this has been a very entertaining thread to read thus far

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by EALm4

what is the loaned car?

2016 Porsche GT3 RS... no
1984 Corolla S - sure

Somewhere in between there - 2013 GLK350.

WreckerX5d · 07-06-2016, 10:05 PM

Depends who it is. Close family and select friends yes, other than that, no.

dzvero · 07-06-2016, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJinCA

My car? Never gets lent out, not even my wife drives it. When I got my first 5 series 10 years ago, she borrowed my car once. She returned it with a cracked front bumper - she went into a parking spot head in (something I never do) and didn't pay attention. So now, nobody drives my car but, if anyone asks I always say the same thing: "sure, as soon as you make a payment"
If family asks to borrow a car they always get the wife's car, not mine. It's her family that lives nearby, not mine.

^^ THIS ^^

dr.mba · 07-06-2016, 11:55 PM

Oh man.... I hate it when people ask for my car. I hate it because if all goes well, no harm done, but when someone takes a car of mine and brings it back with a dent... I just can't sleep at night. I am also not the kind of person that is in your face, so I never ask for monetary compensation. So the last time something like this happened was about 5 years ago and now the policy is strictly NO (including my wife who now has her own X5 so that I can be left alone with my cars)

M

scorped · 07-07-2016, 12:18 AM

Remembering how hard it was to get around after my last car was totaled must have softened my heart; other than my irresponsible nephew, I always let people borrow my car if they need it. I only work two days a week, and it just sits in the garage all week, so, if someone needs to borrow it I figure why not.

Blksnowflake · 07-07-2016, 12:24 AM

I'm like you op, cleaning and maintaining is therapeutic to me. Most of the people that want to borrow my car have never driven a lowered high horsepower car, or a luxury suv(X5).

I made the transition from driving jalopies and shit cars to where I am today. I really appreciate what I have. I work very hard for it and my way of appreciating it is taking care of it.

Lend out my cars, NO! I'd rather give you money for Uber or Greyhound. Dude in another thread got his lip wrecked and fam didn't even want to take accountability. It is "just"a car, but it's "my" car, get your own "just" a car and do as you please.

07-06-2016, 06:31 PM	#1
WHL102 First Lieutenant 125 Rep 391 Posts Drives: '16 GTI S, DSG, 4-Door Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	Lending Cars to Family I'm fortunate enough to have two cars at my disposal. Once in a while, I have a family member ask me if they can borrow a car as many of them live in the city and do not own cars. I usually object. I'm the guy who spends 4 hours washing his cars on Sunday, every Sunday, so they usually understand. This past week, my cousin asked to borrow my car claiming he had to go to West Point for work. Instead, he racked up over 500 miles travelling to DC with his friends. Over the course of the week he managed to gouge the rear bumper, unevenly wear out the front treads, and build up more brake dust on the front wheels then I've ever seen in my life - and I commute 90 miles per day. I've learned my lesson and my policy will always be 'no' going forward. Unlike many, driving, cleaning, and maintaining my car is therapeutic to me. I love every part of it. But when things like this happen, I probably let it bother me more than the average person. So there's my little rant. I'd like to hear your experiences or your "policy" on lending cars to family/friends. What would you do in my situation?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-06-2016, 06:58 PM	#2
smoosh fight me bro 2212 Rep 531 Posts Drives: slut whisperer Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Running away from an ocean vagina iTrader: (0)	Cars, girlfriends, clothes...all of these things can be borrowed w/o objection from me
	Appreciate 4 Quote

07-06-2016, 06:58 PM	#3
silvergray545 Skittles, OT OG 2337 Rep 649 Posts Drives: Lots of M cars Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2000 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2004 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 VW GLI [0.00]	I've never actually had someone ask to borrow my car. Sometimes, I'll need to borrow my father's Touareg to pick something up I can't fit in either of my cars. Usually, I leave the GLI with him so he's not stranded without a car. He's always respectful of it. My brother has his own car. Sometimes he'll ask to take the GLI around the block. I know he does it to hear the turbo. I'm not really worried about him messing the car up. As far as the M3 goes, I'd say about 70% of the time, that car has the track tires and track brakes bolted to it. I don't let anyone take it out since the characteristics of those items are different from their street counterparts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-06-2016, 07:02 PM	#4
Verbiage Dismembered Member 3583 Rep 9,213 Posts Drives: F80 ZCP 6MT, R55 Clubman S 6MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: DMV iTrader: (6)	Only if I'm in it to supervise. __________________ My delivery experience and beach photoshoot here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-06-2016, 07:17 PM	#5
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	Brothers, parents, yes. But they don't need any. First cousins come and go. IMHO the blood doesn't mean anything. Close friends can be more trustworthy. And relationships with close friends are real, not contrived. Your cousin flat out lied.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-06-2016, 07:18 PM	#6
MKSixer Lieutenant General 34185 Rep 11,637 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW i8, E63 M6, 328d Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Southeast United States iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 M4 GTS (Allotted) [0.00] 2013 BMW 328d [0.00] 2007 BMW M6 [10.00] 2015 BMW i8 [10.00]	Is this for real? Borrow a car?!!?!! I will tell someone to put a rental on their credit card and I will pay them in cash before I let a car go farther than around the block without me supervising. And 1st degree family or in-laws don't need. I can see no reason for this occurring. __________________ Several actors have played James Bond, Sean Connery IS James Bond... Sir 7ewis, 7X FIA Formula One World Championship, World Driving Champion. 100 Wins. 101 Pole Positions. 54 Fastest Laps. Actual Rain Master. Leave me to it, Bono. One Race Win in each of his 15 years in F1. Most Laps Led in Formula One. The Centurion.
	Appreciate 5 Quote

07-06-2016, 07:23 PM	#7
PJinCA USAF Pararescue Veteran 332 Rep 770 Posts Drives: F10 535 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	My car? Never gets lent out, not even my wife drives it. When I got my first 5 series 10 years ago, she borrowed my car once. She returned it with a cracked front bumper - she went into a parking spot head in (something I never do) and didn't pay attention. So now, nobody drives my car but, if anyone asks I always say the same thing: "sure, as soon as you make a payment" If family asks to borrow a car they always get the wife's car, not mine. It's her family that lives nearby, not mine.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-06-2016, 07:58 PM	#10
Katin Second Lieutenant 134 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2015 328i XDrive Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Nowhere good iTrader: (0)	Grandpa taught me that there are 3 things you never loan to friends or family. Cars Guns Cash Give? Sure. Loan? NO. Last edited by Katin; 07-06-2016 at 08:15 PM..
	Appreciate 3 Quote

07-06-2016, 08:05 PM	#12
csu87 Banned 2134 Rep 3,554 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Colorado iTrader: (0)	I let my family borrow my beater all the time. Sometimes my truck if it means i don't have to help move whatever they need a truck for. Rarely do they get to borrow a nice car
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-06-2016, 08:17 PM	#14
kyubiii Private First Class 31 Rep 130 Posts Drives: m2c Join Date: May 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Lol this has been a very entertaining thread to read thus far
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-06-2016, 09:27 PM	#16
EALm4 Colonel 3347 Rep 2,009 Posts Drives: SO 16' M4 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Baltimore iTrader: (1)	what is the loaned car? 2016 Porsche GT3 RS... no 1984 Corolla S - sure
	Appreciate 2 Quote

07-06-2016, 10:05 PM	#18
WreckerX5d Warrant Officer 375 Rep 1,341 Posts Drives: Deezul Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (4)	Depends who it is. Close family and select friends yes, other than that, no. __________________ Deleted, ATM I/C and tuned by B.R.R.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-06-2016, 11:55 PM	#20
dr.mba Captain 275 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 2017 F. Grey M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Oh man.... I hate it when people ask for my car. I hate it because if all goes well, no harm done, but when someone takes a car of mine and brings it back with a dent... I just can't sleep at night. I am also not the kind of person that is in your face, so I never ask for monetary compensation. So the last time something like this happened was about 5 years ago and now the policy is strictly NO (including my wife who now has her own X5 so that I can be left alone with my cars) M
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-07-2016, 12:18 AM	#21
scorped Private 69 Rep 51 Posts Drives: Not for the badge hoes Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tx iTrader: (0)	Remembering how hard it was to get around after my last car was totaled must have softened my heart; other than my irresponsible nephew, I always let people borrow my car if they need it. I only work two days a week, and it just sits in the garage all week, so, if someone needs to borrow it I figure why not.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-07-2016, 12:24 AM	#22
Blksnowflake Mlightened 1852 Rep 2,242 Posts Drives: Yaz M3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: TX iTrader: (1)	I'm like you op, cleaning and maintaining is therapeutic to me. Most of the people that want to borrow my car have never driven a lowered high horsepower car, or a luxury suv(X5). I made the transition from driving jalopies and shit cars to where I am today. I really appreciate what I have. I work very hard for it and my way of appreciating it is taking care of it. Lend out my cars, NO! I'd rather give you money for Uber or Greyhound. Dude in another thread got his lip wrecked and fam didn't even want to take accountability. It is "just"a car, but it's "my" car, get your own "just" a car and do as you please.
	Appreciate 0 Quote