Petrol, Lube & Gears: Why We Love Cars So Much

Ah, the unmistakable smell of petrol as you cold start your engine, that rush of excitement as you rev your engine, the thrill of the open road beckoning you forth. The sound of gears clicking into each other as high-quality lubricant keeps them from grinding each other to dust. The feeling of pure ecstasy as you rev your engine to the redline as you shift gears and drive into the distance. 

Why do we love cars so much? It’s a question that has puzzled mothers, girlfriends, and wives alike. To most men, cars are the ultimate symbol of masculinity and machismo. For us, due to gender balance, the answer lies in the very fabric of our daily lives.

Picture this: You’re stuck in traffic along Mombasa Road, the rains beating down mercilessly, horns blaring in discordant harmony. Yet, amidst the chaos, a sense of freedom comes from knowing that your car is your sanctuary. It’s your ticket to escape the mundane at a moment’s notice, to explore hidden gems and far-off destinations without impunity, from the rolling hills of the Kerio Valley to the pristine beaches of Lamu.

But it’s not just about practicality; it’s about passion, desire, and what we consider dream cars. We, as Kenyans, have an innate love for speed, pushing the limits of what’s possible. From the matatus zipping through the streets with reckless abandon to the rally drivers tearing up through the Fesh-fesh-filled routes of the Safari Rally, we can’t help but be drawn to the thrill of the chase. Don’t forget those pesky Toyota Probox drivers who always chase after something. Like dogs chasing after their tails or chasing to have a sniff up another dog’s a… ahem… excuse me… where were we? Aah, yes…

And let’s not forget the status symbol that comes with owning a car. A man who earns a decent living, is well dressed, has never broken the law, loves his mother, and respects GOD is no match for a drunkard who kicks puppies and steals candy from baby children but drives a black Prado. Seriously, ask any woman about this, and you’ll get many of them choosing the inconsiderate douchebag just because he drives a generic black Toyota Prado.

In a society where appearances matter, your choice of car also speaks volumes about who you are. Whether you’re cruising down Limuru Road in a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (V8 owners being of particular interest to us this year), or turning heads in a vintage Jaguar E-Type, your car is an extension of your personality, a reflection of your taste and style.

But perhaps, above all else, it’s the sense of independence that cars afford us that keeps us returning for more. In a country where public transportation can be unreliable at best, having your own set of wheels gives you the freedom to go wherever and whenever. No more waiting for the matatu to fill up or haggling with the touts; with your car, you’re the captain now, like Barkhad Abdi in Captain Phillips.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Owning a car comes with its fair share of challenges, from potholed roads to exorbitant fuel prices. But for every bump in the road, there’s a breathtaking view waiting just around the corner—a new adventure for you to write into your memories.

So, why do we love cars so much? 

Because they represent so much more than just a mode of transportation, they’re our escape, our passion, our ticket to freedom, and an extension of our personalities. If there are roads to travel and adventures, our love affair with cars will continue to burn bright and hot. 

Buy your dream car today with CARS360.

You can also read The Art of Auto Seduction: What Makes a Car Sexy?

Drive your Dreams today with CARS360.

Written by, 

Antony Madilschy, CARS360 Consultant