Did you accidentally buy a boring car? Have no fear. There's no such thing as a dull ride as long as you know how to get the most out of the situation.
Here are Jalopnik readers' ten suggestions for more excitement:
10.) Have a clutch pedal
It's obvious, isn't it? If you can choose between an automatic and a manual, just go for the stick. A manual transmission changes the whole driving experience, and can turn a boring grocery getter into a misbehaving sleeper.
Suggested By: For Sweden, Photo Credit: matramurena
9.) Fit better wheels and tires
What's the point of engine tuning if you can't put the power down? Start improving you car by getting proper wheels first. They make a lot of difference for not that much money.
Suggested By: My X-type is too a real Jaguar, Photo Credit: Denis Dervisevic
8.) Build a better sound system
There are two ways to do this. If your car is silent enough on the inside, you can fit a high end hi-fi in it in order to enjoy your favorite tracks to the fullest. The other option is MEGA BASS.
Suggested By: Jay_Hoff, Photo Credit: Andresael
7.) Take LSD
The automotive kind of LSD is good for you. Especially in the corners.
Suggested By: Satish Kondapavulur, Photo Credit: Moto@Club4AG
6.) Discover road trips
Any boring car can become your best friend during a long journey.
I feel it's less about what you do TO it, but what you do WITH it. And the best thing I can think of is taking it for a road trip. Boring cars are usually pretty fuel-friendly, which increases your range while on a gas budget. They're usually no featherweight, and soft suspensions that offer no feel of the road; again, perfect for long distances.
You can put light rims and great tires on, install a bangin' sound system, or cover the entire interior with peeled cow, and all those modifications (depending on your preferences) are definite improvements. But a year or two later they'll all be showing some age or need replacing. Road trips can easily outlast the car, and perhaps even you.
(Note: I'm on a bit of a 'fuck possessions, I want experiences' craze.)
Suggested By: User1312, Photo Credit: Phineas H
5.) Convert yourself to a pickup
Way too much free time? Not enough cargo room? Welding tools on sale at the general store?
You know what to do.
Suggested By: Jonee, Photo Credit: MSVG
4.) Chop off the roof
This is a tricky one as without some chassis strengthening, you car can become as wobbly as a bowl of pudding, but do it right, and you're going to have a good time!
Suggested By: Gamecat235, Photo Credit: Peter Alfred Hess
3.) Swap the engine
Ask Jeremy Clarkson what's the point of that, and he will tell you a bit about POWEEEEER!
Suggested By: Demon-Xanth, Photo Credit: Hugo90
2.) Stick the engine in the middle
It has worked for Renault more than once, and it will work for you, too.
Suggested By: Kate's Dirty Sister, Photo Credit: Getty Images
1.) Enter the world of motorsports
Just listen to TheCrudMan:
Motorsport. Motorsport. Motorsport.
I autocross with a guy that drives a Honda Fit and has brought a bunch of other Fit owners out with him. They're generally fast as hell (especially him.) Clean my clock week-after-week and the cars look amazing out there. This is his car, though not in its absolute latest iteration.
Some of the most motoring fun I've ever had was rally-crossing a Nissan Versa...flat out in the dirt, no grip whatsoever, and constant need to left-foot brake and use the handbrake to deal with the constant plowing understeer...very very fun.
Suggested By: TheCrudMa, Photo Credit: Martin Pettitt
Welcome back to Answers of the Day - our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Top Photo Credit: Peugeot