You’re looking for the perfect present that will show your appreciation in the best way possible. A trip to the local shopping mall is not going to cut it. You need something unique and special, but also practical and meaningful.
We have plenty of great ideas here at TechRadar, and you could go all out with the ultimate driving experience or maybe just a little treat for your favorite driver. However, we’ve decided to focus on presents that might be more difficult to buy online, such as a set of premium headphones, a new bike or even a custom-made racing suit. But when it comes to cars, what can we give our friend who’s into them?
Bespoke gifts for car lovers
If there was one thing guaranteed to get a reaction from your friend, it would be if you gave them their very own car. It doesn’t matter how many times they’ve been told no by the bank manager; your gift will still make them smile, because it’ll let them know you understand exactly what they want and appreciate their passion for automobiles.
The best part about this kind of present is that it can be tailored to fit any budget, meaning you don’t have to spend thousands of pounds on an expensive sports car or supercar. If you’re feeling generous, you could look at some of these bespoke options, which include everything from a Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 to a Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4.
Of course, not everyone wants or needs a brand-new car, so if you’re after something cheaper then why not opt for a new car interior? There are lots of companies out there offering custom-made interiors for cars, and you can choose from a variety of materials such as leather, carbon fiber or Alcantara for seats and door panels. Some people like having a unique design on their dashboard to really personalize their ride, while others want something simple and understated, but equally stylish.
Some cars come with standard items such as a GPS system, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and music systems, but if you think your friend may want to add extras you could consider giving them a custom kit. This includes things like a navigation device, an MP3 player, a portable charger or even a GoPro camera mount. Whatever your friends’ tastes, there’s a good chance you can find a perfect car accessory that suits them.
Car parts
When someone is passionate about a particular type of vehicle, it can often lead to them wanting to learn more about how it works. They may start reading up on car maintenance, or maybe they want to take a class to learn a bit more about engine mechanics. And if they do, you could try and help them out with a few extra tools – perhaps a screwdriver set or a torque wrench.
Another idea is to give them the tools they need to keep their car running smoothly throughout the year. For example, you could give them a new tool kit, complete with a multi-tool, a socket set, a torch and other small pieces of equipment designed to keep them safe and secure while working on their vehicle.
And of course, if you’re thinking of giving a gift that involves driving, you should probably check whether any of the items you’re considering are prohibited. Most countries have some form of law prohibiting certain types of goods being carried in a car, so if you’re not sure about anything you’re considering then check before you buy!
Cars for sale
It’s easy enough to buy a used car, but what if you’re after a new model instead? You could always buy a pre-owned car, but with all those models available on the market, it can be tricky to pick out the right one. So, if you want to ensure that you get the right car for your friend, why not buy it for them?
There are loads of different ways to purchase cars online, and you can choose between buying a car outright, leasing a car or renting a car. You could even pay monthly and get a fixed rate loan, although obviously this isn’t ideal for someone who wants to drive new every week. Buying a car on finance requires a lot of research to make sure you’re getting a good deal, and is therefore not as straightforward as buying direct.
Buying a car through a dealership means that you can buy a new or second hand car directly from the seller. The process of selling a car is pretty similar to purchasing a home, with a buyer coming along and paying a deposit and moving the car onto its new owners. Of course, it’s not quite as simple as that, and there’s the added complication of dealing with a car auction house or a broker.
If you’d prefer to avoid the hassle of buying a car on finance, you could always sell yourself a car. In most cases, this involves listing the car on eBay or another site where buyers can bid on it to buy it from you. It sounds a bit risky, but if done correctly, you could make a quick profit without needing to worry about repairs or insurance. Obviously, you’ll need to research the best way to list the car correctly and make sure it attracts the attention of potential customers, but it could prove a successful investment if you’re able to sell it at a higher price than you paid for it.
Bike accessories
If you’re after a present that’s a little less complicated to buy, then why not give them a bike accessory? Bike shops are everywhere, and if you’re lucky enough to live near one then you’ll always be able to grab something for them. If you’re stuck for ideas, then you could consider giving them a new helmet, a lock for their bike, or even a water bottle holder.
If you’re looking for a more complex present, why not consider a new bike? With so many bikes available nowadays, you should be able to find something they love. Whether they want a mountain bike for climbing hills or a road bike for long rides on the open road, there’s likely to be a bike out there that fits their style. Just make sure you check first to see whether you can buy it legally, and remember that you’re only allowed to transport bicycles in the country you’re traveling to.
So, if you’ve got a friend who loves cars, or even just enjoys watching motorbike races, then there are plenty of awesome presents to choose from. As well as the above ideas, you could also consider giving a gift certificate for a workshop or a day trip to a nearby track, or even just a subscription to a digital magazine for motorsport fans. The sky’s the limit when it comes to giving the perfect gift for someone who loves cars, so why not browse around and find the perfect item for them?
