This was such an entertaining read!!! I am the exact same way with both my cars. I go from 0 to pissed off in less than a second with that "its just a car". I work my ass off to pay for these cars, blood sweat and tears go into maintaining and detailing them. I take pride in owning them and having them look as good as they can. They are my passion, hobby, and therapy. So to say they are just a car is like telling a woman its just a diamond, who cares that you lost it. Its just your favorite dress, who cares about the red wine stain. Its just your favorite shoes, so the dog chewed them. etc.
I have 3 different vacuums in the garage and clean the inside of the wife's X 2 to 3 times a week. It only takes less than five minutes as long as I am keeping up with it. If I let it go more than two weeks, her entire wardrobe ends up it.
I am even more picky with the Merc, as others stated, my wife understands how much I care for that car that she very rarely drives it. Too much stress.

** As far as the cell phone goes, force her to use bluetooth (Jabra Cruiser 2) or do what I did; put the phone in the trunk to break me of that horribly dangerous habit. The car can get dirty but an accident is too risky!!!!!!***

Anyone. It's just a car.

My Vette on the other hand? No one but me, my father, and 2 friends who are "car guys".

My wife and I.

In contrast to my stringent vehicle specs policies, I have a really liberal driver policy as long as I'm in the car. I'll generally let anyone with a valid VA, NC, or SC driver's licence who's demonstrated consistent competence in vehicle parking and control operate the X3. Under appropriate conditions, I don't mind folks exploring the capabilities of the car within reason (no 140km/h backroads in the rain). Drivers are responsible for any moving violations incurred while driving.

Of course, I have to let my parents drive as well, even though all three bumper scuffs were caused by my dad, and neither of them can reliably park an SUV.

Excuse me...:throw:

I have a very short list. My brother drives my X6, but he is a car guy. My father has driven it when necessary. His car is a mess but he knows my car is like my child so he behaves. One of my sisters used it once. My other sister is OUT OF THE QUESTION. She just asked the other day if she could take it to the store. I just laughed. I'm still laughing. No one else drives it. I have let a member here take her for a spin though.

As far as your wife goes, you should have thought about her driving abilities before you decided to marry her :rofl: Just kidding. It's your wife. Suck it up and deal with it.

Even though not merried yet,
I would let her take X as long as she feels happier driving it, and I'm not stuck with piece of shit car :D
Anyway I would try to tell her to try and mentain it as I like it.
As for snow tires, in that situation I wouldn't put it at all. :D Put it on Land Cruiser, That is one car that No metter how you abuse it, Nothing will ever happen to it, IMO. :)

why not your vette, its just a cheap piece of plastic :bustingup

Ut oh...*ducks and runs for cover*

because it's a manual. the x is an auto.

T/R, you need more adroit driving friends. ;)
My CEO drives our X & Vette, both of which are manual trans.
GL, mD