# Cars that wave to each other **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 16, 2015, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352 "2015-07-16T19:21:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/41 "2015-07-17T12:15:32Z")
1st gen [Toyota MR2](http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy51/superbclassics/MR2%20Mk1%20Breaking%2005th%20Oct%202010/DCP_1263.jpg) driver. No wait, [1st gen Toyota MR2](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://chivethethrottle.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/mr2-mk1-5.jpg&imgrefurl=http://thethrottle.com/2010/12/27/toyota-mr2-mk1-23-photos/mr2-mk1-5/&h=265&w=500&tbnid=eRYzjHasWwdmMM:&docid=5dlUEvCr_hW-dM&ei=A_GoVZagLo32yQT00p2ACg&tbm=isch&ved=0CFUQMygXMBdqFQoTCNat3ryR4sYCFQ17kgoddGkHoA). Lots of waves. It’s sort of a niche car fetish, if you have to ask then you wouldn’t understand. We’re just happy to see others still on the road. > [@jz78817](#): > > it’s “two wheels down.” it means you’re riding. and have so far been successful at not being killed by a cager. One of my more tragic claims involves a motorcyclist waving at another as they passed. Just as the pickup in front of him had to brake for some reason. Motorcycle rear-ended the pickup and his wife, who was a passenger, got catapulted into the bed of the truck where she snapped her neck and died. They were in their 60s. Funny how a mood can change in an instant. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/42 "2015-07-17T12:29:01Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Muffin waves back. More proof Wrangler drivers are cool. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/43 "2015-07-17T14:23:51Z")
> [@bb49](#): > > Datsun 240Z drivers do, then there ain’t many of us left anymore. Yeah, I have yet to see another 80’s 300ZX on the road around here. Sometimes I wave to myself, but I always give me the finger in return. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/44 "2015-07-17T16:02:18Z")
When I had a 73’ VW Beetle (not \*in \*'73 - many years later) I would get the peace sign, not only from VW drivers but from people who I guess were former VW owners. And lots and lots of people stopping to talk to me in gas stations and parking lots. I would have thought Mustang drivers would have a “secret sign” but if they do, I was not invited to join the club. I was always trying to think of something clever to start a trend but I’ve since gotten rid of it. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/45 "2015-07-17T17:04:13Z")
Prius drivers are supposed to wave to each other according to Larry David. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/46 "2015-07-17T17:27:29Z")
the worst is when you have a car which appeals to idiot teenagers. when I had my SRT-4, I dreaded encountering another one on the road. a lot of the times if it was being driven by some dumb kid, the convention was not to wave but to rev his engine over and over to show off the “PSSSHHHH” of his awesome blow-off valve. my return “wave” was usually a bird. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/47 "2015-07-17T19:43:13Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Another vote for motorcycles. I get nods and waves all the time when I’m on my bike. Harley’s wave to rockets, rockets wave to Goldwings, it’s just about being on two wheels. > I haven’t figured out how Can-Am Spyders fit into the puzzle yet, but I think trikes probably get waved at. > > That was actually one of the things my MSF teacher taught us, to wave at other bikers, regardless of what bike you vs them are on. Except scooters. Fuck those guys! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/48 "2015-07-17T20:19:32Z")
I used to drive a Citroen 2CV - we waved at each other when we saw another one. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/49 "2015-07-17T21:27:03Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > When I had a 73’ VW Beetle (not \*in \*'73 - many years later) I would get the peace sign, not only from VW drivers but from people who I guess were former VW owners. And lots and lots of people stopping to talk to me in gas stations and parking lots. Having dealt with one mechanically, I give “New Beetle” drivers a look of pity. > [@](#): > > I would have thought Mustang drivers would have a “secret sign” but if they do, I was not invited to join the club. I was always trying to think of something clever to start a trend but I’ve since gotten rid of it. Same with Beetles: the old ones are a sort of fraternity, the new Beetles and Mustangs have drivers who are part of an exclusive club called everybody. ---
**Author:** ![Hakuna\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/50 "2015-07-17T21:31:49Z")
When I had the Miata before I gave it to the kid, other Miata drivers didn’t wave per se, but they waved via the pop up headlights. There is a button on the dash you can flip them up and down quickly with. Haven’t noticed any waves with the BMW or truck though. ---
**Author:** ![goldmund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a4c791/32.png) [@goldmund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/goldmund)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/51 "2015-07-17T21:51:27Z")
I drove a Saturn SL back in the mid 90s. Apparently waving to other Saturn drivers was a thing. I’d wave back, but I never initiated. I vaguely recall it started with a marketing campaign, but I may be making that up. ETA: **The Great Sun Jester** ’s mention of the Mk1 MR2 made me remember my Mk3… How could I forget? I always waved to other MR2 Spyder drivers. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2015, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/52 "2015-07-17T23:22:32Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > I would have thought Mustang drivers would have a “secret sign” but if they do, I was not invited to join the club. I was always trying to think of something clever to start a trend but I’ve since gotten rid of it. there is, but only if you have a GT. then as you pass each other you floor it to show off your loud exhaust. ---
**Author:** ![Arrendajo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Arrendajo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrendajo)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/53 "2015-07-18T00:16:20Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > Except scooters. Fuck those guys! We’re ignoring you. ---
**Author:** ![Sinder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@Sinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinder)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/54 "2015-07-18T03:55:39Z")
I just witnessed this yesterday with two young blonde girls driving red Mazda Miatas. One was right behind me, tailgating and playing on her phone, of course. The other one about a mile up the road in the opposite lane, also playing on her phone. When they looked up and saw one another driving the same car, they both nearly drove off the side of the road waving. I’m not sure if they knew each other, or if it was just immense happiness of owning a beat up 90’s Miata. ---
**Author:** ![scootergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2015, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/55 "2015-07-24T05:04:33Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > Except scooters. Fuck those guys! Aren’t you a friendly one. I put on many miles per week on my Vespa and get waves from just about everyone regardless of what they’re riding. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2015, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/56 "2015-07-24T15:05:22Z")
I drove a Mazda Protege 5 and now I drive a Mazda 3. In neither car did anyone wave at me or I wave at them. I assume other Mazda owners share my antisocial temperment. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2015, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/57 "2015-07-24T20:41:50Z")
> [@scootergirl](#): > > Aren’t you a friendly one. I put on many miles per week on my Vespa and get waves from just about everyone regardless of what they’re riding. I was just kidding. I think scooters are perfectly fine on city streets, but on a curvy rural highway a ~35 MPH scooter when everyone else is going 60 is asking for trouble because of the speed and mass differential. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2015, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/58 "2015-07-24T21:47:22Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > I was just kidding. > > I think scooters are perfectly fine on city streets, but on a curvy rural highway a ~35 MPH scooter when everyone else is going 60 is asking for trouble because of the speed and mass differential. it depends on where you are, I guess, but the highways (interstates) in Michigan have signs specifically prohibiting any motorcycle under 125cc. hell, my bike is 250cc and I wouldn’t dare take it on the freeway. ---
**Author:** ![scootergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/59 "2015-07-25T02:35:13Z")
> [@scootergirl](#): > > Aren’t you a friendly one. I put on many miles per week on my Vespa and get waves from just about everyone regardless of what they’re riding. > [@control-z](#): > > I was just kidding. > > I think scooters are perfectly fine on city streets, but on a curvy rural highway a ~35 MPH scooter when everyone else is going 60 is asking for trouble because of the speed and mass differential. Well, my fellow doper, you may want to brush up on your knowledge of scooters. Scooters come in many “flavors.” I started off with a 50cc Honda Metropolitan. I stayed off of many roads exactly because of what you mention here. At my weight (125lbs give or take a couple) 40mph was my max speed. I sold that one and moved up to a Yamaha 125cc. Much better horse power - top speed 55mph, but that was pushing it. I did get to explore more roads/new territory with the extra power though. Then, I sold my beloved “Azulia” and bought my current scooter - a Vespa GT200, and my favorite baby so far. I can take it anywhere. Top speed? Not sure yet. I’ve had it up to 70mph and probably could have gone faster. I ride safely and keep up with speed depending on the road/road conditions/traffic…and so on. When I’m doing 60+ mph it cruises smooth and steady. I enjoy riding. I want to do it safely while having a blast for as long as I can. By the way, curvy rural highways are my absolute favorite - and the area where I live in Oregon is full of it. I’ve put on 5000 miles on my Vespa in just over a year - most of it on mountainous 2 lane highways. Stay safe. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2015, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352/60 "2015-07-25T12:23:02Z")
You truly are scootergirl! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-that-wave-to-each-other/725352.md?page=4)