I think another thing to recognize is to not let cars ruin your life. So many guys destroy themselves financially for the build.. I was once at a track talking to an older gentleman and he was talking about how he's seen people ruin their home, not putting food on the table, just to make it to the track that weekend. That was really impactful to me and toned down my goals for my cars a lot.

it’s not about being unique, it’s about being yours. the problem is people keep trying to make everyone happy

I like coming back to this video to remind myself there are still cool enthusiasts out there. Social media is a cesspool of toxicity.

There’s a difference between unique and being yourself. To be unique your making those around you happy. To be yourself your making yourself happy.

“I want to be unique” Me: “ IT’S A TRAP” 😂

"We put so much value in diversity that it makes it hard to be ourselves." Words to live by

I’m looking at getting my first car, and stumbling across this video has really helped me feel like all my choices are valid, and everyone should be able to feel that way too!

This spoke to me a lot. Before I bought my car I was looking at focus ST’s and WRX’s cause I wanted to fall in line with what everyone thought was cool. I took the chance and bought a fiesta st, bone stock and I’ve spent the last year building the car in my image and it’s one of the most fun cars I’ve owned and almost nobody talks about them. I’m currently FBO E30 and I couldn’t be happier with the way it drives and sounds. Gotta build whatever your heart desires and not what everyone else wants to see

This is a quote I'm going to take with me for the rest of my life: "Don't be unique, be genuine". This not only applies to cars, but for everything else; I love it.

“We put so much value in diversity that it makes it hard to just be ourselves.” Damn, that’s a really good quote.

It's fascinating to hear people candidly share feelings for their cars that I've never felt towards mine. Still driving my first after more than twelve years and been content with its stock reliability and never needing a u-haul through college and my early working life. I suppose my feelings towards motorcycles are similar, though it's more the joy of riding than souping them up. Regardless, I agree with your sentiment. Be genuine, whatever kind of vehicle(s) you own.

I appreciate this message so much. It's so easy to get caught up in the hype of modding your car to keep up with other gearheads in the community, all in the name of being unique. It's all in good fun. I personally mod my car based on either stuff it needs, or how it can be improved. If I have to sacrifice a good ride for new shocks, it's not worth it. It's a daily after all. Mod for you, not for others. And most of all, don't break the bank. It's a project, not your living.

This is a really good message for our individual lives too. Don't let yourself fall victim to caring only what others think. Don't dress differently because of other people. Dress how you want to dress; build your car the way you want it built.

That's why you never play the dangerous game of comparison. Especially in a world of social media where there is an endless amount of people to compare yourself to. Just do what you love and you can keep it genuine and keep loving what you do and people will follow along for that reason.

A good balance is to be unique, but also united. Be different enough, but not so nuch to the point you alienate yourself from the community.

You summed up in one video what is taking me several years to figure out on my own about the car scene. It also makes me feel good that someone else feels the same way about all this stuff. Long time viewer, keep up the great work 👍

This is why I love your's channel, or channels like Mighty Car Mods or Nightride. Because you don't make "WORLDS FIRST 99999HP PRIUS WITH 2JZ AND 60 TURBOS", but a relatively normal, down to earth stuff that (most of the time) makes sense, are fun to watch, you can learn something from it and most of all, aren't just a viewership grab. Like the MR2, your K swapped Civic (that inspired me to build one myself), other Ben's Evo (that in turn got me to buy a Lancer lol), MCM's S15, Yellow Civic, the Levorg, Nightride's MX5, beater E30.. it's just stuff normal people can relate to, appreciate and even do themselves if they want to. As Moog would put it, it's about the PuRiTy.

One lesson this video showed me is that there is nothing wrong with lowering your goals from time to time. The unfortunate thing about our society is that people look down on you alot for wanting to achieve less not realising that sometimes wanting less can save you from making alot of careless life choices but if we don't sound ambitious enough to certain people we'd be viewed as a lazy underachiever by society.

i feel like they aren´t talking about cars

As someone who just bought they're first project car (a 2006 gt mustang) this video really helped me reconsider my goals for the car, so thanks for the video!

I think this is a great video for a very specific reason: I love how it explains you don't need to change your car if you don't want to. Have the car you love, not the car you think others will love. Rate it.

I think the problem this day in age (even outside car culture) is people crave social media attention (maybe being unique) instead of doing what they desire (maybe being original). Many people do what will give them the most social media attention (likes, shares, etc). Social media is a blessing and a curse all in one.

Man I wish I saw this sooner. I've always felt like I had to prove myself and to do that, I had to be unique. Searching for a car, I was looking at the most unreliable, and honestly not great cars for me personally, all for the sake of being unique and noticed. I ended up getting a Honda Accord and it was the best decision I could have made. It's been reliable, and practical, all while being my fun daily. I can drive my friends and road trip, all while having a car that can be fun if you punch it, even if it isn't fast. Love your videos, this means a lot!

Stoked to see G&G has still got it. This is the the level of thoughtful insight I came to this channel for! Also, Seth's BRZ is a beauty. Not only in aesthetics, but also how drivable it feels. For people who get him, we see all the ways his car is truly unique.

Gives me "Cars won't make you happy" vibes. My dad convinced me that my first car was to be an engine swapped, fully modified Miata, because I didn't know any better. I sold it only a year later for a 2010 Mazda3, and I've been happier and a better driver ever since. I was forever faster on the track, because I spent my money on track days instead of mods, and I am a better driver for it. I wish someone told me you don't have to modify your car to have fun when I started. Thanks for making this video, puts one out for us in stock or unchanged cars. It won't bring in as many clicks as throwing money at a car, but I'm happy you made this.

The best advice i can give as a 36 year old car guy is to build what you want to drive every day and that you know is reliable, i have owned my daily/project since 2009 and i still enjoy it every time i get into it, and that way every penny you spend on it is a worthy investment, the biggest problem these days is that people build their cars not for themselfs but for the attention the car gets and how many followers it gains, build what you want, it's your money and you got to live with it otherwise it will get sold at one point.

4:54 Key part here. A ton of people always asked me about my sweet CRX Si, how new and preserved it was and why the hell I didn't K swap it already... and it was because that car, WITH the D16A6, A/C, a drop that looked nice yet was still comfortable and dailyable (ground control and koni yellows), spoon wheels, and a bunch of other "quality of life" mods that just make it look new and functional like power windows, aftermarket alarm and a simple, clean audio setup that certainly didn't sound factory but looked like it (apart from the head unit, which was pretty unassuming), a higher quality new carpet with some sound deadening, clean floormats, leather seats, spoon wheels, and some basic exhaust bolt ons (with the stock intake with the box and the tube that goes over to the middle of the hood). I was in love. This is EXACTLY what I wanted and I loved driving it and every time I parked it I could NOT resist looking back at it multiple times. Longest honeymoon ever. I got so many "oh you should boost it" or do this and that but just went with what I genuinely wanted. I didn't want any attention (even though it turned heads everywhere I went, and still does). She's now a garage queen that gets taken out on joyrides. My pride and joy. A bunch of those same people that I still run into or talk to are like "damn dude, I can't believe you never sold that car and it's stock, you have gold there" or something along those lines. Time changes perspectives. Who knows, maybe some day I'll get an urge I can't resist to B swap it and try to make the A/C and everything else work without changing the car too much... but I just don't think that'll happen. I'm happy so long as that thing's running smoothly and looking clean.

I think we should mostly be honest about our use of cars. I have a classic mini. I could go balls to the wall, turbo it, or making it an NA monster. But it will be a very powerful car with a very narrow power band and I'd hate to drive it. What I did ? Sensible suspension for road use, sensible cam with 90% of max torque from 2500 to 5000rpm, a peak power at 5800 and a 6500rpm shift light. It has 85 horsepowers at the wheel (originals have around 63bhp at the crank), idles nicely at 1000rpm, sips on petrol and can pull from 2000 rpm in top gear pedal to the metal with absolutely no drama or insane vibration. It is a delight to drive for either short spirited driving or road trips.

I think this is a very important message a lot of car enthusiasts need to hear often, myself especially. So thanks for this, lads

“If everyone is special, then nothing is special”.

I love the "don't be unique if you're not genuine" seems like you're still unique and enjoi and rare but car but you did it right with the rx7. After having experience from the first car and learing what you did and didn't like. Awesome and I love the video a lot of young car enthusiasts should see this.

I loved this video. My Hyundai Tiburon isn't a show stopper and it's obviously not fast but it's a genuine display of who I am and I'll never get rid of it no matter what.

Would love to see more content on the Escort, make it the car you want it to be now (or maybe your equivalent to Tall Ben's MR2 for a fun track car?)

Being unique is about doing what genuinely makes you happy, that is what makes you unique, doing things for yourself and nobody elses approval

love you guys. Authenticity is the driving motive that makes builds great. You figured it out. This is the wholesome content the car culture needs to see and hear. Keep up the great work.

Thank you for spreading the word that being genuine above all is the most important. People always seem to judge others and sway their opinions but don't let that stop you from trying things that you've always wanted to. It's ok to take inspiration but never do something unless you're 100% sure you'll enjoy it

The internet needed this video. Great work, I appreciate the quality and effort put in this video

I love your content because you always have a different perspective on the car community and you’re not afraid to go against the grain. I admire your genuineness and the effort you put to improve the community and encourage everyone in it to be comfortable with themselves. Keep up the great stuff 👍🏽

I've caught myself so many times buying parts or things cause "IT'S NEVER BEEN DONE!" but after a while I realize that's the only reason I wanna do it, to be "the first".. not because I genuinely want that on my build. Once I realized that and started buying the actual things I want and need, it's been a better experience.

one of the best way of seeing things i've ever seen in car culture, thank you for your content, it keeps getting better everyday.

Watching this video makes me realize how much I've grown as a person, since I share all of these opinions and currently only want to restore and keep stock my first car - a 96 Civic sedan

Such a great massage to all the automotive and beyond's. This goes so much farther then just the automotive world. Love it.

I didn’t buy my car to be unique, but holy shit does it have a character. I really wanted a track hawk or a fast SUV. After I got chased by a cop car, I realized I wanted one of the Ford Explorer SUV, interceptor models. The dual turbos are so much fun.

Late to the party, but a video/series of restoring your first car to a condition you actually want to drive would be cool, even if it’s just putting an interior in

I've been trying to share this idea with people for years! It's hard to convey years of watching forum threads start off with ambition and devolve into a disassembled pile of parts and the owner abandoning what was once a big dream. Unique is cool and all, but some level of uniqueness is almost unavoidable even if you're building a known recipe because you're going to bring your own style and execution. There's usually good reason nobody's done X before, and being first means you get to solve all the problems yourself be it via engineering, fabrication, research, luck, or lots and lots of cash.

Theres no problem in being unique as long as it represents you.

Thanks for the perspective. Really hit home. Its videos like this that make youtube great. Speaking real truths, without shoving ideology down your throat. Be "unique", by being yourself.

This is part of the reason why i like driving something that is older and has an online community and following. It may not be the most popular and most people may look past them but the people who are into it are dedicated and they've tried damn near everything you can think of, which you can actually see. I drive an s10 and those mini truck guys have had 20 years to share their builds/experiences and even longer to make them. Its s helpful reminder to shut up the part of my brain that doesn't want to be just like every other person. They've done it all already so i might as well just focus on building it in a way that makes me happy

A topic that definitely needed to be touched on. Totally agree. End of the day, you gotta modify the car the way you want. Not what others want you to.

Being genuine is being you, and there's nobody else in the history of ever that's you, which is pretty freaking unique 🙏🏼🙌🏼

I like watching you guys because of how genuine you are on camera.

Bro thanks for your video. Me and my father have a Civic here and we want to build a car that represent us. And for a few months I've been doubting myself if i really want to do a transmission swap, if it's really worth it. And your video made me realise "its the car we want to have" it's what we'll drive everyday. Thanks man, you made me even more excited to finish and drive that car. Awesome video

You nailed it. This is why I love this channel. You're unique AND genuine at the same time. The story of going all the way to Oregon to find the perfect STi was just as interesting as building a factory Frankenstein MRS

Many years ago, I once heard a car salesman say, "if you want your vehicle to stand out, leave it stock." This is especially true for vehicles that have endless modification options. If, however, you own a Dodge Journey, Nissan Altima, or Nissan Rogue, feel free to be unique and trade the rental car for something compelling to drive.

I like that he speaks on things like this because its something people DONT WANT TO HEAR BUT THEY NEED TO HEAR IT

Just watched this and I couldn't agree more. Many years ago I got into cars to be a stand out. Now I just do me and try to truly enjoy what I have. It is hard sometimes to just be, but man it just feels so much better. Hope this message gets to those who need to hear it. Car culture is so much more than standing out.

You have a good point. Being different means that you unique from everyone. It's possibly that you want to do what feels right to you and being authentic to yourself. It's cool seeing your old photos Ben.

I didn't realize you still had the ZX2, honestly I kind of love those things a ton and yours is completely nutty, whatever else can be said about it

I’m glad I’ve always been the type to go with what I really want and what makes sense. I’ve seen so many people ruin their builds just because they wanted to stand out

I am completely blown away at the sheer multitude of people that do shit out of the desire for other people to like them... I can't remember a single moment of my life when I operated that way. Yes, i want to be liked (by a small few) but i don't do what i do to gain that favor. I'm just me, and because of that I attract the right people for me. It's so simple.

This was such a cool video and I appreciate you for making it. It's so easy to get caught up in other people's expectations even when it comes to your own passion sometimes it's hard to keep in mind what you actually want yourself. The main reason I have always watched this channel was how authentic and down to earth everything is. Even with your crazy expensive car builds it's still done in an authentic and meaningful way, not just throwing whatever money can buy at a car but really improving it.

im sure i speak for most of us when i say, we all highly enjoy the perspective you guys have on the car world and just enthusiasts in general. Being real is why we are all here..dont ever stop!

Im between the regular vids, love this little coffee break life lesson type ones. Like 'Cars won't make you happy'. Sometimes it's not always about going fast, you gotta slow down and think about it all from time to time.

Perfectly said. Probably one of the best car related vlogs ever. Should be shown/shared everywhere and even instilled.Thanks for making it 👌

This is the sort of content I really like. You took a step back at what you were doing, and reported your findings, in an entertaining way. Thank you for that

Love this channel for what it is, two normal guys from VA making awesome real world cars! Keep it going fellas!

I really love this sentiment. I think this goes hand in hand with a lot of aspects of life. People need to stop comparing themselves to something or someone and being who they are not. Live for you and do what makes you happy in everything in life. In fact I would say one cannot achieve true happiness without being unabashedly genuine and authentic to themselves.

Your experience with the Ford really hit it home. I owned a 1996 4.6L V8 Mustang. It needed a lot of work, but I figured that was good because I could learn how to do all of the maintenance on it. But when everything is rusted, shocks are blown out, engine eats oil more than it eats gas, then the price of fixing it, even if you do it yourself, ends up costing you more than what it would be to just buy a better car.

I like being different, but I’ve never let that overshadow my love for building something exactly the way I want it. I’ve always been that way though. I love this video and I think you hit the nail on the head when you finished the sentence that the video title started. “Don’t be unique if it’s not genuine”

These are the kind of videos that makes Gears and Gasoline so unique. lol. Jokes aside, these types of videos really are the magic of your channel. These guys are striving for excellence the genuine and normal life-paced way. Your storytelling + camera work is just like hot cocoa on a snowy winter night.

Glad im not the only one having this train of thought. Got a fan for life man.

This is why I love this channel. You guys rock.

Amazing video and definitely made me realize, that I have a toxic relationship with myself and the money I want to invest to my car. I was too busy feeling like my build wasn’t enough, that I forgot to do what I love and make myself happy with what I already have. There is truth in the words spoken on this video. Sometimes I’m too closed in my own bubble of “I have to build my car and invest almost everything I make on it to be someone worth noticing” but I don’t really want or need that. Thank you for making me realize that. ❤

That brz isn't "unique" but its probably the cleanest one I've seen. Not overly done. That one gets my attention more than a slammed one with ridiculous camber and canards lol.

I wanna say thank you for making this video, and validating my feelings. It took me an extremely long time to get my Subaru, it's an Outback Sport, and there's a small handful of things I'm looking to do to it that I haven't seen anyone else do. That said, it's not about being unique, it's about building a vehicle that is truly mine, and brings me joy to both drive and just look at.

“You’re unique, just like everybody else.”

I'm in Seth's camp. Kept my Ecoboost Mustang in SCCA D-Street for the last 4 years. With such limited mods allowed, it's not even close to perfect. But it's a great, reliable car out of the box. 90,000 miles dailied, plus 150 autocross & track days. I'll say it's served me well.

I'm glad you guys decided to make this video, I have preached this very sentiment for a long time and I'm happy that others have come to the same conclusion. Keep up the great work guys :D

Great message! I think this really applies to many things in life! Ambition and competition are one thing, but never try to reach for impossible goals like being “the best” or “the fastest” or “the smartest”. That is a one way ticket to a depressing and unfulfilling life. Set your goals within reason and never base your happiness on your standing among others.

This is one of the best videos for automotive advice I’ve ever watched! Well said!

I love this video! this is just so genuine and pure.

Building a car just how you want, for yourself will always be truly unique, but those of us who do that, could really care less. We are in it for the build, and the driving experience.

The paradox i noticed from your vid is that uniqueness comes naturally from authenticity. Your insight works for other creative fields too. Good stuff.

the amount of things in life this can be said about is crazy

Thanks for the great and needed reminder. My ND miata might not appeal to many high horsepower lovers, but I love it because it's fun and lightweight. I'll continue doing things because I want to and not what others want.

Bro... I just loved it.... This feels like a life lesson. Hats off brother ❤

i like that u could treat cars as a metaphor for just about anything and this is still great advice

I love these inspirational videos. "why do we love cars" was how i found the channel, It was that video that got me to check you guys out. since then you've become my favorite car channel on youtube. I especially love the road trips. Keep up the great work guys!

I absolutely love the concept presented in this video. I used to have a 2017 WRX STi, a 2004 VW Golf TDI, and a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. I sold all of them and bought a 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4: probably one of the most common vehicles out there. And you know what? I absolutely love it. The vehicle means something to me, and makes me feel great whenever I drive it. The truck is almost bone-stock and doesn't stand out, and I don't care :).

Thank you guys, I just lost my car in a accident, this video made me feel a bit better thank you

I’ve lived with this Moto for a while when I recognized the issues with purely being different. Many people have said it before and I’m just falling in line with a mentality I agree with. “Real respects real”

i have a Suzuki swift gen3 rally build, my friends mocked the really big HELLA driving+foglights i have, until we went to a mountain trip one time, going home at night, I had no problems seeing the road while they struggle and get left behind on the twists, turns, ups and downs of the mountain road. I absolutely loved it and the karma was quick. idc what other people think, it is functional for both my work and leisure trips and it's my dream build.

Truly inspiring video , made me feel more motivated and solidified my choice with the new wrx , gonna make it look the way I think it looks good not to anyone else’s standards. I supported the look from the jump 3 days ago I picked the one up

I bet you end up in the world of filmmaking. You really know how to tell a story. You’re voiceovers of the visuals totally kill. Huge fan and keep up the great content!!! Ben N Ben, the two Bens that completely define the true car guy!!

That's why I still love my turboed 4 door Honda civic 2007, stripped quite a bit, but still with all of my necessities. It doesn't have the fanciest setup, nor the most powerful engine, and it's not that light, but it's what I like AND need.

"I'm unique, just like everyone else" My highschool yearbook quote.

Literally just do what you like because its your taste, not to be different. My build is extremely unique and I literally just do what I like to it. Even the fact that its a 1 of 250 edition in the world, wasnt even a factor when buying the car, i didnt even know til I looked it up whilst singing the finance papers. JUST BE YOURSELF.

I’m glad I found this channel when I did you guys are great

Honestly, pure emotions. Thanks man, cheers to THE REAL CAR ENTHUSIAST. 🍻

Man this video changed how I look at the car enthusiast community and how I feel about modding my own car, currently I wasnt sure if I wanted to mod my mk6 jetta S alot just because it was a Jetta S there's not much special about it other that its a manual, I always felt that I would have to have a special car to mod it, for example a Jetta TSI or GLI. but now I might eventually mod this car right now just because im in love with it, it is the car for me it might be common as hell but I know for damn sure I love it. and this video also earned you a subscriber for sure thanks for opening my eyes.