When I was growing up my parents (who grew up in the Great Depression) always wished the person good luck when they bought a new car. I think in the period they lived in a car was a luxury and not everyone was fortunate enough to own one. I also suspect that back then cars were not quite as reliable as most of today's models.

Recently some friends of mine threw coins into my newly acquired car. They said some Italian friends of theirs said that is their custom. I'm of Italian descent, but I never heard of that.

I am just curious if there are other customs/rituals when a family member or friend gets a new car.

 

I usually just say...

 

I usually get them a car-related gift that suits their personality.

Hello Kitty car stuff, luxury air fresheners, clear floor mat covers, neck pillows, cargo storage solutions, etc.

It typically is their first "mod"...

 

I think Con graduating the person or persons on there new cars says a lot.. Its a great experience IMO..

 

"Congrats" seems to be a fairly common response.

 

Usually we faun over it for a day then it just becomes integrated. Because I work for an automall and new cars though, I'm a bit jaded hah

 

I typically ask them to take us out to lunch so we can check out their car....their treat of course! :P

 

lol.. good idea..

 

Something nice. This is NOT the time to tell them that XXXXX is a better car or that they could have gotten a better deal.

Even if it's true.

 

Go for a drive in it ;D

 

Since you have a 612, the best looking modern F car IMO, I would start with the mantra I adopted from reading Ferrarichat, enjoy it in the best of health.

Any chance you are in Brookline as I used to see a both maroon and a black 612 when I lived in Washington Square?

 

I say "Congrats!" no matter what they bought. It's still exciting for the person at first even if its a crappy car/poorly bought.

 

My parent grew up as Depression era kids and of Greek descent(1st generation born here). My mom always threw a few coins into a new car for good luck, of course in those days you could have filled up with the coins

JTMav

 

Best thing is to join them in their excitement. I recently went for a drive in a colleague's new Acura TL, and another guy's Tesla Model S. They were so happy to answer questions and chat about their new purchase.

 

"Recently some friends of mine threw coins into my newly acquired car. They said some Italian friends of theirs said that is their custom. I'm of Italian descent, but I never heard of that. "

When I drove the SC home the first time (top down), a quarter landed in the SC.... WTF?? Then I realize it was my Italian neighbor, he say this is for good luck and is a Italian tradition. I ask him if any tradition threw "gold coin" instead

I just say "Nice" & that's what I get from most people too.