While not everyone's a poet, I've seen my fair share of women swoon when they've received poetry penned by their loved one. And as a Valentine's Day present, I'm not sure there's any way to top it. (Well, maybe chocolates or a puppy.) Shopping can be a challenge for many men, but there's an affordable way to combine passions for your lover and automobiles.
With apologies to Joyce Kilmer, my guess is that your betrothed/partner will banish you to the doghouse if you devote your latest sonnet to your car:
"I think that I shall never see, a car as lovely as a 240Z."
But if you love cars, and your dearly beloved at least likes cars, the goal is to find a way to satisfy your auto-enthusiast hearts. And while the economy might still not be stout enough for many people to "surprise" their loved one with a new car, we've come up with a few more-affordable, heartfelt ideas. And if you're really creative, you can load his/her iPod with the accompanying songs to make the ultimate V-Day auto-themed playlist.
| Write this in the Valentine’s Day Card: “I promise to…” | And put this song on the iPod: |
| Completely detail your car, in and out (wash, wax, you name it). | “Car Wash” by Rose Royce |
| Take your car in for the next scheduled oil change. | “Changes” by David Bowie |
| Check your tires and get them replaced if necessary. | “Mud on the Tires” by Brad Paisley |
| Go over all of the car’s controls and explain how they work. (Don’t laugh—I know plenty of people who have said to me, “I have no idea what this button does.”) | “She’s Lost Control” by Joy Division |
| Help research a new-car purchase. Or, better yet, promise to help your mother buy her next car. | “Drive My Car” by the Beatles |
| Arrange to have a professional photographer take a picture of them with their classic or most-coveted car or hire a painter to recreate its image on canvas. | “Photograph” by Def Leppard, or “Vincent,” by Don McLean |
| Plan a romantic road trip by only following scenic routes—no Interstates—with a detailed map of destinations like antiques stores, art museums, hiking trails, shopping, local restaurants, etc. | “Vacation” by the Go-Go's |
| To rent a convertible for a no-kids summer night out: dinner, dancing… you name it. | “Red Barchetta” by Rush |
| To take you out to the nearest movie drive-in (Believe it or not, there are still a few out there.) | “Summer Nights” from the “Grease” soundtrack |
| In less than an hour, restore aged, hazy headlights. | “I Can See for Miles” by the Who |
| Give a portable GPS navigator, preprogrammed with favorite destinations. | “Route 66” by Depeche Mode |
We hope the list at least gives you some ideas. With a little elbow grease and planning, you can make her car shine like new and prepped for a memorable road trip. Of course, if you really can write poetry, I'd definitely go with that. And chocolates.
What are your ideas of thoughtful Valentine's Day auto ideas? Post in the comments below.
More from Consumer Reports:
2013 New Car Preview
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Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
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