Perfect Gifts for Car Lovers

Got a few car enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list? From inexpensive do-dads to gifts that will most certainly break your bank account, we’ve got a few cars and car-related items that will surely jazz those loved ones that claim to have gasoline running through their veins.

SiriusXM Radio Subscription

For about $11 a month, the music fan on your holiday list can stream over 80 channels of country, rock, hip-hop, classical, or pop. Or for around $15 a month, you get 155 channels, including news, sports, and comedy. A subscription allows you to listen in your car, at home, in the office on your computer, or via smartphone and tablet. For some of us, satellite radio is an essential road trip companion.

Learn more about car infotainment.

Jump Starter Battery Packs

Is there a car person in your life who always seems to need a jump start to get their car going? Well, if you’re tired of dragging out your jumper cables, you can buy micro-sized battery packs (most only weigh a pound and are roughly the size of a paperback novel). They’re powerful enough to get your motor running and can also be used to recharge portable devices, such as mobile phones and tablets—a function that makes them a useful part of a home emergency kit, as well. All of the units we tested had at least one built-in USB port, as well as a flashlight, and some had connectors to charge certain types of laptops. We tested 10 units that had an average price of about $90.

See our jump starter buying guide and Ratings.

Driving Schools

Perhaps you know of a budding wannabe racecar driver or you want to give a new driver some top-notch car control training; there are a number of high-performance driving schools that will do the job. Often held at racetracks around the country, there’s something for everyone—from off-roading and karting to open-wheel racing and even a NASCAR experience. One-day events start at around $500. Check the links for specific pricing and locations, and search online for schools based in your region.
• Skip Barber
• Richard Petty Driving Experience
• Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving

Performance Tires

Suppose your holiday honey already has the car of their dreams, but has been lusting for a set of high-performance tires? One extra-special indulgence is the Pirelli P-Zero, tied for our highest rated ultra-high-performance summer tire. It has impressive grip and braking in wet and dry conditions. Pricing starts at around $177 per tire (but might vary by retailer and by size). Of course, performance all-seasons may be more appropriate for year-round driving. Check our ratings for the best performers in whatever class you need.

See our tire buying guide and Ratings.

Volkswagen GTI

The GTI is one of those cars that delivers a ton of driving fun for just pounds of money. It’s powered by a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, driving through either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We got an impressive 29-mpg overall with our manual-transmission test car. While it’s a ball to drive, the taut ride won't beat you up. Handling is very agile, and throttle response is immediate. Inside is a high-quality, quiet, and refined interior with comfortable seats. USB ports were finally added for 2016, as well as available lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert. With pricing starting at $25,815, you might also want to get one for yourself.

See our complete Volkswagen GTI road test and Ratings.

BMW M235i

Not often do we test a true weekend toy that also makes for a fabulous (and reliable) daily driver. Yes, the M235i is one of those great purist cars that delivers razor-sharp handling and a sense of immediacy that is missing in other recent BMWs. The M235i has a terrific 320-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder that responds instantly to every prod of the throttle. Starting at $45,145, adding a few options such as metallic paint, heated leather seats, and a premium stereo make it peak past $50,000. You can get the M225i in coupe or convertible body styles and with rear- or all-wheel-drive. Unfortunately, only the RWD car gets a manual transmission. We love this car.

See our complete BMW M235i road test and Ratings.

Porsche 911

If you know of someone who’s wished for a 911, the current model would make an excellent gift. It delivers other worldly performance and relative refinement. The base model has a 370-hp six, and the Carrera S a 420-hp six, both matched with a seven-speed manual. The 911 is quick and super-agile, with sublime handling. The exhaust note is terrific, and driving the automated manual is just as thrilling as the stick shift. Thanks to its relatively supple ride and ample sound deadening, the 911 is rather well-suited to long trips for a sports car. The interior is beautifully crafted. Even reliability has been above average of late. The tough part may be writing the check: the 911 coupe starts at $89,400 and rises to $194,600 for the Turbo S convertible. But there are always used 911s to choose from . . .

See our complete Porsche 911 road test and Ratings.

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