I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, the mileage cap still makes me a bit uneasy. I tried the capped policy once with my E-Type, thinking I’d never get close. But then a couple of last-minute drives, an unexpected rally, and suddenly I was sweating every extra mile. The notepad trick is clever, but I found myself obsessing over numbers instead of just enjoying the drive.
Here’s how I look at it now:
1. Figure out your average annual mileage, but add a buffer for surprises—family wants to tag along to a show, or you get invited to that event you can’t pass up.
2. Compare the cost difference between capped and unrestricted policies. Sometimes the savings aren’t as dramatic as they seem, especially if you factor in the stress of tracking miles.
3. Decide if you want that flexibility or if you’re genuinely comfortable with the limit.
For some folks it’s a no-brainer, but for me, I’d rather pay a bit more and not have to think twice when someone says “let’s go for a spin.” Guess it depends on how spontaneous you are with your car...
Totally get what you mean about the stress of tracking every mile. I tried a mileage cap once with my 911 and it just made me second-guess every random drive, which kind of sucked the fun out of it. I like your point about factoring in a buffer—life’s unpredictable, and part of the joy is those spontaneous trips. Sometimes paying a bit extra for that peace of mind is worth it, especially if you want to actually enjoy the car instead of treating it like a museum piece.
I hear you on that—had a similar experience with my old Alfa. The cap made me paranoid about every little detour, which just isn’t what these cars are for. Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more just to drive without overthinking it.
The cap made me paranoid about every little detour, which just isn’t what these cars are for.
Man, I get that. Had a Triumph a few years ago and hit that same wall—always doing mental math before taking the long way home. Honestly, it started sucking the fun out of it. Ended up switching to a pricier plan just so I could actually enjoy the car, not just stare at it in the garage. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and pay for peace of mind. Otherwise, what's the point?
I’m kinda torn on this. The cap seems like a good deal until you realize you’re basically rationing your own fun. I mean, what’s the point of having a classic if you’re stressing every mile? Still, the price jump for unlimited is rough...