ARE YOU THE CAR GUY?

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Author: Stewart, Ben

AND ANOTHER THING …

I'm completely anonymous for the first hour of the summer barbecue. But just as I sink my teeth into the second slab of baby-backs … it happens. Someone tells everyone that I'm the "car guy." In that instant I'm transformed. I'm no longer just another partygoer, I'm an automotive consultant.

Within seconds I'm a hostage on my neighbor's porch. "What's the best minivan?" comes from behind me. Before I can respond, I hear from the woman next to the ice cooler: "Should I get the BMW or the Benz?" Okay, people, one at a time.

Now, I don't mind being helpful and sharing my expertise, not at all â€" if it's appreciated for what it is. But over the years I've learned that most people have already made up their minds. They just want me, the expert, to confirm their decision. And that can be tough when I try to be honest. When we evaluate vehicles on these pages, we expose the warts along with the beauty and soul. If we hurt the feelings of some who may have already bought a car or truck we think may not be the best choice, at least we've hurt their feelings at a distance. But when I'm eating someone's food and enjoying his hospitality, I feel kind of bad exposing the shoddy quality of a car â€" not knowing that his brand-new pride and joy is sitting there in the driveway.

But if you don't want to know, please don't ask.

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By Ben Stewart