11 Perfect Last-Minute Gifts for the Car Enthusiast

When it comes to tech and gadgets, you tend to get what you pay for, and proven brands always cost a bit more than knock-offs. Next Base introduced its first dash cam in 2012—an eternity in tech years. We’ve used this particular setup ourselves and have to say, installation and use are easy and intuitive. The 322GW kit offers 1080p front and 720p rear recording, and a magnificent 2.5-inch high-res touchscreen. Best of all, it overwrites its oldest files so it’s always recording, even if your SD card gets full.

You can’t go wrong with gifting a car vacuum! Everyone uses them, and these things tend to wear out pretty quickly. This model from ThisWorx is one of Amazon’s most popular and bestselling automotive accessories. It’s not wireless, but the 16-foot cord plugs into your 12v cigarette lighter outlet. It comes with three attachments, two washable HEPA filters, and a carrying case. And at this price, you’re getting a heck of a deal. 

Perfect for the leadfoot on your list, the R3 from Uniden is one of the most popular radar detectors among enthusiasts because of its power and reliability. The Extreme Long-Range detection senses both laser and radar. It uses GPS to monitor red-light and speed cameras, and lets you mark fixed false alerts you might pass daily, like automatic door openers on storefronts. In addition, 360-degree protection and voice alerts keep it hands-free and easy to use. Best of all, at press time it was a full $100 off its regular price.

Every driveway mechanic needs a quality set of tools, and this 108-piece set from DeWalt makes the perfect gift. It includes two 72-tooth pear-head ratchets and a variety of sockets, extensions, and adapters for almost any application. Comes complete with vinyl carrying case. Pros, noobs, and everyone in between will love this set for years.

Now that they’ve got a killer set of tools, your favorite DIY mechanic needs this OBD II scanner to quickly and easily diagnose problems and issues with any 1996-or-newer vehicle. It plugs right in under any dash, providing a complete repair report with thousands of fixes verified by ASE Certified Technicians. Your giftee will save a ton of money on repair bills by eliminating the need for diagnostic check-ups and estimates.

Spruce up any car interior with this universal set of seat covers. It fits any four-door sedan, SUV, or pickup truck. We chose the gray leatherette covers here, but there are dozens of colors and styles to choose from to suit any taste or vehicle paint scheme. If your favorite enthusiast’s seats are beat, you can’t go wrong here.

Free up space in the cabin by placing luggage on the roof—and protect it with this 100 percent waterproof cargo bag. It’s made of heavy-duty, military-grade tarpaulin and features waterproof zippers and seals, plus a carrying bag and TSA-approved locks. Thanks to the multipurpose strap system, it works with or without roof racks on any hardtop car or SUV, providing 15 cubic feet of extra storage. Any road trip fans on your gifting list? This is a great deal.

Not that we’d wrap our Porsche, but we can think of a ton of rides that would benefit from some fresh skin. And menacing matte black is all the rage these days. The 3.9-mm thick vinyl wrap comes in a 50-foot-by-5-foot roll for a complete kit big enough to cover most cars. It’s great for fleets, kit cars, and motorsports, too. Designed for DIY installation, it uses a solvent-based, repositionable, permanent adhesive that won’t damage paint. The finish should last up to seven years.

Here’s a handy gift any garage mechanic or DIYer will appreciate. With a segmented storage tray for small parts and tools, quality 360-degree swivel casters, and a padded seat, the Torin is perfect for wrenching, detailing, or just chilling with a cold one and admiring your handiwork. It’s got a pneumatic pedestal that adjusts 4 1/2 inches up or down, and it supports up to 250 pounds.

These interior LED light strips are super popular, and this set is controlled via an app that allows your favorite enthusiast to easily change colors, brightness, and effects. Four flexible strips on two lines are ideal for accenting any interior cabin; it connects via the cigarette lighter outlet. One mode is for “music sensitivity,” so if your favorite driver likes the cars that go “boom!” this tasty gift is sure to please. 

Every car owner would appreciate this easy, inexpensive, and thoughtful gift. You could spend a lot more on a detailing kit, but this handy collection has everything they’ll need. It includes original Armor All Cleaner and Protectant, plus Ultra Shine Wash & Wax, Tire Foam Protectant, and a can of 25 handy Glass Wipes. And you know you can trust the brand name. If you’re in a bind thinking of a last-minute gift, look no further.