So many people who have achieved celebrity status did so by devoting most of their time to their passions and honing their skills thereof, which ultimately brought them recognition and money. That is also Scotty Kilmer's story. The name Scotty Kilmer is undoubtedly familiar to everyone who has ever used YouTube to look up solutions to car-related technical issues. However, if you've never heard of Scotty Kilmer before, you'll find everything you need to know right here.
Scott Michael "Scotty" Kilmer is an American YouTuber, writer, mechanic, and car enthusiast at heart. He gained notoriety for advising people on which used cars to buy and how to fix minor car problems on their own. Scotty Kilmer's popularity also stems from his witty and gruff manner of speech and the ease with which his followers can interact with him.
The sunglasses-wearing Kilmer frequently screams at the camera while flailing his arms around, making watching any of his videos a bizarre experience. While he favors Toyotas, he criticizes most other models, and his films frequently veer away from vehicles to discuss aftermarket additives, politics, and other topics. Read on to learn more about the 68-year-old YouTube star, Scotty Kilmer.
Related: This Is The Story Behind YouTuber Scotty Kilmer
10 He Comes From A Lineage Of Auto Mechanics
Scotty was born on October 2, 1953, in Niagara Falls, New York. He grew up with a passion for cars, which motivated him to learn how to repair them. He inherited this interest from his father and grandfather, both of whom were auto mechanics. Although his reclusive father did not explicitly teach him how to fix cars, he allowed Scotty to watch him do it and learn as much as he wanted until he mastered the trade.
9 He Started Working On Cars At 14
From what we gathered, he started working on cars at the age of 14 after being inspired by his grandfather and mentor, Elmer Kilmer. He earned a bachelor's degree from York University and a master's degree in anthropology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Scotty started his own vehicle repair shop in 1979.
8 He Was The Host Of A Car Show On CBS
In 1994, Kilmer started a car show in Houston dubbed "Crank it Up with Scotty" which aired on CBS TV to teach viewers how to diagnose and fix mechanical issues and share his thoughts on automobile technical facts.
7 He's A Published Author
“The absolute first thing you must do is to ask the person selling the car if you can have a mechanic check out the car before you decide on buying it," says Scott Kilmer in his book “Еvеrуоnе’ѕ Guіdе tо Вuуіng а Uѕеd Саr аnd Саr Маіntеnаnсе”, whісh hе рublіѕhеd іn 1994. In the book, he explains how to inspect secondhand cars for yourself and how to avoid buying a lemon. Scotty demonstrates how to appraise a vehicle for purchase, starting with the first peek at a dealer or private seller and continuing through the road test and haggling stage. Scotty also provides more detailed recommendations for experienced do-it-yourselfers.
6 In 2004, Won An Emmy For "Best Interactive Car Talk Host"
On his tenth year of hosting the TV show, Scotty received an Emmy Award for “Best Interactive Car Talk Host.“ This was a significant accomplishment for Scotty. In August 2007, Kilmer launched a YouTube channel with content similar to that of his television show in order to broaden his field of work and reach a wider audience.
5 His YouTube Channel Boasts Over 1B Views And More Than 4M Subscribers
His wisest decision, though, was to embrace YouTube. Scotty used his clients' cars to depict flaws and explain how to correct them and tips on upkeep and other issues that a car owner should be aware of. Over the last decade, his YouTube channel has amassed a large following, accumulating millions of views and subscribers. He posts fresh videos regularly, which means that his channel's users have a lot to look forward to. Scotty is also active on other social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Related: 5 Knowledgeable YouTubers Every Gearhead Should Watch (5 Who Are Nothing But Clickbait)
4 The Worst Car That He Ever Worked On Was A Chrysler TC
Chrysler has one of the industry's smallest lineups, but the company's devotion to entry-level luxury sets it apart from other automakers. However, Kilmer says bluntly in one of his YouTube videos, that he is not a fan of any of the Chrysler products. According to Scotty, Chrysler has incorporated Cummins engines into some of its cars and trucks, and those engines are fantastic - but everything surrounding those engines, such as the transmission, is a shambles.
3 He’s Keen On Motorcycling, And Is Very Proud Of His Triumph Thruxton
Along with repairing cars and providing helpful advice, Scotty has a variety of other hobbies. He is a motorcycle enthusiast and is quite fond of his Triumph Thruxton, one of the most iconic Cafe Racer of all time. Scotty's collection also includes a 1994 Toyota Celica, a 2002 Lexus ES300, and a 2007 Toyota Matrix.
2 He Is Not A Fan Of Luxury Car Brands
Scotty urges his consumers to steer clear of luxury vehicles brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, and Jaguar. Certain manufacturers produce gorgeous cars, but they are costly to fix. Moreover, because they have new technologies that have not yet been perfected into something reliable, they will require repairs frequently. Scotty harps on Mercedes in particular in this regard.
Related: These Cheap Sports Cars Will Last You A Lifetime
1 Scotty’s Net Worth Is Estimated At Around $12M
Scotty Kilmer has turned his hobby into a source of income. Because his studies had nothing to do with the auto sector, he relied on his grandfather's inheritance to maintain his life and work. According to one of his uploads, he has carved up a thriving niche for himself on YouTube, one that he isn't likely to give up until he takes his "very last breath". Scotty's net worth is estimated to be around $12 million as of 2022. All of his wealth has come from his almost two-decade-long career in the automotive YouTube sector, author, and skilled auto technician.
