Automotive Journalism question

I've been toying with the idea of some sort of automotive journalism. I have worked in the auto industry for 10 years and I wanted to specifically focus on things like car buying/finding frame damage/paintwork etc. Ideally I'd love to do reviews of cars but I know that's a tough field to get into. My question is, for those who have done it. How do you start at nothing and do something that people actually go to. My thoughts were starting a blog or combining it with my mobile detail gig I do outside of my 9-5. Anywho I would appreciate some insight/thoughts/opinions.

Write what you know. Apparently you know detailing already. Make a website for your mobile detail business and add a blog component to it. Focus on what you know/see that is unique.

I see you are in Texas. Contact TAWA (Texas Auto Writers Association) http://texasautowriters.org/ They are an amazing group with some really awesome talent. Find out who is in your area and buy them lunch. I've been a member of GAAMA (Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association) for years. Being a part of an association is well worth the $50 fee.

Don't get into it for the money. Yes, there are people out there who make big bucks as automotive journalists, but they are few and far between. Even the David Freiburgers of the world aren't making the kind of money you think they are. For me the reward is getting to do things that money can't buy (like hanging out with the Ford family at the Mustang 50th in Charlotte).

In reply to thedanimal:

Thanks for the information, that sounds really helpful. It's definitely not a money motivated thing, just something I want to do. I have to work on the website thing, I like the idea of attaching a blog to it.

Put together some samples and ideas and approach magazines. GRM is usually pretty open to this sort of thing. I can see them having interest in "how to evaluate a used car's body", for example.

I picked up my first book deal thanks to some online how-to articles I'd written. The more you get out there, the better.

Thanks Keith, I appreciate the info. Hearing your first hand experience with how-to's to being a known and respected member of the automotive landscape is great.