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Stylin' and Profilin'

Van This one is going to be short. It's the kind of post I hate. I always roll my eyes at the posts where people are like, "Oh I just got this, like, totally cool new <fill in the gadget> and I just wanted all my AR buddies to know how great I am."

But we are going to pick up a different car tomorrow. I am making the leap from a 2001 minivan to a 2005. I don't believe in buying new cars, but to me this is a big deal. I'm a weirdo. It's just that we have been blessedly without a car payment for a while now, and so this makes me a little jumpy. I have been enjoying blowing that extra money on dinners out and useless junk for my kids.

But, here is the question. Is this going to help my business? It's a factor for me. I feel like maybe driving an older car is not good for my super-cool Realtor image. Because you know, when I pull up in this newer bad- boy van, respect will be IMMEDIATE. People will be knowing how cool I am even before I step foot out of my giant white egg on wheels.

Cool car

Yeah, I'm totally convinced. I'm so going to sell more houses now. I'll be oozing confidence. Forget the cute little sportster or the Hummer. The minivan is the way to go. Or should I take a second look at the station wagons...? Those always inspire the envy of my peers.

What do you drive? What does it say about you? I dare you to share.

Posted by Syracuse/ Central New York Real Estate| Christina Lackey on 07/15/2007 08:58 PM

Comments (43)

new car, minivan

43 Comments on Stylin' and Profilin'

JUL

2007

2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 (traded in the 2.5 three months ago because there was a recall and my engine was the one that would catch on fire....great) and bought this one brand new and didn't choose the 2007 because it was crap this year. I wasn't going to take the other one home....new engine being dropped in and all.....Got a good deal...trade in and paid the few k difference in cash. (I don't like car payments)

Me? I'm not a Mercedes, Jaq, BMW person. I like comfort and giving my client's leg room.

This is my REALTOR husband's license plate... can you tell what that says about him????

Best wishes on your new wheels...enjoy!

I drive a 2005 Toyota Avalon and my other car is a 2000 S40 Volvo. So nothing really fancy here. I bought a car instead of a van or SUV because it was cheaper and got better gas mileage. I love the Avalon for its super leg-roomy back seat. I do think the car you drive does promote a certain image, but shoot, I just read about a Realtor in Austin that doesn't even have a car. It's all in what you make of it, like anything.

I do mortgages. But I have a Dodge Durango Slt. Good Luck with the new van..

A "loaded" red Toyota Camry..great client car, leather, GPS, Bluetooth controls in the steering wheel, sunroof, Michelin tires, I-pod jack in the center console,.affordable, with all the gadgets I like!

I do mortgages and no one cares what I drive...I like to impress my customers with great service.

Sally- You have a very cute little car! I long for the days when I could drive something cute... sigh... Thanks for sharing!

Monika- I love the plate! I have a vanity plate I want, but not on a minivan. I'll post about it when I get it. Thanks for the well wishes!

Wendy- Sounds like you have two solid sets of wheels there. Solid is GOOD. I tried to find a minivan that's good on gas, but no doing there.

Shaun- Ah, the Durango. Awesome. I used to want one of those so bad, but we bought an Envoy XUV instead. That was a killer car, but it had to go when the second baby came along.

Eric- GPS rocks! I want to get that too... and oh, how I miss my sunroof. I have auto envy! LOL enjoy.

Chuck- Yes, I like to think that people will forget my car, but remember me. This trade is all about what's about to break on my old car, plus a newer one with a warranty!

I drive an Infinity I30, 1997. My sons have driven the cars so it is full of scratches and the front passenger side is falling off the car. It is makes a good conversation topic for when I am showing homes to my buyers.

I drive a Scion xB. Got it for the mileage (30-34 mpg) and turned it into a billboard.

Christina,

You are cracking me up! Now I'm afraid to tell you what I drive, but you dared! BMW X5 love it, have the miles to prove it! Hmm....what do you think :)

Christina -

You are killing me - ok - can you guess which one is MY vehicle.

The funny thing is I've been driving a minivan for almost 15 years - my next car will probably be something sportier. - Don't know though - that Blog Tour USA vehicle has some real appeal doesn't it! (LOL)

My 2 boys are rooting for a convertible of some kind.

I've always loved having the space to haul stuff - as a painter I've turned lots of trash to treasures and needed a way to haul off my find :-)

Enjoy your newer car!!!

I drive a BMW 530i and it's my "other" office.

What was that speeding by so fast? Was that a plane, or a train or a....OH!!!! It's Christina tearin' up Syracuse again!

To answer, I have a super cool 2006 Toyota Hybrid Hylander which I have outfitted with a bra. I get many complements on my bra! It has two dents in the fender which I stubbornly refuse to fix. It goes from 0-60 in less than 5 minutes!!!

I drive a Forrester a great car even in bad weather; the size works for me I don't like big car. I have had several clients who also drive Forresters.

This is Colorado so I drive a 4 wd Subaru. It is my 5th one, but it is 4 years old already and I am keeping it at least one more year. All I need is wheels that I know will get me there, and this one does that! I had leather seats on my last car, but they were too cold in the winter unless you preheated the car first and let the seat heaters warm up. Who has time for that? So when I bought my new car I went back to fabric seats, but I lost my heated side mirrors. Those, I miss! I hate having to scrape my mirrors when they get fogged up and icy. I would love to have a little Miata red two seater, or something similar, but I guess I will have to move to Florida for that.

I don't even want to say what I've got, lets just say I need a new car. :D

Good luck,

Sugar Land, Tx
Where Life is Sweet

just kidding...just kidding =)

LOL at JaneAnne. I drive a Toyota Camry. It's a 2004 so I probably need to trade in. But only 28 payments to go! :) Just kidding. I'll have it a while.

JUL

2007

I drive a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee - when it is not sick with the flu puking tranny fluid everywhere - shhh don't say it to loud but I am selling it after this repair and either getting a 2004 or 2005 Tahoe or TrailBlazer...

So currently - no laughing - I am driving a lifted Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummings diesel and over size tires... thank goodness for running boards :o) - ever show million dollar homes in a cowboy caddy... I know how it feels - pretty silly

Car I am embarrassed to admit it out loud. It looks better than what it really is though. That is because I picked out a color that I have seen on higher priced cars. I have a 2004 Kia Spectra. But if you knew what I was driving before this was a real step up! I had a late 80's Cadillac. But before you get to excited it had major problems including an overheating issue that we could never fix. I sold it for $400. I would love to get a little roadster and I have to admit I have RV lust. I would love to have one I have been lusting after a class "A" for years. Several times a year I just go and browse the RV dealers.

I have a 2004 Mazda MPV minivan. I really didn't want a minivan because that is what middle age mommies drive. I then remembered that was me :) Minivans are such practical cars - I would love to own a Mazda Miata or some other impractical convertible.

Rita - mine is an MPV Minivan too - oops and I'm a middle age mommy - no wonder we connect :-) (LOL)

"Unpimpin' ze auto"....

I drove a mini-van for years, raising kids. The best to get all the "stuff" we had to put in. Now I drive a small SUV, and I enjoy it. After 10 years in a mini van, I was glad to say good-bye.

02 Honda for me. This is my second Honda. Now I can't say they are the most comfy cars especially for a trip but you can't beat the gas mileage. Hubby who only buys a new vehicle every 20 years just bought a 07 Toyota Tundra. Nice truck but I couldn't stand the gas costs.

Hey There!! Congrats on your NEW WHEELS!!! I'm the spoiled brat with an '07 GMC Yukon I've only had for 3 months now. It's my 3rd Yukon...as I can't bring myself to drive a van...SORRY!! My little sister and I made a pact as kids (YES, as kids) to never drive a minivan. SEE...we had older sisters who were driving them back when they were square, ugly, uncool, and BIG! Sooo...we promised way back then. Anyhow, my car says I am ON THE GO and like big cars I think! We have a boat that requires a larger car, imagine that---a boat owner in FL! LOL I also need room for football and baseball gear, 2 dogs, groceries, and all that jazz!!

PS...My sister in law is the controller at GMC and we get a REALLY GOOD DEAL when we buy NEW so WHY NOT!! But, I am still openly admitting that I'm a SPOILED! :-) I won't be seeing another one for awhile though...

I really do think that our cars project to a buyer/seller a certain level of success. How sad is that!
Could you imagine someone in Beverly Hills pulling up to a 10 million home in a 10 year old rusted car? Guess not. Hope you enjoy the new car!

Susie,

You are sooo spoiled! No grocery getter for you....LOL!

Christina--2003 Mercury Villager Minivan...Not cool but practical with two long legged teenagers and their friends and stuff! Enjoy your new toy1

Mana- In some ways, I think it is nice to not be initimidating with your car too. It makes the client you are working with know you are WORKING for a living, right? Or not... I'm just trying to make myself feel better about the beater I've been drving.

Cyndee- LOL uhh... looks like we are in the same club here. I fully intend to buy a "fun car" for the weekends and just for clients when I can afford that. Can you hear me, peoople? My fun-ness depends on how many houses I sell! Do you know anyone who needs to buy or sell a home in Syracuse?

Tracey- My car is my other office too. Which is why I am excited because the new van has stow'n'go... which, to me, looks like huge places in the floor to put files. Do you think they could install those little racks to make some hanging file storage?!?

Chris- You are super- cool. I really wish I could afford a hybrid. Seriously, that's true. When are they going to come out with a reasonably priced hybrid minivan? Come onn, folks... target the moms who care what kind of a world their kids will inherit. It makes sense. Hmmm... should I get a bra for my huge white van? Uh, no.

Jennifer- A forrester is cool. I kind of wanted one of those too, but I have to go for the huge at this point. Mind you, before children... I was driving a Toyota Celica. With the flip up lights. Now, that is a car I miss.

Pat- Now THAT is cool. If you don't mind my asking, how much did that wrap cost? It is awesome. My husband totally wants to do that to my car.

Suzanne- My husband gives his approval. It's good that you are loving it!

Joanne- Subarus seem so practical to me. I'd like to get my husband a WRX because he wants something a little fun but safe for the kids. It seems like a good match.

The Hurley's- LOL come on, now I HAVE to know. Give it up.

janeAnne- LOL... that is funny! What else can I say?

Stephanie- Sounds like you have a solid little car! I love Camry's... but I can't fit all my junk... oh yeah, and the kids... in one.

Thesa- Oh my gosh... that is funny. At least it is a nice truck. Just don't wear a skirt. One time... just once... I know I will end up showing up to an appointment in my dad's Ford F450 diesel dump truck. It's gonna happen. I just hope nothing falls off it when I get out.

Ashley- I'm all about an RV some time too. I haven't really looked at them muc yet, though, because we don't have any place to park one. Maybe after we get into a new house.

Rita- Did you say middle aged? Middle AGED?!? I may be a mommy, but I am so not claiming middle age. I am going to live forever, just so you know. LOL... I had a bit of an identity issue when we got our first one, but I am no longer a van virgin so it doesn't bother me now.

Leah- Simple, yet elegant.

Missy- Yes, as much as I love my van for the functionality of it, I do long for the days in the future when I can go back to something that is not just a kid- hauler.

Sybil- Yeah, the gas mileage is a major negative to those big cars. Hope your husband loves his new baby!

Susie- I had a brand new 2004 Envoy XUV back when I was teaching and with only one little one. It just didn't work well when the second one came, though... so away it went. You're not spoiled... you just appreciate the awesome quality of those cars. I would buy another one in a minute if I could get a great deal and if it would work better with the little ones.

Diane- You're right. I'm glad to be getting something in better shape, even if it's not brand new.

Teri- Sometimes you just have to go for what works. Sounds like you use it well!

Christina - I drive a Nissan Maxima - but like you when we sell enough homes in Clearwater FL - our car fun-factor will increase - enjoy your new car

Jack- So maybe the more appropriate question for you is: What is your goal car? There's nothing wrong with the Maxima, of course. It makes my car look like... well, even less cool than it is.

Christina,

Maybe one-third aged would be better - I plan to live past 100 so I guess I'm not middle aged yet.......

Remember when 30 seemed OLD?

JUL

2007

Christina - Did I forget to mention my husband also tried to get me to buy a "CAR" and I told him NO! He was making fun of me about getting an Infiniti or something like that...I love my SUV! I can jump curbs, drive through the ditch and get it dirty. Our other vehicle is a truck...I LOVE IT!! I guess if it says "tom-boy" I'm all over that too!

PS...I made "the pact" with my sister when I was like 16! It's amazing how many features vans have now that my SUV doesn't have...but I just can't do it. If I was smart...I would buy a van for the price alone! What I really want is a HUMMER!!! :-) They just (ironically) don't have enough space for my liking...

Rita- That's much better. LOL. We gotta stay positive, right?

Susie- I know what you mean. I love when I have the radio loud in the van and I surprise some kids with my taste in tunes. LOL... it's fun, but that's about the only perk when it comes to coolness in a van. I would love a Hummer too... but, you know.

Okay...so let's make a pact "you and me" that we buy Hummers when our kids are big enough to own their own cars....and we won't let them drive it!! hehe

Funny I am reading this post, I am toying with the idea of a "newer car" myself. Currently I drive a Lexus RX. I like the room and feel a bit more safe in a larger car in the craziness that metro Atlanta traffic offers, but I still want good gas mileage. I think I am leaning towards the RX400 hybrid next. I hate doing the same car, but I just can't find anything else I like as much with decent gas mileage... although I am jealous of Pat's billboard

JUL

2007

Christina, only the coolest cars have bras...so maybe you should get one. Do you know I didn't even know they were called bras until I got one and had it installed and a woman in a parking lot looked over at me and said "like your bra". Scared the bejeepers out of me! Like one of those dreams where you go out in the nude...

Don't know if the notions of hybrid and minivan have ever come together. I've found that the hybrid isn't worth it. I get an average of 25.3 miles per gallon (at least for the last 5K miles) and I imagine it would have been at least 20 without hybrid technology. I paid 4K for the hybrid system. It's gonna take a ton of miles to pay off!!!

Susie- Consider it a pact. I call yellow. My Hummer's got to be yellow.

Jennifer- Hey, you like what you like, right? I wold buy another of a car I already had if it worked out right, it's all about being in the right place at the right time.

Chris- Wow, really? I am surprised that it's not as good as I was hoping. But I'm glad I asked because it will make me want one less from here on out!

DEC

From your album:
"Then and now" Posing Hard in front of the New Jeep Commander. I miss it but damn that GAS GUZZLER. I got bills and daddy needs new shoes plus my daughters are spoiled. Added November 6

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