My car was recently totaled and now I am in the market for a new car. I drove a Lexus SUV, that I really enjoyed. I had purchased it in cash, and it was 5 years old. It had great value, so I am committing myself to only use the cash from the insurance company.Times are different now, and I feel that the current economy does play a factor in determining what vehicle, I am going to buy. I am in Minnesota, which I also feel plays a part in the type of vehicle I buy ( I won't drive a rear wheel drive). I want my car ( I am switching to a sedan) to be very reliabile, of top quality, stylish, perform well, and have a high value proposition. Just the traits I attribute to my Real Estate business. I do feel that people want to work with successful people, but should it matter if I have a clean premium Honda Accord or a Lexus? Audi is a great car, but expensive to repair, and always in the shop. I have not read comments on this topic in 2010, so I am curious what everyone thinks? Is it wise in this economy to drive a high end car? Do people really judge you if you drive US or foreign? Please be specific in your car suggestions, not just "a nice car".
Michelle ~ I has the same sort of dilemma a few years ago. I didn't total my car. I gave my (4 year old) Lexus to my daughter. I looked for a car. At that time gas prices were like $4.00 gal. I did buy a Mercedes 500 series. I love it. It does make a difference what you drive. You can't drive a clunker. Just something clean and soert of new. Maybe 5 years or younger. There are some great buys now also.
I loved my wife's Toyota for the dependablity. 100 k and only a set of brake pads.My 7 series BMW had $47,000 worth of REPAIRSINTHE SAME MILEAGE.
I WOULD BUY LEXUS
I think to some people, it does matter what type of car you drive, especially with certain clientle you are working with. However, is it worth it to drive a nicer, fancier car if trying to figure out how to make the car payment in a slow month stresses you out so badly you can't even focus on your job?
I say if you drive a decent vehicle, pay cash for it, wash and wax it frequently and keep the inside clean, you are fine.
If someone chooses not to do business with you due to a car not being fancy enough, do you really want to do business with a client that shallow?
Sincerely,
Paul W Thompson
Home Mortgage Consultant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Michelle, I chose a "loaded" Honda Accord since it is the top-rated sedan for reliability. It looks good; I keep it clean inside and out, replace it every 3 years, and clients are just fine with it. Most of my clients in the Silicon Valley and San Mateo County are professionals--lots of engineers--buying in the $800,000-$1,200,000 range (which here translates to a nice, simple 3 or 4 bedroom home in a good community.)
Just get a car you like and that makes you feel good about yourself. Don't worry what people think. That's my vote.
I drove a nice Camry and had a client tell me that helped them decide to use me. They said had I been driving a Mercedes or BMW they would have passed. More recently I'm driving a Lexus SUV due to the need of 4 wheel drive. I would consider a nice used 4 wheel drive sedan, Subaru makes some good options.
I think it totally matters what kind of vehicle a realtor drives. It shows your success and taste. I drive a 2010 GMC Acadia so it's an SUV but inside it can seat 8 people. I get compliments all the time!
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