Oh yes, this has been a very popular topic before and it continues to be popular. What kind of car do you drive?o Do you think it really matters? While some people believe that a car is a car, others believe that it actually says something. Do you think your clients judge you by your car? In this materialistic world, you better believe it!

A now Ladies & Gents...A Story: My ex-fiance owns his own company. A year or so ago, he drove an older model car. Yes, it was a 96 Jimmy. Now, for those of you that drive Jimmy's, please do not get offended. Anywho, one day he ran into an old friend and they went to lunch together. After much conversation, his friend looked at his ride and said "Man, business must be bad". Can you believe that? He actually SAID that! Needless to say, the ex carried his butt to the dealership and came back with a 07 F150, Harley Edition.

So, whether we like it or not...people DO judge a book by it's cover. This isn't to say that you should go out and buy the next Lexus. You should never make a purchase on impulse nor should you really make a purchase to please someone. You know what the best kind of car is? One that is paid off, right? I don't care if that baby is riding on all donuts, if it's paid off....I'll drive it until the wheels fall off.

Here's something to make you think. In Forbes magazine, they actually did an article on what YOUR car says about YOU! See if you can relate to any of these:

 

Corvettes: Drivers are in control, aggressive and seek adventure. 

Monte Carlo: image concious, looking for an acceptable way to be a rebel, self-indulgent

Lexus Sedan: family-oriented, values politeness

Honda Accord: Might possibly like to vaccum out their garage, very clean.

Aston-Martin: You are self-made and not showy.

Bentley: You are  more interested in rewarding yourself than making a statement.

Escalade: You speak your mind and are sometimes unapologetic. You enjoy life and do a lot of entertaining.

Mini-van: Target customers are married couples from 35-45.

Viper: You are a man's man. Driving is one of your favorite things to do. You are a business owner/executive/manager.

Honda Civic: Your main hobbies are reading, going to the movies and conversations with friends.

Jeep: You are adventerous and seek excitement. You might like hiking.

Mercedes Benz: Fine dining and domestic travel are your favorite.

Nissan 350Z: You are younger and have a smaller chance of being married.

Porche: You are around 50 years old and are typically a male. You might be a doctor or a lawyer.

Rolls-Royce: You probably own about five homes and six cars.

Volkswagon Jetta: You are more likely to have a job in technology. You are 70% more likely to listen to music in your free time and 40% less likely to be divorced.

Hummer: Strong need to dominate others.

SUV: Soccer Moms

Mini Cooper: Can telegraph a vibe of either arrogance or cuteness.

Ford Explorer: More self-absorbed and less likely to be community oriented.

 

Of course, all of these are just sterotypes. Gotta love them, right? So, did you go out and buy a new car when you got into real esate? Be honest, now. :)

 

 

 
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36 Comments on What Does Your Car Say About You?

SEP
21
2008
31 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Mine didn't make the list - a Chevy Trail Blazer but I know it says I have a lot of kids, with a lot of stuff and a husband who likes to buy big things at Home Depot (projects) and Best Buy (large tv's) - sad but true.  I guess I'm just not cool and truthfully I don't really care what anyone thinks about the car I drive - it's in it who matter to me :) ~ Anne Marie

6:29pm • #1
Outside Blog Hit Router

Soccer Mom with no kids playing soccer....

Still love my SUV though.

6:30pm • #2

I wonder what they think of a linoln?

6:31pm • #3
16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

You're right, as long as it gets us from point A to point B, it really shouldn't matter! :)

6:31pm • #4
114,377 Points Localism Sponsor Hit Router
Appearances are important in this business
6:32pm • #5
195,820 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I definitely don't have the time to vaccum out my garage!  I think that some agents don't realize that their EXPENSIVE cars may make a negative statement about them when people feel that they can't afford their services.  By the way you failed to mention that a car is one of the WORST investments that you will ever make! 

6:33pm • #6

Your car needs to fit your target clients. If you show farms, don't drive a Cadillac. If you show homes in the city, don't drive an old truck!

6:33pm • #7
480,711 Points 41 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Mine says take me to the mechanic and then the car wash I'm embarassed to be seen out in public:-)

6:36pm • #8
379,745 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Interesting steriotypes for the vehicles. thanks for sharing. You left out the steriotype for a Yugo.

Sean Allen

6:37pm • #9
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I bought a new car in April after the engine blew in my Mini-van between showing clients (2 diff ones that day). Its a very fuel efficientlittle car.

6:39pm • #10
3 Featured Posts

Aha... but do people believe we are a certain way because of the car we drive, or do we buy a certain car because of who we are? It's like the chicken or the egg question, lol.

Personally, I recently traded my bright red Pontiac Sunfire for a more reserved charcoal Hondai Sonata for this very reason. It's not because I was afraid people were judging me, per se, but more because I knew that if I drove a more professional car I would FEEL more professional, and that would show in my business!

6:40pm • #11
607,305 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

YEAH!  I'm not "allowed" to have a mini-van yet as I'm not 35!!!  I'll have to remember this to show my husband.  He thinks a mini-van would be a good idea, but I'm partial to my 4Runner, though I'm not a "soccer mom" yet.  She can't even stand to kick a ball, but maybe some day...

6:43pm • #12
278,468 Points Outside Blog

Lindsay, I agree with the statement that it does matter. I have 3 vehicles and get 3 different response in each. When I am in my Caddie CTS, often I am told your not hurting much.

6:44pm • #13
1 Featured Post Hit Router

I drive an HHR. It's topped out with leather heated seats, XM radio, chrome accents, etc...

But the real reason I got it was because it serves my business needs and my passion. I can fit all my drums in it.

http://www.megadrummer.curvedspaces.com/

6:46pm • #14
1 Featured Post

I drive a Cadillac Escalade, paid for...  It's comfortable, clients respond well to it's upscale SUV.  Works well in the winter snow of Lake Tahoe.  Rather have a Bentley...

6:46pm • #15

Maybe not what type of car, but its appearence can. If you keep it clean or if it has trash all through it.

6:48pm • #16
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Okay, I have the CUTE CARS!!  TWO 2002 VW Turbo BEETLES...   A Bright Yellow & Bright Red.  What does it say about me???   ;>)

 

6:49pm • #17
122,624 Points 1 Featured Post

Found this one on ebay but I got out bid. What does this car say about me?    Mark's new ride!

 

7:06pm • #18

I feel it does reflect on you. I hate to admit it, but I really think it's true. I just bought a cadi myself and it has made a difference. I've got both listings I went after since I got it. Since I love it too boot, it's a win-win.

7:06pm • #19
111,601 Points 4 Featured Posts

When I first started in real estate I had a Mercury Grand Marquis that was about 12 years old.  It was a great car!  Big, comfortable, great A/C you name it, but........ The front seat stuffing had been picked out by my daughter, the door was creased from another car and it was showing some wear.  My broker told me to get a new car, I did!  I bought a Hyundai Elantra, got great gas mileage and was able to transport customers somewhat comfortably (I checked out the back seat leg room with my 34" inseam legs).  Now I own my second Hyundai Elantra and love this one too.  I love new cars!  It does make a difference...

7:08pm • #20
137,602 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

At least here in metro Atlanta, it is all about what you drive. But I was in need of something that would not break the bank if I was not busy or real estate hit the skids....(who's laughing now) so I leased a 07 Hyundai Sonata. It's a nice car, comfortable for clients to ride in, and does not drink a gas station every day. My lease is up next July...I am hoping to kick it up a notch to a Mercedes or an Infinity. But only if there is a special offer going on at the time.

I'm not going in over my head just to impress someone that may, or may not, pay my bills! LOL!

7:31pm • #21
487,990 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

In my area SUVs are the most common vehicle among real estate agents.  Big enough to take out clients.

7:37pm • #22
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

HI LINDSEY!

I'm a soccer mom!!  Gotta be able to tote my kids and everyone elses!!!

What about Camry?

8:54pm • #23
451,026 Points Outside Blog

Yikes...i drive an acura..that my kids have killed.... not sure what that says about me :)

9:03pm • #24
166,611 Points

My car is not on the list.  I drive a Volvo XC70.  What does it say about me?  Sensible and practical?

10:02pm • #25
111,550 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Good Blog.  When I was in my 20's, I met my now husband.  He was handsome and owned a home at a young age and seemed really together.  He drove an old beater truck.  I actually loved it because I realized that he was smart with his money AND he didn't care what people think. I was hooked.

So many people try to keep up with the Jonses.  Forget it, too much work for me.  The list is very cute though!

10:47pm • #26
SEP
22
2008
353,865 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Since my car's not on the list, I am not sure what it says about me.  It probably has something to do with family, if I had to guess.

12:09am • #27
OCT
09
2008
144,052 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

I'll stick with the paid off jeep for a few years! Fun read...

9:55pm • #28
OCT
12
2008
152,106 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

This is so entertaining... and I just made a new friend who is a car enthusiast... hmmm... now I have the inside scoop! Best to you, Lindsay.

5:08am • #29
OCT
13
2008
NOV
07
2008
1 Featured Post

When we were shopping for a car we just wanted something that could sit 7 people so we got a Nisson Pathfinder. Why seven people? Our thinking was we could seat a family of five plus ourselves to go out househunting. It has worked great.

11:14am • #31

We leased a Volvo XC-90 in early 07, as my previous car did not project as professional image as I thought necessary.  I keep it clean inside and out because people like to strike up conversations when they read my vanity plates, LIST U with the Realtor Logo. 

Unlike Patty, we specifically got the 5 person version so that families with multiple kids use their vehicle and follow us, as it limits our potential liability.

11:26am • #32
119,872 Points Outside Blog

I'm wondering where I fit in with my 06 Chevrolet Mailibu. I'm considering a lexus soon though.

3:55pm • #33
NOV
08
2008
370,732 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I drive a Hummer....(I own by 2nd one now).....but I purchased the first one because they stay in 4 wheel all the time and have a very high ground clearance as I stay on construction sites (I almost tore the bumper off of my Escalade once when I ran through a large ditch full of water trying to look at development property). 

BTW I drive an H3 - gas mileage better than all other alternatives in SUV that would allow my 36" inseam legs to fit in as well as the other items listed above - (I average 19 miles to the gallon)

7:29am • #34
NOV
22
2008
1 Featured Post

Just saw this post and had to laugh when I saw the VW Jetta.  I have a 2000 Jetta TDI.  Purchased when I was a quality engineer and needed a fuel efficient vehicle to drive on my daily commute.  I do listen to music in me free time.  I don't live up to the last statistic though. 

2:41pm • #35
FEB
20
216,576 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Baton Rouge & Denham Springs Relocation Lindsay Pendleton, e-PRO, REW, AHWD-Do you know what issue of Forbes Magazine this article came out of? I just brought a Ford Explorer last month. I like what it said about people who drive Ford Explorers. Have a great weekend. Great post.

8:22pm • #36

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Baton Rouge & Denham Springs Relocation Lindsay Pendleton, e-PRO, REW, AHWD

Baton Rouge, LA

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