missdependant Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I could care less if he's driving a 1992 Honda Accord or a Beamer as long as he had a great personality to go with it. :-)
Land Shark Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I could care less if he's driving a 1992 Honda Accord or a Beamer as long as he had a great personality to go with it. :-) Bummer. Is there any kind of car that would make up for a crappy personality? How about a nice house or lots of gifts?
missdependant Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Bummer. Is there any kind of car that would make up for a crappy personality? How about a nice house or lots of gifts? I don't know.. ask a really shallow girl.
missdependant Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Porche and Hummers which never go on dirt roads or in this case, will never see a blade of grass. Ugh!!! I HATE H2s and H3s!!! Waste of oil, I say. And also, why would you buy such a giant SUV if you're not going to take it off-roading or do some crazy shiz with it?? I'd never waste my money on a new Hummer. I'd buy one of the old ones. Can't they swim?
runner Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 the H1 is the only true hummer. the H2/3 are the emasculated versions - for trophy wives on rodeo drive.
jerbear Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Ugh!!! I HATE H2s and H3s!!! Waste of oil, I say. And also, why would you buy such a giant SUV if you're not going to take it off-roading or do some crazy shiz with it?? I'd never waste my money on a new Hummer. I'd buy one of the old ones. Can't they swim? The originals can still drive on roads with, I think 3 feet of water because of the height and the undercarriage is protected. Now if there is water current then the driver and passengers might have to swim.
Trialbyfire Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 If you're knocking BMWs, you've either never driven one or don't enjoy the driving experience of excellent suspension and handling. Bolt on a few modifications and you'll experience the joy of being able to turn on a dime AND be able to rely on it. Hit the apex of curve, gun it and feel your car stick to the ground without either that horrid big boat or out-of-control feeling. So...any other questions about why some women drive BMWs?
Lucky_One Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I drive a 2002 Mercedes 430 CLK, and I LOVE it. I love it love it love it. It has never had any sorts of problems, it gets amazingly good gas mileage for an 8 cylinder, it is FUN as heck to drive, it is cute as hell, and it was paid for up front by me. I can afford it, I love it, and it enhances an already happy life. I love taking road trips in it, too. I don't tend to live my life according to what other people think of me. If someone thinks I am frivolous, I don't really care. If someone is jealous, then I really don't care. If someone thinks I am self-important, I really don't care. My other vehicle is a 2000 Ford F-150 that belonged to my dad. I use that for hauling, gardening and for going down woods paths. My neighbors borrow it a lot, too.
jerbear Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 So...any other questions about why some women drive BMWs? I drive a 2002 Mercedes 430 CLK, and I LOVE it. I love it love it love it. I love women who have fast cars, heck I'll buy the SO or daughter one day, just so I can have a reason to drive (more like be driven) in one! MB's and BMW's are nice! both drive well and even the diesels are good performers.
Author rchrd881 Posted May 3, 2009 Author Posted May 3, 2009 Without looking deeper, as Lizzie's post mentions, they might actually have the means to drive a status symbol. There are some people in Orange County that have the means to pay in full and in cash. Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. Yes, we do have quite a few high-paying jobs in the area but I think we (the locals) have managed to delude each other into thinking that all of us are rich. The median personal income and the median household income in South OC is pretty high by US standards. However, very few of us are truly rich in the sense of having enough wealth and an income stream that permits us to quit working. When I get a little worried is when I see a 26 year-old still paying for college, has no 401k, has no emergency cash cushion, and is driving a new BMW. The whole thing smacks of an Orange County cultural pathology. I hear Dallas has this problem too.
Jaytb Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 If you can afford it, I think nothing of it. If you don't have the money to buy one and you have one anyway, then I think it's a problem. For me, I would only live within my means and never go into debt for something frivolous.
Lizzie60 Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I can't stand Hummers (too macho looking).. or BMWs (too common anyone can have a small BMW)... My favourites are Audi, Lexus, Mercedes and Jaguar... I don't mind Porsche.. my best friend has 2 (well her hubby). He races with them in Tremblant.
tami-chan Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Lizzie, you are very funny! I was never interested in cars and the status that they are supposed to symbolized. I have never bought a car. My H buys the car for me. I hate to drive. I drive because I have to. As far as I am concerned, I should have a driver to drive me around...but that's a another story. When I meet someone I never notice the vehicle they drive, unless it is appallingly monstrous, like the original hummer or those huge pick-up trucks. My H bought a huge pick-up truck two years ago..he said every family should have one, "its just practical"...really??? Seems really silly to me to have a pick-up truck when we live in a suburb in Jersey. I think if you have to use a truck for something there is somebody in the yellow pages you can hire to do it for you. I have been on the truck ONCE and he had to help me get in. I am 5 feet and ripped my skirt when I tried to climb. Horrible. I do not know what's with cars and men. Hubby is always checking out new car models. Every 3 years he trades in my car for something new. The new car smelling is nauseating.
Trialbyfire Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I love women who have fast cars, heck I'll buy the SO or daughter one day, just so I can have a reason to drive (more like be driven) in one! MB's and BMW's are nice! both drive well and even the diesels are good performers.Sadly, my car isn't fast. Not including mods, she takes 6 seconds to go from 0 - 60.
Star Gazer Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 There are some REALLY judgmental people here. Wow. No, it wouldn't be a turn-off. I know with the right credit score, a lease on a fancy car comes cheaper than financing on a lame Ford. Seriously. When I get a little worried is when I see a 26 year-old still paying for college, has no 401k, has no emergency cash cushion, and is driving a new BMW. The whole thing smacks of an Orange County cultural pathology. I hear Dallas has this problem too. I do think it has a LOT to do with where you are, really. Your description sounds a lot like me at that age. At 26, I was one year out of law school, living in Beverly Hills, and working in Century City. I was still paying my student loans (still am!), hadn't established anything of substance in my 401k (hello, only working for a year anyway), and really had nothing more than a one-month's-rent cushion in savings. For the 7 years before that, I was driving an Acura Integra. It still looked nice, and drove well. But when going out to meet million dollar clients, or pulling up to the Sports Club LA to workout and schmooze, something felt "off" about my presentation. The only difference between me and anyone else (on the surface) was the car. So I decided to change it. I went back and forth between a Benz, BMW, or Lexus. Yes, I needed the status symbol. I chose a brand new, gorgeous Benz because of what a BMW represented in my area (all the college kids in the area were driving BMWs) versus what the Benz represented (lawyers, agents, rich Persians...all drive Benzes in LA). As I drove away from MB of BH, I instantly felt uplifted, seriously. I looked at it as a tool for upward mobility. A sort of "dress for the job you want, not the one you have." I was actually congratulated by a boss for making the decision. It was no different than changing out of Dockers and into a tailored Armani suit for him. 4 years later, I still have the same car, but now live in NorCal. My current boss actually teases me about my car, suggesting that he's paying me too much. Ha! I have the nicest car out of all the associates, and even most of the partners. But we're more down to earth up here. Seriously, had I been in NorCal when it was time for a new car, I probably would have got a nice Honda Accord or something, or actually, a smallish SUV. Something that was nice and got me from point A to point B. It probably wouldn't have even occurred to me to hit up a high end dealer. That said, I LOVE my Benz and I'm SO glad I got it.
Author rchrd881 Posted May 3, 2009 Author Posted May 3, 2009 But when going out to meet million dollar clients, or pulling up to the Sports Club LA to workout and schmooze, something felt "off" about my presentation. The only difference between me and anyone else (on the surface) was the car. So I decided to change it. That's an interesting counterpoint and it makes perfect sense. It's a shame that the world works this way, but we're stuck with it. I must admit to having some doubts about this many people (neighbors and co-workers) having to meet with million-dollar clients as part of their job.
carhill Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Probably a good idea to delineate between income and liquid net worth. There are far fewer individuals who earn 7 figures than have a net worth of 7 figures. I know some of my blue collar business colleagues are in that latter category. They're just as scruffy and drive pickups just like me. They're not impressed by status symbols
You'reasian Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Probably a good idea to delineate between income and liquid net worth. There are far fewer individuals who earn 7 figures than have a net worth of 7 figures. I know some of my blue collar business colleagues are in that latter category. They're just as scruffy and drive pickups just like me. They're not impressed by status symbols Excellent post and good to hear.
Trialbyfire Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 Probably a good idea to delineate between income and liquid net worth. There are far fewer individuals who earn 7 figures than have a net worth of 7 figures. I know some of my blue collar business colleagues are in that latter category. They're just as scruffy and drive pickups just like me. They're not impressed by status symbols carhill, you're a car enthusiast. Have you ever spiritedly driven a BMW with decent power, then right afterwards, spiritedly driven your pickup truck?
Star Gazer Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I must admit to having some doubts about this many people (neighbors and co-workers) having to meet with million-dollar clients as part of their job. You're right, it's not likely. I wasn't meeting with them often either. But as a Plaintiff's attorney (at the time), I still felt compelled to put on an air of success, like the partners at my firm did. Can you imagine an attorney trying to convince you how successful they are at suing people if they're driving a ho-hum car? Ya know? Seriously, in Laguna/Newport and CC/BevH/Palisades/BelAir, etc., you still dress for the job/LIFE you want, not the one you have, because unfortunately, in places like that, you have to "fit in" first before you'll ever be able to move up. I guess it's one of many requirements for getting your foot in the door. Sucks... it's one of many reasons why I left.
Chicago_Guy Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 I don't see why this would be a turn-off if the person can afford it. If someone makes a couple hundred thousand dollars or more per year, are they just supposed to save every single cent and not spend any money? I honestly think that the type of person who would have a big problem with this is probably very insecure about his/her own status.
carhill Posted May 3, 2009 Posted May 3, 2009 carhill, you're a car enthusiast. Have you ever spiritedly driven a BMW with decent power, then right afterwards, spiritedly driven your pickup truck? Only cars I've raced at the track (road race) are Mustangs and a few GM and Chrysler products. I've never been in a BMW at the track. Based on that comparison, driving the tow vehicle (the pickup) is boring and pedestrian. This is the important distinction. I raced at the track for the better part of 20 years. I don't need to drive fast or have a performance car on the street. Obviously everyone is different. Because of my track experience, I'm very cautious on the street. My wife says I drive like grandpa, and she's right. Once in awhile I would scare her to death with a few track moves on the street, driving her Acura, then go back to being grandpa. Life's interesting
Author rchrd881 Posted May 3, 2009 Author Posted May 3, 2009 I honestly think that the type of person who would have a big problem with this is probably very insecure about his/her own status.That can cut both ways. Millionaire Next Door showed us that those with a $1MM net worth are likely to clip coupons and drive a seven year-old Ford F-150. I look around me and I see the $60-90k per year set leasing status cars as a way to differentiate themselves from the next socioeconomic rung down as they are insecure in their position, feel the need to advertise that they've "made it," and are constantly looking over their shoulder. The truly wealthy folk I know wear tacky Hawaiian print shirts to $150 lunches and are so secure that they just don't give a rip what anyone thinks. They do own a high-end car, however. Plus a beater for trips to Home Depot.
Author rchrd881 Posted May 3, 2009 Author Posted May 3, 2009 Oh, and if a girl with a BMW can explain in 30 seconds or less the virtues of rear wheel drive and an inline-six vs. a V6, I might just propose marriage on the spot.
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