Mr. Savage Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I am not interested in guys with nice cars but I would rather have the nice car myself. I paid for my Mercedes Benz in CASH, why would I be impressed by some guy's cars? Btw, even though I drive a Mercedes I prefer guys who DON'T drive flashy cars because I think guys with nice cars are more likely to cheat. My theory is that they bought those cars in order to impress women and I'm sure many women are indeed impressed (I'm not one of them). I want a man who is as LESS likely to cheat as possible so to be honest I prefer them not so good looking and without lots of money. Good looking guys with money have MORE options to cheat. Why on earth would I want to be with someone like that? I have to better my odds as much as possible. I have no interest in being with someone with wealth; my goal in life is to BE wealthy and have my own wealth (self made). There is no glory in sitting in the passenger seat of a guy's "nice car". In fact it is downright demoralizing and embarrassing. It's only worth something when I bought that Mercedes with my OWN money and have the pink slip. Why would I want to sit in the passenger seat of a "guy's" nice car when I can earn the money the money to buy MY OWN Mercedes, BMW etc? What is good about dating a guy with a nice car? It's much more impressive to be a hot and sexy self made woman with her own money and lots of it. You crack me up. Sounds like you have been burned by some rich guys with nice cars in the past. I like how you evaluate men in that "hmm, I'll date this guy cause he seems less likely to cheat on me and than these other guys." Also I've noticed the majority of people who drive the European cars (Mercedes, BMW, etc.) are the status symbol drivers. You see a rich man in a 1967 Camaro SS with true dual exhaust and you know he's a bonafide car guy who could give 2 craps what his CEO with the 7 Series Beamer thinks of it.
Ruby Slippers Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Also I've noticed the majority of people who drive the European cars (Mercedes, BMW, etc.) are the status symbol drivers. You see a rich man in a 1967 Camaro SS with true dual exhaust and you know he's a bonafide car guy who could give 2 craps what his CEO with the 7 Series Beamer thinks of it. Yeah, you can totally spot the difference between a guy who is driving a certain car to impress, and a guy who is driving a certain car because he loves it and it's fun for him. I went on a date with this guy who kept mentioning his Mercedes -- and all I was thinking is that his fancy car did not make him any more interesting or magnetic a person whatsoever. But then I dated this guy with a 10-year-old sporty car that he LOVED, and that was a lot more fun.
Star Gazer Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 It's funny... I LOVED my Benz because it was a quality car it was not only fun to drive but felt luxurious and was just pure quality to me. But at the same time, when someone asked me what I drove, I was embarrassed to admit it... because I know that so many people think Benz owners are in it just for the status symbol. I now have an Acura that is more expensive than my Benz was, but I don't feel as ... showy. And I like it that way.
zengirl Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I'm with the majority on this one -- as long as it runs and isn't a POS, it's cool. I do like for the guy to HAVE a car, though. It's my one superficial preference. I don't know where you live, but where I live, and in many cities in America, that's not a superficial preference---it's a necessity. You literally need a car to get almost everywhere. I live in one of the most "walking" friendly neighborhoods in the city near downtown, and even I couldn't do all of my basic errands (never mind get to work---because there are almost no workplaces around here or anywhere people live) without a car, if I wanted. I try pretty hard to bike and walk whenever/wherever I can instead of driving, and I'm still using my car most days of the week. The public transportation here is a joke and cabs are ridiculously expensive. The only people who don't have a car here are the very, very poor. I've never met anyone in my social circles without one (probably because how would they get out to meet anyone? or work and provide themselves a living?), unless it was a couple that shared one car, and even that's rare.
oldguy Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 There are two different kinds of car guys though. The ones who only buy a certain car for status and to impress others and no other reason. And there are guys like me who truly appreciate nice cars. Appreciate styling, horsepower, handling, and just like cruising. I'm not trying to say to anyone "look how great I am" when I drive my car. If someone compliments me on my car it is usally from another car guy just saying "nice ride man". And for the record I do not wanna date a girl who would only want me for my car. How vapid is that! Agreed. I'm a car guy... (and a airplane guy), I do it for me. I learned I enjoy them both a lot more if I can comfortably afford own & drive/fly them. Again; I don't want a car, home or anything else that owns me.
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Me, I prefer to date men whose vehicles reflect their lifestyle and their means...something that really, truly, fits who they are and where they are in their life, and their lifestyle. For me, this tends to be some sort of nice-ish 4WD. A nice-ish 4WD that you never actually take off road and mostly drive to work and to the mall. Boooring (though typically American).
azsinglegal Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 The guy I'm seeing rides an old scooter and has an old Toyota trooper. I don't really care. I used to judge guys on what they drove, and then I got older and realized it doesn't matter. Especially because I drive a 11 yr old Jeep wrangler. Who am I to judge?
Queen Zenobia Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 There is some truth to the assertion that the car you drive communicates (in part) who you are as a person. Personally, I think someone who drives an older or less expensive car is someone who usually understands (rightly) that there are more valuable ways to spend your money than on an automobile. This may mean they don't make a lot of money, or, it could mean that they do. The only way to find out is to you know, get to know the person (fascinating and revolutionary idea I know). My mother (a bio-tech engineer) has a great job and makes quite a bit of money. For years she drove a 1991 Toyota Camry, and when that finally broke down she bought a used Saturn SL. Good paying job does not always equal luxurious car. People who think otherwise could probably stand to grow up some.
zengirl Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I suppose a guy's car says something about him. Oddly, all my LTRs who had cars (sometimes I've lived in cities where you don't, especially as an expat) have driven manual transmission cars. I can only drive an automatic, and no boyfriend has ever been able to teach me (many have tried!) to drive stick. I wonder if this is a subconscious preference or just random chance. I DO prefer if a guy drives a car that gets good gas mileage. If a guy has a big gas guzzler (unless it was a hand-me-down or something and he didn't pick it), I immediately like him less. But I've got an eco-friendly hipster side and like to bike when I can and stuff. Originally Posted by Star Gazer Me, I prefer to date men whose vehicles reflect their lifestyle and their means...something that really, truly, fits who they are and where they are in their life, and their lifestyle. For me, this tends to be some sort of nice-ish 4WD. So does that mean you like guys who go mudding? I never even notice what cars have 4WD unless the guy is all outdoorsy and talking about what he does with it (at which point, I want to get out of the car and find a nice nerdy guy who likes beer and music or whatever; I like being outside, but not those sporty camping guys). That's totally not how I saw your tastes. But perhaps it's because 4WD (the guys that actually use it) means something different in the South. . .
thatone Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 There are two different kinds of car guys though. The ones who only buy a certain car for status and to impress others and no other reason. And there are guys like me who truly appreciate nice cars. Appreciate styling, horsepower, handling, and just like cruising. I'm not trying to say to anyone "look how great I am" when I drive my car. If someone compliments me on my car it is usally from another car guy just saying "nice ride man". And for the record I do not wanna date a girl who would only want me for my car. How vapid is that! i'm with this guy. i drive a merc. and yeah, i paid cash for it. but look at all of the old ones still on the road, that have 500,000 to a million miles. also consider the low maintenance, you just change the oil once a year, it's not one of these italian sports cars that lives in the shop. also consider the fact that an 8 hour road trip leaves you with a quarter of a tank because it gets about 38 miles a gallon. and i've also gotten more compliments on the car from men than women. I agree with this. I'm also quite suspicious of men who have flashy possessions. Makes me think they're highly insecure and use money to impress people. if you're gonna be an attorney you can't live with only owning tshirts and jeans. if you're in a business where you are out driving potential clients around town to look at real estate, you can't drive a 10 year old honda. your opinion is really no different than women who only date men that have expensive cars and boats and such. classism/reverse classism. both are a fantasy based on false notions.
Ruby Slippers Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I don't know where you live, but where I live, and in many cities in America, that's not a superficial preference---it's a necessity. I live in Chicago, and I don't have a car. I have a bike and bike EVERYWHERE when the weather permits, miles and miles -- which is at least half the year. I really do have to give this city huge credit for being bike-friendly. In winter, I take public transit, and I have friends with cars who take me along to do certain errands periodically. And even those friends only use their cars 1-4 times a month. My closest friend with a car says he'd like to get rid of it, but it's already paid for and it's convenient sometimes. I used to have an iGo (car sharing) membership, but I hardly ever used it, so I got rid of it. A lot of the guys I like are fellow progressives and sporty bikers who got rid of their car when they moved to the city, as it can be a burden to deal with a car when you live in the city. When I lived in less urban places, I always had a car. But as far as transportation goes, most of my friends and I live a more Euro than American lifestyle -- and I like it that way.
zengirl Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I live in Chicago, and I don't have a car. I have a bike and bike EVERYWHERE when the weather permits, miles and miles -- which is at least half the year. I really do have to give this city huge credit for being bike-friendly. In winter, I take public transit, and I have friends with cars who take me along to do certain errands periodically. And even those friends only use their cars 1-4 times a month. My closest friend with a car says he'd like to get rid of it, but it's already paid for and it's convenient sometimes. I used to have an iGo (car sharing) membership, but I hardly ever used it, so I got rid of it. A lot of the guys I like are fellow progressives and sporty bikers who got rid of their car when they moved to the city, as it can be a burden to deal with a car when you live in the city. When I lived in less urban places, I always had a car. But as far as transportation goes, most of my friends and I live a more Euro than American lifestyle -- and I like it that way. Nice. I love Chicago, and yes, I'd get rid of my car if I lived there. I have some friends who live there and barely use their car (they have it mostly because they have very young kids). They'll forget where they parked it sometimes. I live in a city, but cities in the South have crap public transportation. I've lived abroad without a car, but in America, I've never lived outside the SE.
Ms. Joolie Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I live in Chicago, and I don't have a car. I have a bike and bike EVERYWHERE when the weather permits, miles and miles -- which is at least half the year. I really do have to give this city huge credit for being bike-friendly. In winter, I take public transit, and I have friends with cars who take me along to do certain errands periodically. And even those friends only use their cars 1-4 times a month. My closest friend with a car says he'd like to get rid of it, but it's already paid for and it's convenient sometimes. I used to have an iGo (car sharing) membership, but I hardly ever used it, so I got rid of it. A lot of the guys I like are fellow progressives and sporty bikers who got rid of their car when they moved to the city, as it can be a burden to deal with a car when you live in the city. When I lived in less urban places, I always had a car. But as far as transportation goes, most of my friends and I live a more Euro than American lifestyle -- and I like it that way. That is awesome! Love, love, LOVE the Euro way of transportation, and being able to walk to so many places. I want to see Chicago now.
Ruby Slippers Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Yeah, I'm from Texas, so believe me, I know how impossible it is to get around the South (and most U.S. cities, actually) without a car. But it's been an oil industry-driven disaster for pollution and the planet, and it's not sustainable whatsoever. We're going to see some big changes in the next few decades. The insulated, suburban lifestyle is dying -- thank goodness.
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 There is some truth to the assertion that the car you drive communicates (in part) who you are as a person. Personally, I think someone who drives an older or less expensive car is someone who usually understands (rightly) that there are more valuable ways to spend your money than on an automobile. This may mean they don't make a lot of money, or, it could mean that they do. The only way to find out is to you know, get to know the person (fascinating and revolutionary idea I know). My mother (a bio-tech engineer) has a great job and makes quite a bit of money. For years she drove a 1991 Toyota Camry, and when that finally broke down she bought a used Saturn SL. Good paying job does not always equal luxurious car. People who think otherwise could probably stand to grow up some. An old Camry or Saturn would be a death trap in the event of a serious accident. The safest cars in the world are modern luxury cars (particularly German ones). I was watching the local news station the other day and there was a report of a collision between a BMW 5-series (not even the most recent model) and an old Honda Minivan. The guy in the BMW walked away with minor bruises. Of the six people in the Honda, five are dead and the sixth is in a coma. For this reason alone, I'm not sure I would agree with your statement that "someone who drives an older or less expensive car is someone who usually understands (rightly) that there are more valuable ways to spend your money than on an automobile". A person who can afford a decent car and yet drives and old junker is either stupid, reckless or ignorant of the fact that car crashes are (by far) the leading non-medical cause of death in North America. Also, there are people who simply enjoy owning and driving nice cars. Sure, there are people who buy Porches and BMWs for status reasons but there also many people who buy them because they see driving as an enjoyable experience rather than merely a necessary chore and can appreciate a finely engineered high performance automobile.
Ruby Slippers Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 That is awesome! Love, love, LOVE the Euro way of transportation, and being able to walk to so many places. I want to see Chicago now. Chicago is an American city for sure, but one of the things I love about it most is that it is much more European in feel than most places in the States. Come visit! Summer is the perfect time. And this insane heat wave is about to die down (I don't have AC, either -- I'm melting!), so by the time you get here, it'll be gorgeous again. Chicago has direct flights to more cities than any other city in the WORLD, so you can usually get a good deal to come here.
Queen Zenobia Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 An old Camry or Saturn would be a death trap in the event of a serious accident. The safest cars in the world are modern luxury cars (particularly German ones). I was watching the local news station the other day and there was a report of a collision between a BMW 5-series (not even the most recent model) and an old Honda Minivan. The guy in the BMW walked away with minor bruises. Of the six people in the Honda, five are dead and the sixth is in a coma. For this reason alone, I'm not sure I would agree with your statement that "someone who drives an older or less expensive car is someone who usually understands (rightly) that there are more valuable ways to spend your money than on an automobile". A person who can afford a decent car and yet drives and old junker is either stupid, reckless or ignorant of the fact that car crashes are (by far) the leading non-medical cause of death in North America. Also, there are people who simply enjoy owning and driving nice cars. Sure, there are people who buy Porches and BMWs for status reasons but there also many people who buy them because they see driving as an enjoyable experience rather than merely a necessary chore and can appreciate a finely engineered high performance automobile. Well I don't think my mother is stupid or reckless, or even ignorant of facts. She just didn't care to buy a nice car. No harm no foul. If people like driving nice cars and see driving as an enjoyable experience, well then good for them. They should seek to date people who feel the same way. Where I live driving is not just a chore, it's a downright aggravating one. Perhaps I'm merely tainted by my own experience. I just don't see the point of buying a Benz when you'll spend most of your daily commute standing still. I got the idea from one of your earlier posts that you believe successful people should buy nice cars. I believe people should spend their money in whatever way makes them happy. If you make 500k a year and want to drive a honda accord or a mustang shouldn't make any difference; neither choice makes them less of a person.
Ms. Joolie Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Chicago is an American city for sure, but one of the things I love about it most is that it is much more European in feel than most places in the States. Come visit! Summer is the perfect time. And this insane heat wave is about to die down (I don't have AC, either -- I'm melting!), so by the time you get here, it'll be gorgeous again. Chicago has direct flights to more cities than any other city in the WORLD, so you can usually get a good deal to come here. Yes, I am definitely going to visit. It gets me excited thinking about the pedestrian-friendly, gorgeous and big city options here in the U.S. Houston is killing my soul! haha
Ruby Slippers Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Yes, I am definitely going to visit. It gets me excited thinking about the pedestrian-friendly, gorgeous and big city options here in the U.S. Houston is killing my soul! haha I grew up just outside Houston, and it is a hell hole. Come to Chicago, kick up your feet by the lake, go to a ball game (the gritty Sox, not the pretty boy Cubs!). You'll have a blast.
Chocolat Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Good paying job does not always equal luxurious car. People who think otherwise could probably stand to grow up some. Haha! I had a boss who would say to me, Chocolat, you are embarrassing me. I pay you a lot of money and you drive this little ****-box (a Nissan 200sx). I want my car to be reliable and good on gas. Beyond that, the cheaper the better. There are more important things on which to spend money.
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Well I don't think my mother is stupid or reckless, or even ignorant of facts. She just didn't care to buy a nice car. No harm no foul. I'm wasn't talking about your mom specifically, but in general, choosing to drive a relatively unsafe car while being aware of the risks and able to afford a safe alternative is quite reckless in my opinion. Most places these days have laws against driving without a seatbelt, yet driving a modern, safe car without a seat belt is far less risky than driving an old junker while buckled up.
Ms. Joolie Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I grew up just outside Houston, and it is a hell hole. Come to Chicago, kick up your feet by the lake, go to a ball game (the gritty Sox, not the pretty boy Cubs!). You'll have a blast. Thanks! What a great move for you, love the lifestyle and the eco-friendliness. Such an inspiration. Now just give me year-round warm weather and I'd be wanting to transplant myself, too!
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Haha! I had a boss who would say to me, Chocolat, you are embarrassing me. I pay you a lot of money and you drive this little ****-box (a Nissan 200sx). I want my car to be reliable and good on gas. Beyond that, the cheaper the better. There are more important things on which to spend money. With all the irrational fears people have these days, I find it amazing that so many have a totally dismissive attitude towards car safety. In 2010, there were almost 33,000 motor vehicle deaths in the USA. The number if serious though not fatal injuries is likely several times that. Most personal injury lawsuits these days are related to motor vehicle accidents. There are smart ways of saving money, and then there are the not so smart ones. Cheaping out on your car falls squarely into the latter category.
EasyHeart Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I live downtown in a bigger city and have often thought about getting rid of my car because I live 2 blocks from my office and can walk to dozens of stores, bars, restaurants, theaters, etc. The MAIN reason I've never pulled the trigger is because of dating. Women generally live in other parts of the city/metro and I have to pick them up and bring them back downtown!
zengirl Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 With all the irrational fears people have these days, I find it amazing that so many have a totally dismissive attitude towards car safety. In 2010, there were almost 33,000 motor vehicle deaths in the USA. The number if serious though not fatal injuries is likely several times that. Most personal injury lawsuits these days are related to motor vehicle accidents. There are smart ways of saving money, and then there are the not so smart ones. Cheaping out on your car falls squarely into the latter category. I've never understood driving a big car because it's "safer." Really, everyone would be safer if we all drove little cars. To me that's more like "I'd rather kill someone (and the planet while I'm at it) than be killed" mindset. There are plenty of inexpensive cars with airbags and safety features. I drive a tiny little Toyota, so yes a big SUV could hurt me, but I'd rather than than the other way around any day. Truly.
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