shell-shocked Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I see this all day long, I sell cars. I have people come in here that make $10 an hour but want a $45k car yet the millionaire owner of this very large successful dealership drives a 1996 Toyota Corolla to work every day that doesnt have a radio in it anymore and has 236,000 miles on it. WHY? Simply because he loves that car and he wants to try to get it to 300K miles. His kids said they didnt have a television in the house until about 1985. I myself have been selling cars for about 9 yrs and am still driving a 2002 that has been paid off for about 4yrs. I get into brand new cars every day so I am just not that impressed with who is driving what.
EasyHeart Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 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.RIGHT!!! I hear this nonsense all the time from my friends who buy SUVs -- especially women with kids --- and it makes me really mad. It's the difference in the size of cars that makes the roads dangerous. If a Tundra hits a SmartCar, the person in the Tundra is "safe" because they can smoosh the smaller car. I keep hoping that some ambitious prosecutor finds a case where an SUV hits an economy car and the prosecutor gets the SUV driver to admit they bought the car to be "safe" and then prosecutes the SUV driver for attempted murder. A guy can dream, right?
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I've never understood driving a big car because it's "safer." That's because you don't understand the physics of car safety. Size is not the only determinative factor when it comes to safety, but on average larger cars are safer because they have more crumple zone space, you sit further away from the engine, they have thicker doors and more shoulder room (which is crucial in side impact collisions), etc. The safest cars in the world are Cars like BMW 7-series and Audi A8. There are plenty of inexpensive cars with airbags and safety features. Statistically, airbags reduce the chance of a serious injury by about 15%. The most important thing that determines safety in an accident is the car's structural rigidity and crumple zones. Most inexpensive cars rate poorly in those departments. Having recently witnessed a fairly low speed collision (I'd guess about 30-35 mph) between a Buick and an early 90's Civic (which was a t-boned by the Buick), it was shocking how much damage the Civic sustained. It literally folded in half and the firefighters spent a good 40 minutes cutting the car up in order to extract the injured occupants.
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 RIGHT!!! I hear this nonsense all the time from my friends who buy SUVs -- especially women with kids --- and it makes me really mad. It's the difference in the size of cars that makes the roads dangerous. If a Tundra hits a SmartCar, the person in the Tundra is "safe" because they can smoosh the smaller car. I keep hoping that some ambitious prosecutor finds a case where an SUV hits an economy car and the prosecutor gets the SUV driver to admit they bought the car to be "safe" and then prosecutes the SUV driver for attempted murder. A guy can dream, right? I agree that people who buy SUVs for safety reasons are dumb. A large sedan would actually be safer in a collision. But people who buy Smart cars are taking a calculated risk, just like guys who ride bikes and mopeds. Just because someone decides to drive around in a tiny plastic deathtrap does not mean that owners of larger vehicles be charged with attempted murder. That's just idiotic.
zengirl Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 That's because you don't understand the physics of car safety. Size is not the only determinative factor when it comes to safety, but on average larger cars are safer because they have more crumple zone space, you sit further away from the engine, they have thicker doors and more shoulder room (which is crucial in side impact collisions), etc. The safest cars in the world are Cars like BMW 7-series and Audi A8. No, my point was specifically that I understand the physics but don't understand (morally) how someone can say that or make that choice that they'd rather be a danger to others on the road than not.
Chocolat 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. Point taken, FGM. I should have said I want my car to be reliable, safe, and good on gas. At the time the exchange I mentioned occurred, my car had a 5-star safety rating. This was also before SUVs were ubiquitous, so having a smaller car did not put me at a safety disadvantage. My original point was only that many people spend a lot of money on a car for its status, and this is not where I choose to spend my discretionary dollars. As for personal injury lawsuits, can I just say, "First, let's kill all the lawyers..."
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 No, my point was specifically that I understand the physics but don't understand (morally) how someone can say that or make that choice that they'd rather be a danger to others on the road than not. You make it sound like it's a choice between presenting a danger to others and being unsafe yourself. That's a false dichotomy. There are plenty of cars out there that are both very safe and do not present excessive danger to other drivers.
EasyHeart Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Just because someone decides to drive around in a tiny plastic deathtrap does not mean that owners of larger vehicles be charged with attempted murder. That's just idiotic.Or maybe. . . IT'S FREAKING BRILLIANT!!! As for personal injury lawsuits, can I just say, "First, let's kill all the lawyers..." Then who would protect you from the government???
Chocolat Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Then who would protect you from the government??? How many politicians would be left if we killed all the lawyers? Seems to me that government would be a lot better off with fewer lawyers, but that's another thread!
EasyHeart Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 How many politicians would be left if we killed all the lawyers? Seems to me that government would be a lot better off with fewer lawyers, but that's another thread! I was just reminding you of the context of that quote. The purpose of killing all the lawyers was eliminate opposition to establishing a military dictatorship. Besides, most lawyers are quite sweet and cuddly.
Chocolat Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I was just reminding you of the context of that quote. The purpose of killing all the lawyers was eliminate opposition to establishing a military dictatorship. Besides, most lawyers are quite sweet and cuddly. Are you a lawyer, EH? I am willing to make an exception for you!
Feelsgoodman Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 As for personal injury lawsuits, can I just say, "First, let's kill all the lawyers..." That's the problem with the American legal system. Any fool can go to a third-tier law school, get a law degree and then write the bar exam 100 times until they finally pass. In most other first-world countries, admission to law practice actually requires a brain.
serial muse 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! Seriously?? I don't get that. They should just get on a metro/bus and meet you out. And if they live in a part of the city where a car is essential, hopefully they'd have one themselves and come meet you. Sheesh!
sally4sara Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I fully intend to continue driving my POS Chevy Tracker till it collapses. Its convertible, fits into parking spaces most cars won't, standard transmission, low gas mileage, and only a moron would consider it for a joyride or part stripping. Now if only it didn't have power windows.....
fortyninethousand322 Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I fully intend to continue driving my POS Chevy Tracker till it collapses. Its convertible, fits into parking spaces most cars won't, standard transmission, low gas mileage, and only a moron would consider it for a joyride or part stripping. Now if only it didn't have power windows..... This is exactly how I feel, except mine is a Chevy Cavalier. It's comfortable, easy to drive, and fits easily into parking spaces. And mine has manual locks and windows.
StoneCold Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 (edited) 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). You realize yout totally contradicted yourself? On one hand your saying that someone who drives a less expensive car is some how more in tune to the "truly valuable things" (whatever that is)....which means you've totally judged someone by default who drives a nice car. Yet....on the other hand you in not so many words say "dont judge people till you get to know them".... huh?!? this makes zero sense... But I do agree with your latter point....people need to chill out on the judging thing. A guy has a nice car and he... - Has poor values - Has a small penis??? (thats the funniest one) - is an ********* - Makes poor investments - Isnt environmental... Give me a break Edited July 21, 2011 by StoneCold
P&R Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I drive an Audi. I brag to everyone about the fact that I drive one too, everyone knows. A few people wonder how I manage to pull off owning such a nice luxory car.... Until they see that it's from 1986!
StoneCold Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 (edited) The funniest ones are the guys I have encountered that are well off but drive the understated cars like Priuses and then think they are above others when they comment on a guy who drives an expensive car.... "what an idiot....he makes poor investments on an expensive car...hes so materialistic...hes bad for the environment". Then you go back to where these guys live and they roll up in a 2.5 million dollar McMansion LMAO.... Not that theres anything wrong with a big expensive house but lets look at what just came out of these guys mouths... 1) He makes poor investment decisions... ok well number 1...your principle residence is NOT an investment and neither is a car. So whats your point? Sure houses appreciate in value but how smart is it to buy a gargantuan home that doesnt grow at the same rate as the middle class home because the market of prospective buyers just isnt quite there? and what does it cost to run this house? What are the property taxes like?? (oh they turn red in the face when you ask them about their property taxes)....you'd be much better off in a middleclass home that is still nice in a nice neighborhood and you could sell at the drop of a hat and grows at a higher rate.... I'd just as soon buy the $600,000.00 home, buy the 250 K worth of cars and invest the 1.7 million dollar difference in a combination of real estate investments and liquid market investments. I'll do faaaar better than them and be rolling in some sweet rides that make me happy.... Me 1 them 0 2) Hes materialistic.....uh...McMansion? 3) Hes bad for the environment.....What does it cost to heat and cool that mammoth of a house? lots of pollution there. Again...I'm not knocking that if thats what makes you happy....but for god sake think before you open your mouth Edited July 21, 2011 by StoneCold
sally4sara Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 This is exactly how I feel, except mine is a Chevy Cavalier. It's comfortable, easy to drive, and fits easily into parking spaces. And mine has manual locks and windows. Ah but the sheer number of Cavs on the road makes yours a better target for part stripping.
StoneCold Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Ah but the sheer number of Cavs on the road makes yours a better target for part stripping. There are like no Cavs on the road...where do you live?
EasyHeart Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Anyone remember the Hyundai commercial about this topic? It showed two attractive young women watching cars pull up to a valet. Various luxury and sports cars would pull up, and the women made catty, disparaging remarks about he men who got out of the cars (basically imply that they have small penises). Then a Hyundai pulls up, and the women start cooing and purring and when the man gets out of the Hyundai one says, "Well, he's obviously not compensating for anything!"
serial muse Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Anyone remember the Hyundai commercial about this topic? It showed two attractive young women watching cars pull up to a valet. Various luxury and sports cars would pull up, and the women made catty, disparaging remarks about he men who got out of the cars (basically imply that they have small penises). Then a Hyundai pulls up, and the women start cooing and purring and when the man gets out of the Hyundai one says, "Well, he's obviously not compensating for anything!" Haha, clever commercial, turning Hyundai's weakness into a strength.
HeartOfAPhoenix Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Ok somebody judge me... bright red 2001 toyota celica gt, 5spd manual transmission, 4 cylinder 1.8 litre engine, 33mpg. Car looks like this: http://images.dealerrevs.com/pictures/48226097.jpg Only with these headlights: http://www.xtralights.com/productimages/headlights/normal/3LHPCEL00JMTM.jpg
zengirl Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Anyone remember the Hyundai commercial about this topic? It showed two attractive young women watching cars pull up to a valet. Various luxury and sports cars would pull up, and the women made catty, disparaging remarks about he men who got out of the cars (basically imply that they have small penises). Then a Hyundai pulls up, and the women start cooing and purring and when the man gets out of the Hyundai one says, "Well, he's obviously not compensating for anything!" I'd take a Hyundai Guy over a Ferrari Guy any day!
EasyHeart Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Ok somebody judge me... bright red 2001 toyota celica gt, 5spd manual transmission, 4 cylinder 1.8 litre engine, 33mpg. Car looks like this: http://images.dealerrevs.com/pictures/48226097.jpg Only with these headlights: http://www.xtralights.com/productimages/headlights/normal/3LHPCEL00JMTM.jpgYou are young, male and Asian. There's a 90% chance you use too much 'product' in your hair.
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