Do you judge a person on their choice of car?

[Miss VR]

My boss drives a mini clubman. I was never sure what kind of people would buy them and it surprised me a bit.

My last boss was a cock and drove an appropriate car, new low powered merc which gave the right impression to the non car savvy. Maintained it on the cheap as well.

So, have you ever taken a guess at what car someone might drive and been proved right or totally wrong?

Apologies if this has been done before but i'm new and i'm using that excuse.

[edo]

I find the condition/way they look after it to be far more telling.

[Debaser]

No

[mercfunder]

Have to agree with Edo, condition is very telling, however it is strange how some people do seem to be attracted to a certain type of car.

Know a bloke who had a BMW now in an Audi, he fits the profile everybody expects for these cars.....arrogant twt.

Do the cars fit the people or do people change to reflect the car they drive?

[Sline]

Most definitely not! A prime example is a good friend of mine drives a 1991 1.3 Ford Fiesta to work everyday while he's R8 is tucked away. Me also i use my Ford Puma everyday while the Tuscans tucked away in the garage!

As above condition more than anything.

[ewenm]

I try not to, but we all make snap judgements based on first impressions. I try to keep them to myself and not act upon them.

[Baked_bean]

I try not to, but i do end up judging at times. However the condition argument surely just shows if someone cares for their car or not, it doesn't give any other impressions really.

My car is currently filthy, what does that say about me?

[RudeDog]

I do.

I can't help it.

I think I judge their knowledge or enthusiasm for cars more than what it says about their other character attributes though.

[RDMcG]

Not in the least, except for car with cute or sentimental stickers.

[volumeone]

Of course I do. A colleague of mind drives the most repulsive green Ford Focus RS.

And yes, he is a total cock.

I think a car is the biggest piece of clothing you own. People judge you on your clothes, hairstyle, and watch. They also judge you on your car.

Edited by volumeone on Monday 6th September 21:39

[Killer2005]

Not usually, however it could depend on the reasons why they bought the car ie if they bought a ferrari/porsche etc because of the badge, rather than what they are actully capable of

[nogsk]

Yes, of course and almost every time I'm wrong. But that's because I'm conditioned to social stereotyping by contributing to motoring website forums.

There's a line from Transporter where the Inspector of Police ( driving a shabby 900 Saab ) Comments that " a man who looks after his car looks after himself" or something equally pretentious,on seeing Mr Stathams immaculate 7 series, especially as he turns out to be the cleverer of the two.

[just me]

We all make judgments. It's part of our survival instinct to survey a situation and form a very quick, initial set of impressions. We do it subconsciously and it affects our conscious attitudes and behavior. To what extent a car is part of those impressions depends on you, the circumstances, etc.

At the same time time, people goes through phases. At times, they are all about their car. Then, their car is all about them. Then, it's just transport, or what's left after the divorce or kids' college expenses. Or, it's what the company assigned them, what they need for their trade, or just a mistake. And gives the wrong impression because of what it would have cost when new, visible neglect or mods, or because of some bizarre memory the observer associates with that particular car.

Consciously, we can stifle it to some extent. Subconsciously, we all make the judgement.

[V88Dicky]

The most boring person I know drives a metallic beige Honda CRV diesel.

Coincidence? You decide

[Miss VR]

Thats what i was getting at, someone who has made a conscientious decision to buy a particular car and does it reflect their character?

Another example is my old tutor from uni. Obsessed with design, gadgets and iEverything i just knew he'd be driving an Audi. Turned out to be a TT with a personalised reg so i was spot on

[just me]

Good call, but you might want to consider that the predictablic persona might have a hidden side that is expressed by the Indian motorcycle or Morgan Aero tucked away in their garage. You'd still be mostly correct, though. :-)

Edited by just me on Monday 6th September 22:18

[captainzep]

I do, although I'm ready to discover my wrongness quickly.

My main surprise is when senior colleagues of mine don't bother with expensive cars, -not even boring purposeful ones.

3 examples:

Boss & 2 Assistant Directors

Between them, best part of £350k salary...

'53 Renault Clio, -knackered
'04 1.6 Focus (-just about to give this to his daughter and drive her '98 Fester.)
'07 Seat Altea

[hesnotthemessiah]

If it's their only car then I guess you could make a snap judgement but be prepared to change your mind.

[Rubin215]

Oh yes, very much so.

Overly mad-up women in comedy jeeps, polished young dudes in wker wagons, reps in turbo diseasals; they all fit comfortably into my stereotypes

Personally, I drive a '71 VW Beetle; I'm scared to think what it says about me to other people...

[sidekickdmr]

range rover sport = cock

and thers is no exception to the rule