"So how much did that set you back m8?"

[Loose_Cannon]

Genuine question. How do you politely bat away questions like the above about your pride and joy?

The obvious answer is "mind your own business" of course, but generally most enquirers seem to be;
a) genuinely interested
b) looking to start a conversation and don't know how
c) just oblivious to the tactless and irritating nature of their approach.

It IS starting to irritate me though, especially as we are having a few jobs done around the house and consequently having to fling our doors open to seemingly all and sundry, from delivery guys to nosey neighbours just having a neb while the opportunity strikes. It's not like they are going to rush out and get one with this new found information, more like they are making a value judgement about the car and you.

There are also some less than polite people. My friends would think twice about asking, what makes total strangers think you should divulge your worldy affairs? I feel like responding by asking their salary or if their wife is good in the sack. But the conversation would obviously then degenerate and I can't be arsed.

So what would you/do you say?

Edited by Loose_Cannon on Tuesday 25th July 14:55

[Loose_Cannon]

normalbloke said:

I remind them, that when I was a lad, it was always' what'll it do mister?'

I've had the car for yonks, and that kind of question used to be the opener. I think you have hit a nerve here, as a society increasingly obsessed with status its now about perceived values.

[Loose_Cannon]

Oh yes and the best bit offered by at least two Sherlocks when swatted back; "Oh it doesn't matter I'll look on Autortrader when I get in".

Why does it matter so much FFS?

[Loose_Cannon]

What about this one.

"Everything I had at the time and more".

It would actually be the truth on at least 20 occasions!!

Edited by Loose_Cannon on Tuesday 25th July 20:22

[Loose_Cannon]

Now you mention it, we have had people ask how much our dogs cost too? Completely bizarre.

[Loose_Cannon]

dibblecorse said:

Just tell them, its not like it takes more than 30 seconds to look up a DB9 on AT ..... not exactly an Enzo is it ???

Now you're making a value judgement. Oh yeah, thanks.

[Loose_Cannon]

danllama said:

I wish I was the kind of man to afford a car that prompts somebody to ask

The actual value is largely irrelevant, the fact you have something "different" seems to arouse interest, positive or otherwise, in many people. The fact my entire fleet is worth far less than a middle managers company Merc or the nearest yummy mummy's school run Rangey seems lost on them.

Talking to a plasterer yesterday who mentioned the frisson of excitement that went around his curl de sac when someone pulled up in a six grand Audi TT, eclipsing the forty grand Toyota Landcruisers etc in the houses adjacent.

In a similar veign, 2 neighbours have stuck up massive extensions, and no one has asked them how much they cost?

[Loose_Cannon]

Speaking of Lotus, I often get that "Lots of Trouble..." ste flung at me as an opening gambit in a conversation.

According to some replies here I must be insecure/abnormal or whatever. But surely even they must admit that someone out of nowhere inferring your car is ste whilst simultaneously gurning a cheshire grin is almost certainly going to push a few buttons. I have yet to recprocate with a comment about the attractiveness of their spouses but it's only a matter of time.

[Loose_Cannon]

Bradley1500 said:

Lovely Esprit by the way, OP! How much did that set you back?

I remortgaged my house to buy it in 2003.

There, that sounds really really stupid said out loud doesn't it?

If I told that to someone on the street who didn't "get it" he'd be telling his mates what a jerk he met today. I only feel vaguely comfortable mentioning it on here amongst mainly like minded souls (and a couple of cretins obviously).

Ironically way back then I didn't mind telling people. A couple of years afterwards however, a TV producer who had read my comment on this very forum rang me at home (seriously). She was making a programme about the positive side of the housing boom, and would I mind appearing to show the benefits of spiralling debt. At this point it was obvious that being "normal, upfront, straightforward and honest" to use words used in this thread, would open me up for nationwide scrutiny and/or ridicule.

Cars aren't a rational purchase like a house, they involve emotions that differ from person to person. Like it or not you and your motivations are judged by them.

[Loose_Cannon]

The Esprit was a massive purchase, second only to the house and only eclipsed recently in the sharp-intake-of-breath category.

Never mind total strangers, I learned that when owning a frivolous/expensive car your own family can start treating you differently and offering unsolicited opinions and questions.

In our case many appeared concerned that the toddlers would be home alone eating cola cubes and micro chips whilst we swanned about in our selfish 2 seater. The occasional bit of pocket money from parents stopped, as did much assistance with family holidays and babysitting.

It was only after a few years of the children being whisked about in leather-lined Volvo safety with occasional trips to Disneyland that we were downgraded as "parents from hell" and people asked about the Lotus in a nice way. Bizarre, and this is from people who allegedly know you well.