Topic: Philosophical question

[S60]

Are you what you drive or do you drive what you are?

[si]

I think that depends on if you are a guy or a girl.  Woman may see cars as status symbols where as men might think the driver is what makes the car.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

That's deep.

I think it goes both ways.  

People perceive you to be a certain way from the car you drive (arrogant, outdoorsy, wastefully wealthy male Hummer driver, or ecologically sensitive, educated, suburbanite driving a Prius).

I tend to look for a car that personafies the qualities I deem important, such as quality and class, reliability, something 'fun', and good lookin'. It has to fit the lifestyle I lead, and pleasantly surprise me on a continuous basis, with a hint of something leading edge that doesn't feel like you settled. I want to smile driving it and feel like a million buckaroos. Something just a tad different from everybody else, because I don't think I'm like anybody else (and no comments from the backseat drivers out there).

Man, almost sounds like one of those silly Audi classified ads.

[S60]

Actually, the car is nothing at all. It's only some metals, various plastics/rubbers, vinyl/leather, various fiber materials and glass.

The car is what you project on it. If you hate an object, you are projecting your hate, your dislike on the object.  

If you find something fun, then you are projecting this "fun", this energy onto the object. A car has no "life" by itself. You give it life. And what you are is what you see as this is what you are able to recognize.

Yes/No?
Come on Saffy, how about some Saffilophisy

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Okay, NOW you're gettin' deep.

While true, it's not always us projecting the 'fun' or emotion onto the vehicle and reading the vehicle as that. In some cases, the car has a near unanimous reaction from people viewing it - the Beetle or especially the MINI come to mind. Sure you perceive them to 'look fun', but the car's design is what projects that fun aspect for all to perceive.

[Snowman]

That’s easy…I drive what I am. Faster and faster until the trill of speed overcomes the fear of death.

[Brigitte]

Jetta, ergo sum.

Nice statement, Robokabob.  Can you back it up with an actual study, Professor? Everybody's different.

Car people really like the cars they drive.  Believe it or not, some people simply consider a car as a way of getting around.  The sampling on this forum may not be an accurate reflection of real life.

That said, I drive what I drive because I consciously chose a car that I believe to be reliable, solidly built, and, based on my own perceptions, full of personality in its design.  Sure - it's only a Jetta.  Millions of 'em on the road in these parts.  

I like how it looks, I like how it handles, I like how it's built.  It's a car I can drive to work and step out of in my business clothes, and it works.  Couldn't say the same for a pickup truck.   If I'm pulling up to the softball field for a summer game, with my glove in hand, cleats on my feet and bag full of beer hanging off my shoulder, it still works.  In my opinion, it's a classic.

My next car will be an S40 for its distinctive design, and for all of the above reasons.

S60 - I am my car, and my car is me.

Brigitte

[articsteve]

It's all about the money.  My cars relect the sorry state of my finances.

[Roadrunner]

No fair Artic. That's MY reason for buying my Silhouette van. (With a capital 'S' )

[saint_satan]

Some people see cars as simply appliances.

A lot of people, on the other hand, will often choose a car that will project their image to the world. Car companies play this up and have branded their vehicles to attract people interested in portraying their image outwardly.  

I know lots of people who won't drive a particular car because they wouldn't be seen in one.

For example:

BMW, Lexus, Acura - educated, successful, descerning

Jeep - Rugged, outdoorsy

Porsche - I'm stinking rich

Hummer - I have more money than brains and I'm bigger than you!

This is the main motive behind the SUV crazy.   Let's face it, most truck aren't that much fun to drive.  Most people with SUV's don't need to tow anything or go off-road.  They are cool and a must have item

[Mdxtasy]

I drive what I am (am not).  

I'm a family man who has a young family and a house.  I need room in the back to haul stuff on trips and from Home Depot.  I also need my family to travel comfortably.  

I am also an Albertan...so I need something that will get me through snow and the hills of Calgary....or whatever else Momma Nature can throw our way.  

I am a geek.  So I like electronic doodads and my car has enough to entertain me.  

I'm not a multi-millionaire...meaning I can't go out and buy a Range Rover or Cayenne Turbo or anything else from Europe.

[ovr50]

It's easy for me too. I drive what I am (and that "am" has changed over the years). Presently, for a daily driver, I need reliability (hate going back to shop over niggling little things constantly, used to do it but no more); and I need economy of operation (fuel economy, good resale, and reasonable maintenance costs); and I need carrying room for more than 2 occassionally plus room for 115# dog in rear. After that, I want some fun to drive, nimbleness, decent styling and quality overall. Thus and for the moment, the '04 RAV4 suits me well.  
Then, because I am still fanatical about vehicles, I want one that is unique, more fun to drive, preferably with sweet V8 sound and one that I will fuss over as I choose. Thus, the Bullitt.  
I really don't give a rat's what others think of my choices as I am not motivated by needing a vehicle to compensate for something lacking in my daily life or appearance. As Popeye would say: "I is what I is".    

[Mdxtasy]

Ovr...I think you have an awesome stable of cars.  I have been thinking about the new Mustang....once the hype dies down.....I'll go look at one.  Maybe I'll make it a company car.  I'll be needing another car in the family soon.....

[ovr50]

Mdx, good idea but wait until Spring, hopefully it would be a bit less frantic over them then and you could do a factory order and get it exactly as you want it.

[safristi]

Is this a Family Planning Clinic I've stumbled inta..Gestational advice..from Popeye and a Geek..just what is goin' on inna stable.Bluto an Olive will be along in a minute ta take yer orders...meanwhile here's an amuse bouche..Creamed Spinach onna shingle....

[ovr50]

BTW, Mdx, thanks for the compliment. I'm pretty happy with my current situation (or a deal-happy car guy anyway). A nice mix - just add a used Jeep TJ for the rough stuff in the hills above here and it'd be perfect.

And, Saf, aaahhhh, thanks? Maybe not? Wrong restaurant?

[maritime_storm]

Mine is simple, reliability, durability, budgetability. It's gotta have 4 doors and a trunk, a clutch{although exception have been made here}, comfortable ride, and for my piece of mind it's got to durable enough to justify holding on to for 10 years. Their haven't been many in my coral over the years, but they've all been memorable. I don't care if the 0 - 60 can be clocked on a calendar, or how easy it is to modify, or it's bling-bling. This has taken me from full size RWD's to Jetta Diesels, I not brand specific, each manufacturer has at least a model I could tolerate having in my driveway{if it happens to have a Pentastar on the hood even better}. No manufacturer does everything right or wrong, but several are sabotaging themselves as of lately.

[Serniter]

Methinks car represents me, therefore I drive what I am. When I think of me, I think R32. It looks unimposing, but can do a lot of good work. I also believe people like to buy vehicles that demonstrate their core values. That was for men. Dunno bout women.

[Turbo Bob]

I drive a Z4 'cos I have a tiny penis.

[Mdxtasy]

 Uhh...that's a thread stopper.