OT: What do you do for a living? What do you drive? Social pressure?

Submitted by dupont circle on
Although my dad was in management for the Big 3, and we always had new nice cars, I've never been a car guy. Having lived in two major cities thus far after college, it seems like even my peers who said they'd never buy a car, period, let alone anything flashy, are caving. (Where did all these Audis and Land Rovers come from?) Mid to late 20s the el and Metro have officially stopped being acceptable, I guess. Amongst friends and especially at work there is this weird undercurrent to fit in or fit out, with regard to buying a luxury car or SUV. Also projecting a certain image.

beevo

March 11th, 2015 at 6:51 AM ^

1) IT director 2) '12 Buick LaCrosse 3) Oh hell no. I drive a Buick, you think I give a shit what others think about me? I'm not an attorney, geez.

Crash

March 11th, 2015 at 7:38 AM ^

Engineer

'99 Ford Escort with 275,000 miles

I'm doubting it as I have the worst car in the parking lot at work, but the damn thing won't die.

jackw8542

March 11th, 2015 at 7:55 AM ^

1.  Lawyer

2.  Love cars.  Drive an SUV to work unless it's a nice weekend day, then either my Boss 302 or Shelby GT500.

3.  Too old to care.

scottmaure

March 11th, 2015 at 8:02 AM ^

1. Production Supervisor
2. 2005 Mazda 3
3. Don't care enough for social pressure. I spend all my free time with my wife and kids. They're opinions matter tomme

Stuck in Ohio

March 11th, 2015 at 8:23 AM ^

I'm a (young) retired funeral director now working as the controller of a large group of funeral homes and an ambulance company. Never felt pressure to purchase anything, I just work very hard and enjoy nice things.

I own a 2012 Jaguar XF and a 1974 Triumph TR6 that I affectionately call the money pit. I've had it for 22 years. My wife drives an Audi TT convertible. It took several years but I was finally able to brainwash her into these types of vehicles.

Hemlock Philosopher

March 11th, 2015 at 8:39 AM ^

Pharmacist. No social pressure at all. I own what I own because of hobbies: homebrewing, deep sea fishing and camping. 

2010 Tacoma 4x4. I used to drive an Audi RS6 which was a bad ass AWD rocketship but I felt like I needed to sell an arm or leg everytime it went for service. The Taco is an off-road beast, which is fun when the opportunity arises. Next car will be a Tesla for daily driving and I will keep the truck for the fun stuff. 

seegoblu

March 11th, 2015 at 8:48 AM ^

General counsel for a hedge fund Porsche 911C4S Cabriolet NFW...couldn't care less what anyone else thinks about what I drive (well, except my wife and maybe my kids)

seegoblu

March 11th, 2015 at 2:24 PM ^

Wasn't what got me the job, I spent a decade in-house at a big investment bank and then at the largest asset manager responsible for hedge funds and private equity funds. I did some exciting things during the financial crisis with the Fed and US Treasury at my last job but working for a stand alone hedge fund exposes me to more day to day managment issues which is more engaging.

SwordDancer710

March 11th, 2015 at 9:11 AM ^

1. Attorney
2. 2015 Nissan Altima
3. Not really

The only real pressure we kinda have is that because Ford is one of our clients, we get one of the discount plans, so many of the attorneys here got Fords. When my lease comes up, I may go to a Ford Fusion.

sadeto

March 11th, 2015 at 9:19 AM ^

My title says senior research scientist, I analyze human behavior and build predictive models for certain government agencies. I spend more time on my Specialized Roubaix, and a very old Honda motorcycle, but when I must drive, there is something in the driveway with bike and kayak racks and north of 100k miles that is usually left over after the other people in the house choose the nice cars. I believe it's called a CRV. Lose the ego, let the "certain image " you project be one of positively impacting other people's lives. I can guarantee you'll be happier.

rugbypike11

March 11th, 2015 at 9:45 AM ^

Regulatory Compliance Lawyer for a G-SIB

I own a 1997 LX 450, but I usually either ride a Siemens S70 or an old Bianchi to work.  I also have a 2007 Triumph Speedmaster from my early mid-life crisis, but I will probably sell it this spring.

No pressure.  I wanted an 80 series 96-97 Land Cruiser or LX 450 for weekend adventures.  Other than the poor gas mileage, it's a great zombie apocalypse/doomsday vehicle, but mostly it transports groceries.  My goal is to chip away at my student loans before I splurge on a nicer car.

truferblue22

March 11th, 2015 at 9:47 AM ^

1. IT Sales

2. Fusion

3. The only pressure I caved to was my dad more or less forcing me to buy American, lol. With his deal it made the most sense anyway and I love my Fusion but it was less my decision than he would like you to believe. 

poseidon7902

March 11th, 2015 at 10:14 AM ^

1. Escalation Engineering Manager for Citrix

2. 2013 Charger R/T and 2014 Durango R/T

3.  Not really.  Always been a car guy.  Not the type that rebuilds 3rd gen Camaros, but just generally love the power of American Muscle.  I've been thinking of trading in the Charger that I daily drive and getting something along the lines of an Audi or BMW.  I like cars that go fast, but getting to the age that feeling every bump in the road isn't necessary.  

jblaze

March 11th, 2015 at 10:32 AM ^

I work in a corporate job and should be driving a $35K+ vehicle. It's kind of strange that I'm driving a small Honda with 120K miles. I don't feel much pressure at work, because I have a long commute and play off my car as "I don't want to buy a BMW only to put 25K miles per year on it and have it depreciate like a rock".

However, my wife should also be driving a luxury car, socially (and she does), so for home friends/ my wife's colleagues, I get the pressure (subtle). 

Interestingly, I feel kind of akward in my neighborhood, because all of my neighbors have BMWs, Benzes, Lexuses... I feel like the gardner in my car.

Wendyk5

March 11th, 2015 at 11:19 AM ^

I know someone who could afford to have a collection of BMW's, but he drives a Toyota Corolla with old-fashioned crank windows. His motto is, "I don't have to keep up with the Joneses; I am the Joneses." Words to live by. 

SoCalM

March 11th, 2015 at 11:19 AM ^

1) Retired now for over a year (was Sales VP in Biotech) and loving it!

2) Absolutely love cars and motorcycles, since growing up in MI.  Especially muscle cars of the 60's and early 70's. Owned over 30 vehicles in past 35 years or so of driving. Currently enjoy a BMW M5, Range Rover, Audi S4, Subaru Outback and a couple Harleys - all late models.  Have a Porsche 911 Turbo S on order to be delivered next month and can't wait! 

3) Way beyond any social pressure at this point.  Don't really care what other people (who don't know me) think.  Everyone has their own hobbies or vices. To each his own. 

jlvanals

March 11th, 2015 at 11:26 AM ^

I'm an attorney at a corporate law firm (6 years) and I drive a 1998 Geo Prism or take public transportation to work.  Wife drives a 2006 Saturn Ion, mostly because it is a safer car for our two kids.  Generally speaking, I am probably making a mistake with this decision as I go to great lengths to make sure people don't know what I drive, but I simply can't afford anything better between my house payments, student loans, and child care costs.  The only thing I could cut would be my 401k and, well, fuck that because I'd like to not work some day.  

I'm in the minority, but I don't care because I'm cheap and a car payment would drive me nuts.

My advice: you do you.  Fuck anyone who doesn't like it.

ST3

March 11th, 2015 at 11:44 AM ^

1. Space, bitches, space. (I work for a satellite manufacturer.)

2. I DRIVE A TOYOTA CAMRY! (not quite a Dodge Stratus, but close enough.)

3. Nope. But if I did, it would be to buy a Tesla. Those things are popping up everywhere lately.

ChiBlueBoy

March 11th, 2015 at 4:47 PM ^

...We also love to talk about the size of our bonuses and genitalia.

But seriously, I think there's a big distinction between in-house and out-house lawyers (particularly with silk stocking firms). Those with firms can be caught talking about cars, their home remodels, and the private schools/summer camps in which they place their children.

Since going in-house, most of my conversations are about kids/grand kids, neighborhoods, and any vacation plans.

DarkWolverine

March 11th, 2015 at 12:08 PM ^

Love Cars!!
Retired engineering mgr for Big Oil. Drive a 1993 Porsche 911 RS America on sunny days and a 2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL for bad weather and long trips. Always get pressure from my brother, a Mustang guy(always has at least 3).



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The Mad Hatter

March 11th, 2015 at 12:45 PM ^

I've had some great ones over the years.  First car was a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass with a 350 Rocket V8.  Bought it myself with savings bonds and my summer job.

Over the years I've had 2 Miata's (awesome cars, like driving a go-cart on the road), a 76 Starsky and Hutch Torino with a 460 engine swap.  Thing got like 8mpg but gas was only $.90 at the time.  Jeep Cherokee, Volvo S80 T6, Jaguar XJ8, an Audi 100 (gave it away with 250k miles on it, still running just fine), and a few more I've forgot.

Currently driving an Infiniti I-35 with 155k on it and a newer G37x.  The G37 is awesome.  Very comfortable and stupid fast for a 4 door.

Wendyk5

March 11th, 2015 at 2:11 PM ^

Fellow car lover here. My formative car years in high school were spent with a British boyfriend and his French best friend and we followed Formula One racing religiously. My first car was a 1978 Camaro Z-28. Since then I've had everything from a 16 valve Scirocco to a Mini to a Jeep Wrangler to a Saab Aero. I'm starting to think Porsche 911, very used. Mid-life crisis car. Just need to find a reliable Porsche mechanic. 

The Mad Hatter

March 11th, 2015 at 2:47 PM ^

If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive 911, check out the 1999-2004 model.  They have a fatal engine flaw that has driven the resale value way down.  However, once the problem is fixed (about 1k diy or 2k at a shop) the car is mostly bulletproof.

I'm in SE Michigan, so there's no shortage of Porsche mechanics, but that varies widely by location.  Although, Audi/BMW guys are usually up to the task.

I'm still pining away for a 928 S2.  Not very popular amongst Porsche purists, but an incredibly fun car to drive.