I am not my car.
My car is not me.
Yet according to multiple studies, the vehicle a man owns reflects his image and has a strong affect on his perceived attractiveness and even the way he drives.
As a man who used to ride a motorcycle, still drives a truck, and now occasionally drives a mini-van…..
…..Yes, I have to agree with these findings.
Like it or not, the car you drive will have a direct impact on your image.
Think about it.
How often have you seen someone drive by in a raised 4X4 with huge tires, dual exhausts, and custom paint job of the American Southwest on his tailgate and thought – wow, he must be a history professor at Texas Tech University.
Answer – Never.
No, we all have stereotypes of people based off what they drive.
Porche, BMW, Prius, Silverado, Harley Davidson……..the list goes on.
The goal of this article is to help you understand the relationship between your vehicle and your image so that you can control it and use it to your advantage.
An Attractive Car Makes The Man With It More Attractive
If you're looking to catch the attention of more women, owning (or even being seen with) a great-looking car will help.
A lot.
Seriously.
A study conducted by the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff made a strong case for that.
In a nutshell, women of various ages were shown two sets of images. One decent-looking man driving a Bentley and an equally good-looking man driving a Ford Fiesta.
Close to 60% chose the man with the Bentley Continental.
The fact that women chose the man with the more expensive car highlights a few things.
It is not so much the car that is desirable to women but more as to what it represents. A great-looking car signifies security, stability and luxury, which are key traits women find desirable from a man.
Cars are an Extension of Ourselves
Another study was done, this time by Temple University detailing how we identify ourselves with the cars we drive and how it influences with our very identity.
This can be seen as a good or bad thing.
If you really identify with your high-speed sports car, it can cause you to behave aggressively, especially when driving. This may result in numerous speeding tickets and aggressive driving.
On the contrary, driving a luxury car can raise your self-esteem. Being more confident around others and influences you to seek out friends and companions who share your tastes.
Keep in mind that the study also suggests younger men are prone to being influenced by their car given they are still in the process of figuring out their identity.
Overall, how you act is something that gets judged by others so it's important to keep in mind that your car could play a small role in this.
Choose a Car That's Right for You
I know, not all of us have the option to drive an expensive car, let alone a Bentley.
However, you still can drive something that specifically fits your lifestyle, which in our opinion is a win-win.
Here are the top things you should strive to achieve when in the market for a new (or used!) car.
Keep Your Vehicle Simple
By this we are referring to a few things. One of the most obvious is your color selection.
It doesn't make sense to get a car in yellow or lime green. Instead, get a color that is practical. Black, silver, white, blue and red are your best bets.
Another important item to consider is sizing. You may not give out the right perception if you are a salesman and you drive a Harley.
In most cases, stick to a vehicle that is appropriately sized to who you are and what you do.
Keep Your Vehicle Clean
This should be a no-brainer.
I see beautiful cars every day that look less than stellar given the condition they are in. This goes for both the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
I immediately form an opinion on these drivers and they usually aren't great ones. Why give off an impression of having no attention to detail or that you lack cleanliness if you can simply wash and tidy up your vehicle?
So men, inviting someone into your car for the first time and having it look immaculate will do way more good than harm.
It doesn't take much effort to keep your vehicle clean but it could provide big payoffs in terms of what opinions people form of you.
Keep Your Vehicle Practical
This ties in well to keeping your vehicle simple.
Your car should be a reflection of your own unique character as a man and the sort of life you are living.
For example, driving a fancy sports car may be fun but it may not be practical if you mostly use it to drive your family around. Not only is this not practical, it also may give off the wrong impression to others.
A practical car is better than one that seems out of place with your lifestyle.
In Conclusion
Buy The Right Car For Your Lifestyle & Take Care Of It As Your Vehicle Reflects Your Image.
While the main purpose of a vehicle is to get you from point A to B, it would be unwise to discredit how one can have a positive or negative impact on your image.
Want to discover other ways to up your personal presentation?
Click here to learn how to make a strong first impression online.
Click below to watch the video – How The Car You Drive Impacts Image
FAQs: What A Car Says About A Man
Is it superficial to judge someone by their car?
While it's not the full picture, the car you drive is part of the first impression you make. It's human nature to infer traits from someone's possessions.
Should I be concerned about my image if I drive an older car?
Not at all. Many people respect the practicality and sustainability of keeping a car for longer. It can show that you value utility and longevity over flashiness.
Do electric vehicles say something about my environmental stance?
Yes, driving an electric vehicle can project an image of environmental consciousness and forward-thinking.
Can driving a unique or quirky car affect my image?
Absolutely, it can give the impression that you're an individualist who isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Does the make of the car matter more than the model?
Both can impact your image. The make can suggest economic status, while the model can reflect more personal attributes, like being sporty or conservative.
Will driving a budget car impact my social life?
Your true friends won't mind. If someone judges you solely by your car, they're probably not someone you want in your social circle.
If I drive a classic car, will I be seen as nostalgic or old-fashioned?
You might be seen as someone who appreciates classic beauty and heritage, which can be a very positive image.
How can I make sure my car is projecting the right image about me?
Align your car choice with your personal values and lifestyle. Make sure it's clean, well-maintained, and reflects your true self.
