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In America a vehicle is a way to display status. If you drive a "shitty" car, it is mostly likely because that is all you can afford. I spent some time in Euro

In America a vehicle is a way to display status. If you drive a "shitty" car, it is mostly likely because that is all you can afford. I spent some time in Europe, and it seems they just do not see cars the same way (in general). Nobody is judged by the ugly car they drive. In America, good luck showing up on your first date as a an adult in a 1997 Ford Escort. In Europe, at least in France, it just did not seem to be something they cared for.

imperialdrive 12y ago
I noticed in LA and SF, while working in entertainment and start-up space, you are spot-on. I made ~80k and drove a 5 yr used car and while the temptation to compete with other people's toys existed, I never gave in when I would occasionally hear these same people with fancy new cars let it slip about credit card or car loan debt. The past two years I've been working with established small businesses. I make 160k comfortably, along with many others that make a lot more. Our parking lots are filled with used cars, dents and all, all stock rims, I haven't heard someone talk about a car the entire time I've been here. Not sure what all that really means, but yah, I liked the article so thanks OP for sharing!
coldtea 12y ago
That's mostly true. Of course an expensive car like a Mercedes or BMW will have you make a good impression, but it's not like 90% of the people would care what you drive on your first date with them (or any date). Especially if we're talking about younger people (still adults, I mean under 30 say), tons of then don't even have a car in the first place, or have some cheapo car.
Dewie 12y ago
You spent some time in Europe, or you spent some time in France?
- rokhayakebe 12y ago
  France. From your experience, is it different in other parts of Europe? Quite frankly I have a few friends scattered around Europe (immigrants), and while I will not trade my life in the states for another place, I can also say (in comparison) we are a bit materialistic here.
  - Dewie 12y ago
    > From your experience, is it different in other parts of Europe? No. All of Europe is the same.
HeyLaughingBoy 12y ago
Is that really your experience? I've actually known people who did exactly the opposite. e.g., a software developer who drove a crappy looking (but running perfectly) 15 year old Chevy pickup because he wanted to avoid women who only cared about how much money he had. The average age of an American car on the roads today is up to 11 years old. People are driving older vehicles in large part because their reliability is far improved over the ones 25 years ago.
- rokhayakebe 12y ago
  I think your second sentence supports my opinion. As far as my experience it has been mixed, but I just know people care for this stuff here.

imperialdrive 12y ago

I noticed in LA and SF, while working in entertainment and start-up space, you are spot-on. I made ~80k and drove a 5 yr used car and while the temptation to compete with other people's toys existed, I never gave in when I would occasionally hear these same people with fancy new cars let it slip about credit card or car loan debt. The past two years I've been working with established small businesses. I make 160k comfortably, along with many others that make a lot more. Our parking lots are filled with used cars, dents and all, all stock rims, I haven't heard someone talk about a car the entire time I've been here. Not sure what all that really means, but yah, I liked the article so thanks OP for sharing!

coldtea 12y ago

That's mostly true. Of course an expensive car like a Mercedes or BMW will have you make a good impression, but it's not like 90% of the people would care what you drive on your first date with them (or any date). Especially if we're talking about younger people (still adults, I mean under 30 say), tons of then don't even have a car in the first place, or have some cheapo car.

Dewie 12y ago

You spent some time in Europe, or you spent some time in France?

rokhayakebe 12y ago
France. From your experience, is it different in other parts of Europe? Quite frankly I have a few friends scattered around Europe (immigrants), and while I will not trade my life in the states for another place, I can also say (in comparison) we are a bit materialistic here.
- Dewie 12y ago
  > From your experience, is it different in other parts of Europe? No. All of Europe is the same.

HeyLaughingBoy 12y ago

Is that really your experience? I've actually known people who did exactly the opposite. e.g., a software developer who drove a crappy looking (but running perfectly) 15 year old Chevy pickup because he wanted to avoid women who only cared about how much money he had. The average age of an American car on the roads today is up to 11 years old. People are driving older vehicles in large part because their reliability is far improved over the ones 25 years ago.

rokhayakebe 12y ago
I think your second sentence supports my opinion. As far as my experience it has been mixed, but I just know people care for this stuff here.