Would You Judge Business Owners/Professionals Based on The Cars They Drive?

supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 10:48
Last edited 28/05/2015 - 13:32

Recently my friends and I were debating about this topic.

Argument 1: You will judge the businesses/professionals based on the cars they drive. If they drive luxury/expensive cars, you would think negatively of them because they are getting large profits from your purchase to buy themselves expensive cars.

Argument 2: You will judge the businesses/professionals based on the cars they drive. If they drive luxury/expensive cars, you would think positively of them because they have many customers and they are very good at doing their job.

Argument 3: You will not judge the businesses/professionals based on the cars they drive.

What do you think?

EDIT: Thanks for all your comments! + for everyone!

Education & Work

Comments

  • Evil-Elmo on 27/05/2015 - 11:10
    +15

    I've thought about it before (when visiting the dentist and seeing their car). My initial reaction was to judge negatively, as I felt I was being ripped off to some degree. However, upon reflection it is actually a sign of being successful which should be a good thing.

    For further food for thought - I'm someone who likes (but can't afford) expensive cars. If I got a nice expensive car I wouldn't want to be judged negatively or positively because of it. Rather, it's just that I like cars and enjoy nicer ones.

    I don't think we should judge. Some people like expensive cars, some couldn't care less. Some people spend a significant amount of their disposable income on cars, some don't. It would be a bit like people with expensive cars judging us by our Eneloop collections… :)

    • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 11:31
      +4

      Yeah I know we shouldn't judge. But as a healthcare professional myself, I wouldn't want my customers to judge me based on my crummy little car, just because I think of car as transportation from A to B.

      However, if humans are subconsciously programmed/manipulated by marketing into thinking expensive car = success, then I would consider getting a car with better image.

      Thanks for your input!

      • Davros on 27/05/2015 - 12:04
        +7

        "Yeah I know we shouldn't judge. But as a healthcare professional myself, I wouldn't want my customers to judge me based on my crummy little car, just because I think of car as transportation from A to B."

        See, I'd worry about someone who felt the need of a prop to instill confidence or self worth.
        Mate of mine is a Physician and drives an older hilux. He knows who and where he is as a person and doesn't need an expensive car to make a statement.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 07:36
          +9

          You're missing the point. The OP isn't interested in getting a nice car because they are worried about what people think of them. They are interested in getting a nice car because it would be good for business.

          Also I think people do subconsciously judge others on appearance.

        • supervigilante on 28/05/2015 - 08:08
          +6

          Yes, I was thinking of NOT getting a nicer car if it means people think I am ripping them off, but the counter argument (nicer car = successful/good at my job) got me thinking. Thus, this whole discussion.

          After all these comments, I think the best thing is to get a normal car that don't attract too much attention. It doesn't have to be at either end of the spectrum.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 12:26
          +3

          @supervigilante:

          Ding ding ding! Winning answer right there.

          Driving a car that would cost approx 30k new would be neither too flashy or too modest, if you're worried about being judged. Bonus points if you get it second hand for cheap :)

        • Serapis on 28/05/2015 - 21:42
          +2

          @supervigilante:

          Agreed. Fancy car does not equal successful, just that you like cars or want to show off (ie Floyd Mayweather… hate that guy)

          For example, Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice-president of operations, drives an old Toyota Camry…

          http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/16/8045785/jony-ive-interview…

    • Randxyz123 on 27/05/2015 - 20:26
      +3

      I personally wouldn't judge. I'd think that guy is working pretty hard and has worked hard to get through school, get into medicine and dentistry and open up a practice. Why shouldn't he show his success?

    • dealman on 30/05/2015 - 17:27
      +1

      You should read the book the Millionaire Next Door.
      Bit old now but has a whole chapter on this very topic..

  • battler on 27/05/2015 - 11:26
    +3

    Yes. Needed some concreting done. Bloke came in a new Mercedes to quote!
    His quote wasn't the cheapest either.

    • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 11:40

      Would you automatically assume that he set his high price in order to pay for his car loan/service/insurance?

      Thanks for your input!

      • battler on 27/05/2015 - 11:46
        +7

        classic supply and demand.
        if he has buyers for his high priced service, then fair play to him.

        for me, I just went with a much cheaper quote… after all concrete is concrete (more or less, for the purposes I needed).

        • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 11:53
          +2

          Yeah fair enough.

          Also, setting high price is sometimes used as a psychological business tactic. Sometimes cheaper products are less trustworthy like Woolworth's Homebrand stuff. There's nothing wrong with them but people tend to associate cheaper = less quality.

        • battler on 27/05/2015 - 12:00
          +5

          knew a bloke years ago who was inundated with (building) work. He still quoted, but at RIDICULOUS prices, say 2-3x normal… then would win the job.
          He would then just subcontract it and basically make bucket-loads for doing zero.
          Again, supply and demand at work.

        • driew on 29/05/2015 - 17:18
          +1

          I find that with tradies like everything else, you generally get what you pay for. Unlike mass manufacturered goods where every item is identical, you're relying on the tradies skills as well as the products they use. I would make sure to get references from people who have used them before.

          Having said that, don't automatically assume that because you're paying top dollar that they'll be good.

    • scotty on 27/05/2015 - 12:03
      +8

      Saw this news article from yesterday. Apparently the new Mercedes C class outsold Ford Falcon. Maybe we shouldn't be too surprised.

      • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 12:51

        Wow I didn't know that. Thanks for that!

      • ShamelessBargains on 27/05/2015 - 16:21
        +2

        Mainly due to the prices decreasing of luxury cars.

        It used to be prestigious to drive a Mercedes Benz but now the Toyota Prado is even more expensive new.

        Falcons can easily be specced upto the $50k range and for an extra $10k you can get a Mercedes which is a better built car, has better resale etc

        • scotty on 27/05/2015 - 16:31
          +11

          My theory is that the housing just becomes too expensive, which makes luxury cars relatively cheap. When you are in Sydney and $1m only gets you a 2 bedder pad in inner city, $80k Merc and the prestige associated with it seems much more affordable.

        • tonyjzx on 27/05/2015 - 17:13
          +1

          @scotty:

          I think its more than that. Modern employment and taxation has made 'near luxury cars' affordable

          ie. $50k mercs and bmws and lexus etc. isnt too big a deal if you have a monthly lease plan and its all tax deductible

          cars in that end, are no different from iphones, just get a new one every 3 years

        • Nickels n Dimes on 28/05/2015 - 14:01
          +6

          Nice in theory, but a $60k Benz or Bmw will still only have basic appointments compared with the $50k Falcon. ie. 'Leather Look' Seats and lining, low-end kraut stereo, minimum 5* safety, etc. Anyone looking at your car from a distance won't know that of course, but your enjoyment will be compromised by poor interior quality. I can't comment on the performance side, but I'm sure there are similar drawbacks to a bottom-end german car vs an overpriced local car.
          The real benefit of course, is in reliability and resale — any German car is certain to retain those decades longer than the Falcon.

        • Kkuba on 28/05/2015 - 16:11
          +4

          @krzystoff:

          Well put, and agree with all your points except one, maybe two: reliability, and stereo

          Falcadores are bulletproof (relatively speaking).

          And even top of the line Falcon has a very poor quality stereo (in terms of sound quality), can't speak for the Commodore though, or the Benz for that matter.

          Otherwise yes, Falcon has real leather, Benz has pleather.

          Falcon will have a 4.0L either turbo (270kw) or N/A (198kw), Benz will have a 1.6L turbo (115kw)

          Also, another point to this discussion is a 60k benz, will probably be a bottom of the line C-class. This is a different class of car to the Falcon, in terms of size. The Falcon is closer to an E-class. A point that should not be overlooked.

        • captobvious on 29/05/2015 - 22:33
          +1

          My sister said since leasing a less refined 200 series landcruiser sahara over her previous GL merc has gained her less dents in the parking lot. Seems people see a merc and it is instantly a magnet for jealous door bumping. Landcruiser just looks like an ugly thing on fat tyres and doesn't really grab anybody's attention, she also said less people seem to want to pull out at intersections in front of the cruiser and she has had less problems with lane creepers. colleagues and clients also comment on the comfort of the ride, space and are always surprised a landcruiser could have leather seats, wood and screens. I personally think its not very show pony and I've never experienced a landcruiser haul ass like these new twin turbo diesels.

          If someone didn't know much about cars they would think a C class merc > landcruiser. A bushy would probably see a 79series Troopie with bullbar 10,000lb winch and 2 kaymar spare wheel holders be > than a E class merc.

      • Randxyz123 on 27/05/2015 - 20:23
        +4

        Yep says it all really not to mention that the Australian car industry is dead.

        Not surprised it out sold the ford falcon.

        Just did a price up of the ford falcon XR6

        I got it to $57,000 by adding leather and sat nav. A C200 with the command pack can be had for $67,000.

        You could probably get the Mercedes down even further. I know which car I'd buy.(Mercedes)

        Anyone who has recently bought a new falcon WHY? They look the same as the 2001 falcon taxi that drove me home last weekend

        • Mad Max on 27/05/2015 - 20:26
          +1

          I bet you would get a big difference when you have to get the service done or you need spare parts though. Falcon cheap and any mechanic can do. Mercedes???

        • Randxyz123 on 27/05/2015 - 20:28
          +4

          @maxi: Fixed price servicing for 4-5 years probably would trade or sell for the next model after 3. Bingo

        • Mad Max on 27/05/2015 - 21:05
          +1

          @knick007:
          Wow…new Mercedes every 3 years!!! What are you doing on Ozbargain??? You may be wasting your time here just to save a few $$

        • JimB on 28/05/2015 - 11:47
          +2

          The retail for that XR6 Falcon may be $57,000, however offer them $30,000 and they will make a counter offer of $35,000!

          You're a sucker if you pay retail for a Ford or Holden as they discount very heavily…. They should do what Tesla and Hyundai do, no negotiating just drive away pricing

        • This Guy on 29/05/2015 - 01:29
          +2

          @maxi:

          "Wow…new Mercedes every 3 years!!!"

          Leasing to reduce taxable income. New lease every three years. Say it costs $10k to run the car each year, then you’re paying ~$6 year to rent your own brand new car.

          Yes it may cost $30k per year before tax, but if you didn't do it you would only have ~$16k of that money anyway and still need a car (if you earn over $180k). Makes less sense the less you earn.

          Knick might be doing massive millage and using deprecation or maybe just enjoys the benefits of a new car. Knick's business anyway.

        • Mad Max on 29/05/2015 - 18:58
          +1

          @This Guy
          "(if you earn over $180k)"
          As I said, why would you be wasting your time on ozbargain to save a few $$ if you earn $180k

        • This Guy on 30/05/2015 - 01:26
          +4

          @maxi:

          A penny saved is a penny earned :)

        • Sweetnsour on 30/05/2015 - 22:52
          +1

          In Germany, your taxi is a mercedes benz 😉

  • cypher67 on 27/05/2015 - 11:29
    +17

    All depends on the type of work they do, I look at the many luxury cars I see parked outside Nick Scali and think he must have epic over priced sofas. But when my lawyer visited me in his new Merc, I thought this guy knows his stuff and doesnt get where he is being rubbish. My mate drives a Ford and my assumption is he is a jerk, which to a large degree he is and probably doesnt matter what he drove actually. So really depends who they are to you and what type of business or relationship you have.

    • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 11:47
      +2

      Is it fair to say that it depends on whether it's a product or a service/expertise/knowledge that they are selling? If the exact same product can be bought elsewhere, then the seller's expensive car = overpriced products. However, for service providers/experts e.g. accountants/lawyers/doctors, expensive cars = many clients.

      Thanks for your input!

  • airzone on 27/05/2015 - 11:33
    +4

    Normally I don't care. I am happy for other people's success, and as long as they are not ripping me off, I am fine to pay a fair price. If they can reduce costs and take more profit, and buy a nice car, good on them.

    But then again I used to work next to a large Honda dealer, and the GM had a rotating roster of Ferrari's, Porches, AMG Mercs, etc. I judged him poorly simply because he is not showing faith in the product that he is selling. It's fine to have his collection of exotics, but c'mon, be a brand ambassador.. Even if he was to drive a NSX that would be fine.

    • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 12:03

      That GM might want to experience driving as many expensive cars as possible because he will be talking about cars to many of his potential clients, so knowledge = power. That's just my guess. Thanks for your input!

    • Randxyz123 on 27/05/2015 - 20:32
      +1

      So what he is meant to show up to work in a bloody civic?

      For all you know he might own a second hand luxury car dealership as well

      • liquid metal on 27/05/2015 - 21:05
        +2

        Honda builds luxury cars as well. Honda Legend.

      • airzone on 28/05/2015 - 14:01
        +4

        That's beside the point.. He can own whatever car he wants, which is fine. But if he is selling me a Honda, I expect him to be an ambassador of the brand.

        I had occasion to meet the area sales manager for Ferrari / Maserati at his shop. When asked about his company car, he admitted that they were out of his personal price range but had access to any current model so that he could represent the product he was selling. Then thinking of when I bought a Hyundai from the dealer, the sales guys said that all sales critical staff are issued Hyundai's so they could be seen with them.

        Taking cars out of the equation, what phone did Steve Jobs have? And what about Steve Ballmer? What company jet do you think the Boeing execs have? An Embraer? Do you wear a shirt with your competitors logo because it looks or feels better? And as an IT manager, why do I put up with the same crappy laptop I give to everyone else, when I could have something much nicer?

        If your product is not good enough for you, then why is it good enough for me?

        This is the beef that I had. Of course good on him for building a hugely successful car dealership, and he has certainly earned his money. When he is seen by his customers arriving at work to buy a Honda from him, drive the best Honda that money can buy.

        • Randxyz123 on 28/05/2015 - 20:26
          +2

          And as an IT manager, why do I put up with the same crappy laptop I give to everyone else, when I could have something much nicer?

          Disagree with this one. The "crappy laptop" might be able to do web browsing and word processing but if you are doing more than that as an IT manager such as managing a couple of servers, providing remote support etc etc you would require a more powerful computer.

  • Davros on 27/05/2015 - 11:35
    -1

    People who judge others based on clothing, cars, housing and suburbs and brands are pretty shallow in more ways than one.

    Look at Mother Teresa as an example why not to judge.

    • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 12:39

      If majority of the people are shallow/judgemental, businesses would change their ways to appeal to the majority.

      Anyway, thanks for your input!

      • Davros on 27/05/2015 - 12:56

        They already have. Brand, location and perceived quality etc is everything to many.
        Doesnt matter that a cheaper product may be better, its the brand and the perception of luxury and quality = affluence in their delusional minds that matters.

    • cypher67 on 27/05/2015 - 12:48
      +7

      People that buy expensive and luxury items want to be judged. You don't drop $250k on a car for practical reasons. You dont spend $2000 on a handbag because it carries your phone better. You dont spend $15k on an apple watch because it offers better value or functionality. Why do you think some billionaire drive around in hybrids? its because they want people to judge them as not being a douche. Then you have a dude roll up in a gold plated, diamond encrusted Lambo. The ones doing the judging are not the shallow ones, its the ones with so much money that its important they spend extra money to influence how other people judge them that are shallow.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 07:52
      +6

      Why-what does she drive?

      • Davros on 28/05/2015 - 13:08
        -1

        She doesn't have a car, the pope gave her his from his visit and she used it to raise funds to help the needy.
        She doesn't have a house and most likely lives in a crap location.
        Her clothes do not much more than cover her skin.

        Shallow people who judge others based on appearance and possessions would write her off as a loser that amounted to nothing.
        How very wrong they would be to presume so.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 09:10
      +8

      Yes, Mother Teresa looked like a saint but did pretty deplorable things for the people in India. We should not judge people by their appearance but by what and how they do something.

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 28/05/2015 - 15:22
      +6

      Mother Teresa was not the nicest person actually.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Mother_Teresa#Qual…

      • Davros on 28/05/2015 - 15:23
        -2

        So say some
        I bet she did more good than you.

        • peterpaoliello on 29/05/2015 - 00:29
          +6

          Are you trying to argue because she did good she somehow gets a free pass to do bad things to people. Give me a break.

        • Davros on 29/05/2015 - 06:01

          @peterpaoliello: Are you missing the whole point of what I was trying to get across and arguing for the sake of arguing?
          Stop acting like a 2 year old.

          Replace mother theresa with anyone you want who does good but doesnt drive a fancy car or wear branded clothes if that makes it easier for you to understand.

        • TimeOrMoney on 29/05/2015 - 08:33
          +3

          Straight to the ad hominems, because someone is challenging your dogmatic opinion? You lose.

        • Davros on 29/05/2015 - 10:02
          -1

          @lmh86: I have no dogmatic opinion and I guess you lose for saying I do.
          And I guess I could also so that you did it because I was challenging your dogmatic opinion.
          My point is if I go digging on anybody I could come up with some dirt somewhere and then I could blow it up out of proportion by doing an entry on wiki, doing a blog page and reporting it on today tonight for the ill informed bogans of the world to lap up.
          Some of it would stick.
          It happens daily if you hadn't noticed.

      • jelko on 28/05/2015 - 19:31
        +4

        Yeah, pretty damning evidence. The public persona vs the actuality are often very different.

    • miscbrah on 29/05/2015 - 13:37
      +1

      a blanket statement about another blanket statement

      makes sense

  • retiredfeline on 27/05/2015 - 11:45
    +1

    You missed out another choice: You will judge the businesses/professionals based on the appropriateness of the cars they drive. If a plumber drove a Porsche or a QC drove a tiny compact I'd wonder if there was something odd about them. Any medium sized car, meh.

    • supervigilante on 27/05/2015 - 12:33

      Yeah good point. Everything in moderation. Thanks for your input!

    • KaTst3R on 27/05/2015 - 17:45
      +3

      1) Plumber drives Porsche - Reaction "Mofo laundering money"
      2) Plumber drives Ford Falcon or Holden V6 - Reaction "Probably a trusty handy man"

      The stereotypes…………

      • retiredfeline on 27/05/2015 - 18:11
        +4

        No. Plumber drives Porsche: Is he unaware of what people might think or super confident of his ability? Because a smart person can think two layers ahead: realise that these stereotypes do exist and not take chances. Will he also take chances with his work? By the same token will you wear shorts to a serious job interview? Because first impressions do matter.

    • Nickels n Dimes on 28/05/2015 - 14:07
      +6

      I would wonder why any plumber is driving anything other than a utility, a pickup or a van. Assuming they are nothing more than a manager and not doing any actual plumbing work. But with the wages plumbers earn, most could afford to have a lambo or a ferrari for weekends.

  • endotherm on 27/05/2015 - 13:19
    +4

    This is from the bio of the founder of IKEA, one of the wealthiest people in the world, estimated to be worth $50 billion.

    Kamprad drives a 1993 Volvo 240, flies only economy class, and encourages IKEA employees always to write on both sides of a piece of paper. He reportedly recycles tea bags and is known to pocket the salt and pepper packets at restaurants. In addition, Kamprad has been known to visit IKEA for a "cheap meal". He is known for purchasing Christmas paper and presents in post-Christmas sales.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingvar_Kamprad

    • danield on 27/05/2015 - 14:20
      +20

      wouldn't be surprised if he is reading through these very forums too.

    • YTW on 27/05/2015 - 16:08
      +1

      Can't beat a 240.
      I cried when hubby wrote ours off.

      • Randxyz123 on 27/05/2015 - 20:31
        +4

        @YTW how the f—- did he write that off? Hit a friggen building?

        • YTW on 28/05/2015 - 01:47
          +5

          lol…I wish. He turned into the path of a car doing about 70kph…only the corner was crushed, and the bonnet crumpled up - but enough so that it wasn't worth fixing. It probably could have been driven away from the scene of the accident though. You should have seen the other car…the crash trashed the entire front of their car. Thankfully no-one was seriously hurt.

        • MrtheMoonbear on 29/05/2015 - 11:07
          +4

          My first thought was they must have hit a Nokia 3310

        • Randxyz123 on 29/05/2015 - 11:18
          +1

          @MrtheMoonbear: hahahaha damn I wish I'd thought of that

    • JimB on 28/05/2015 - 11:49
      +4

      Does the Bio also say he saves money by profit shifting the vast majority of Ikea Australian profits to low tax paying countries?

      Not the moral thing to do, but I'm sure everyone else would do it if they could.

      • endotherm on 28/05/2015 - 14:30
        -1

        No it doesn't, but it's no different to every other mega-company out there. Their lawyers and accountants would agree that it is totally proper and legal. It is tax AVOIDANCE, not tax EVASION. The late Kerry Packer famously said, "If anybody in this country doesn't minimise their tax they want their head read." Taxation was just an imposition: if it was dragged out of him he would pay it, kicking and screaming, but not a cent more than he had to.

        It's no different to anyone in the community, they will try to use the situation to their best advantage come tax time. I've known people that refused to do any more overtime in a pay period because it would push them into the next tax bracket, meaning they would actually take home less cash by working longer. Immoral? Or are they simply looking out for their own best interests.

        The Tax Office has always been fair game, like parking officers and umpires; if you can get away with it, then good luck to you.

        There are pros and cons to your argument. You might not see a lot of cash in profits remain in the country, but it does stimulate the economy, create jobs etc. If it wasn't attractive to the company, they likely wouldn't do business here. If it truly was an evil despicable law that created such a loophole, don't you think someone, sometime in the last century would have done something about it?

        • JimB on 28/05/2015 - 15:25
          +7

          As I said I'm sure everyone else would do it if they could, myself included.

          As for "people that refused to do any more overtime in a pay period because it would push them into the next tax bracket, meaning they would actually take home less cash by working longer" they aren't immoral, they are idiots.

          The tax system doesn't work like that. It works on a sliding scale tax system. Someone who earns $80,000 pays a marginal tax rate of 32.5%. Someone who earns $80,001 pays a marginal tax rate of 37%. The person who earns $1 more, will pay $0.37 more tax, but also have a higher net income $0.63. They don't pay 37% tax on the whole $80,001.

          Whether you are on a wage (PAYG) or pay tax at the end of the year when you lodge your return, no one who earns more than you will have less net income (disregarding other income/deductions).

          And in terms of weekly take home income, overtime or no overtime- look at the ATO PAYG withholding tax table- https://www.ato.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Content/MEI/downloads/B… There is no possibility of earning a higher wage and getting less net home income.

      • sellingoutsoon on 28/05/2015 - 19:57
        +1

        Ikea may do this but from what I've read, they routinely set up a charity in each country of operation. If nothing else, it provides humour. Apparently the charity set up in Australia was registered validly, for the purpose of something like: "Innovation in Furniture". I'm sure the furniture will be most appreciative.

    • jelko on 28/05/2015 - 19:32
      +1

      There's something wrong with this Kamprad guy.

      • azm on 28/05/2015 - 21:36
        +2

        Nothing wrong with that. Look at Jente Law

        • endotherm on 29/05/2015 - 00:01
          +1

          Didn't know that one, I thought it was just a Swedish thing: lagom Probably goes back to viking days to preserve order or something. Makes sense seeing the region is considered to be politically very socialist.

  • mooney on 27/05/2015 - 14:59
    +7

    I once had to negotiate a new improved margin with one of my suppliers. He told me on the phone that my request was too much and that his margins were already wafer thin. He simply couldn't afford to move at all.

    Then I met him face to face a couple of weeks later. He was driven in by his personal chauffeur in a limousine that was fully carpeted.

    I didn't judge him, but I did get a nice shiny new margin out of him.

  • grabngo on 27/05/2015 - 15:12
    +5

    I know surgeons who drive basic Toyotas and Subarus.
    They would earn in tbe region of $1.5m to $2m a year
    Can u judge them?
    Nah.
    The one guy looks like he has not changed his clothes in a week
    Can u judge him?
    The one doctor I saw recently is 35.
    He had on a Lowes jersey and drove a Yaris
    Can u judge him?
    Na

    • Banana on 27/05/2015 - 15:38
      +2

      LOL this reminded my friend who sells car told me a surgeon came in and bought the most basic car. The company had to lose money on the car in order to get him to sign the deal!

      • OzBestDeal on 27/05/2015 - 16:17
        +6

        He must be ozbargainer

        • tonyjzx on 27/05/2015 - 17:11
          +12

          you dont spend 8yrs + in med school and wind up being stupid…

        • KaTst3R on 27/05/2015 - 17:48
          +1

          @tonyjzx:

          Or being rich…imagine the bloody study loan !! Must be in the millions if he got this medical degree overseas…that's why the tightassness

        • tonyjzx on 27/05/2015 - 18:19
          +4

          @KaTst3R:

          and liability insurance

      • davidmwilliams on 28/05/2015 - 07:38
        +11

        Do you really believe they sold the car for a loss? That is not a sustainable business model.

        Your friend, I am sorry to tell you, is simply doing what car salesmen do best - making up a story.

        • Banana on 28/05/2015 - 10:03
          +4

          They actually do. They make more money from sales, insurance claims etc. Don't think he needs to make up a story.

        • JimB on 28/05/2015 - 12:09
          +2

          Every time I go to negotiate to buy a car for myself or someone, they always say the sales price is below their price or they aren't making any money on it.. yet they are still in business, lol.

          They may lose money on the sale, but they make it up with volume rebates from the manufacturer, just like JB Hifi. Sell 100 cars/TVs/etc. and we will give you an extra 5 cars/TVs/etc free.

          That's why some stores push/recommend a certain model to get their volume rebates.

    • konazz on 29/05/2015 - 10:01
      +3

      My father in law is like that… was on $500k+ as a doctor. He drove a Toyota Echo for 8 years, then 'upgraded' to a base model corolla that didn't even had BT, or electric rear windows. He doesn't care, as his professional reputation is what gets him noticed/invitations (when he speaks in europe at conferences, he has it in his contract he flies first class to heathrow then business class onwards only).

      But then again, when they relax, they relax properly - flew daughters + husbands/boyfriends to bali for a week for a family trip in a villa, own a beach holiday property that is only available to family (not rented), and eat out at the best restaurants.

      But i've seen other interesting things… like a fellow who has a new masarati but keeps his WRX for certain meetings so it doesn't look OTT. Another fellow I met, also had a masserati and a Commodore SS. The masserati was for high end meetings, but to work he'd drive the 5yo commodore as it wasn't a good look when he was screwing his staff over trying to push minimum wage!

      • captobvious on 29/05/2015 - 22:48
        +1

        my father is similar, he just rocks a falcodore but spends the money on property to offset his tax. he flies economy unless someone else pays for it. I think he is use to being a tight ass, tells me hes going to blow it all before he dies.

    • syme321 on 29/05/2015 - 10:33
      +3

      I think medical practitioners are in a different basket to most businesses as you are less likely to shop around for the best heart surgeon etc.

      Them having a good or bad car doesn't matter as they don't have anything to prove, whereas a business that is faltering may look less trustworthy if they can't afford a 'good' car.

  • ahly92 on 27/05/2015 - 18:16
    +8

    Most of the rich folks don't own their cars. They lease them on a monthly/yearly bases. This is both cheaper and more effective from their point of view due to rapid decrease in car value once bought new therfore they can upgrade to any car they want at anytime.

    • Gotchas on 28/05/2015 - 00:46
      +2

      Poor old lease companies

    • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 07:55
      +4

      I own 7 cars and I would never lease. It costs you far more.

      • Gotchas on 29/05/2015 - 15:36
        +1

        You can never have enough cars

        • tdw on 29/05/2015 - 15:41
          +1

          nor eneloops! (i personally prefer cars lol)

        • captobvious on 29/05/2015 - 22:43
          +2

          one day eneloops will power cars. You'd have to love both!

        • tdw on 29/05/2015 - 23:47
          +1

          @btdroppedbox: hopefully i'll be long dead by then :p

    • JimB on 28/05/2015 - 12:14
      +2

      It may be easier for people to lease and gives them the convenience, but if you have the money available you're always going to be better off buying in Cash (not taking into account opportunity cost for cash).

      It's the same reason people trade their cars in vs private sale. 99.99% of the time you'll get more with a private sale compared to trade in. People do it for the convenience.

    • sellingoutsoon on 28/05/2015 - 19:52
      +1

      Novated lease, pre-tax earnings, yada yada

  • itsdanthaman on 27/05/2015 - 19:09

    of course you judge !!!

    you need some handyman/building work done, and they turn up in a kingswood ute, how would you feel? The bloke might be crafty as all hell, but you dont care because he's presented himself as unsuccessful.

    • cypher67 on 28/05/2015 - 13:11
      +2

      Don't mess with the Kingswood …

      • momov3 on 29/05/2015 - 14:08
        +1

        How does one reverse parallel park a Kingswood…..

  • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2015 - 19:37
    +1

    My friend and colleague whom I consider the most successful amongst my wider circle broke the 7 figure net income (before tax) before he hit 30. He is still driving a 98 civic and his networth from him business alone (I'm sure he has other investments like shares and real estate) is very well into the 8 figures.

    My own father broke out of poverty and never bought a luxury car until his mid 40s.

    In stark contrast to what one may conclude my perception to be, I do consider the car someone drives to tell me a number of things about them. Secure and ambitious men/women couldn't care less about a tin can that they spend an hour a day in.

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