When it comes to cars, men are usually more knowledgeable than women. My husband was an exception. He didn't even know what a tune up was, I was floored! The year I turned 21 I bought my first car. It was a bright yellow, standard transmission Hyundai Scoupe with a cool black graphics package. I had to have a stick shift, it was so much fun. When I brought it home my Dad said I had to learn how to change a tire. Well, I spent the entire day taking them off and putting them back on. When I was done changing them about 4 times, Dad came over and said, "There, now you know how to take the jack out and change a tire. If ever you're out and get a flat tire don't call me, do it yourself." Soon after I learned how to pump my own gas, check the oil, verify the tire pressure and the basics under the hood. The dealership still managed to rip me off on numerous occasions, but I slowly learned all the terminology they use to trick women into unnecessary repairs.
Fast forward to men and dating. It's amazing the impact a vehicle can have on the way a woman is perceived. My Scoupe was a cute little sports car, exactly what many would figure was perfect for a girly girl. I will admit most guys weren't crazy about being seen in it. Then I got a Jeep TJ and all the guys wanted a ride in it, especially in the Summer with the top off! Funny cause they'd all say that was a guy vehicle. Boy do I still miss my Jeep, but after becoming a Mom everyone said I needed a safer vehicle because it was a soft top. I shouldn't have listened to them, mind you after baby #3 arrived I would've had no choice as you can't put a baby seat in the front passenger seat. Oh well, I will get another one eventually.
After the kids arrived, a mini-van was the most convenient and cost effective mode of transportation. Definitely not a sexy vehicle by any stretch of the imagination, but it was practical with lots of room for baby gear and extra friends too! It still works well for growing teenagers, sports and a dance Mom. Can't beat it when it comes to comfort, especially on long road trips. Show up for a date in the mini-van and you have Mom written all over your face!
Personally I've always loved larger vehicles. Most of it probably stems from the fact that my parents only bought full-sized station wagons. The best part was the flip up third row seat that faced the back. Growing up we fought over the back row, but as we got older we didn't want to get caught dead driving them. Mind you, when you were going out with a bunch of friends there was tons of room. Heck you could have a party in those suckers! For me it's the safety factor. I feel way safer in a big vehicle plus with our winters, they are far better on the road. My Scoupe was so light it was all over the place in the winter. I'd have to load the back trunk with salt or sand bags to weight it down. After that I swore I'd never buy another small car.
The Tahoe and the Yukon XL are my favourites. I'd also take a Suburban, but the older styles. The newer ones are way smaller and too sleek looking. With a large family, size matters!
Enter dating:
I love men's reactions when I arrive for a first date in my truck. A Chevy Silverado is not what a guy expects a women to show up in. Kind of gives me a rugged kind of tough look, but there I am in a dress and heels! Reactions vary, some good, others not so much. After a while I used these reactions to gauge whether or not there was going to be a second date. I think the bad ones were based more on vehicle envy and for me that was a major turn off. I won't tell you what to drive, so extend me the same courtesy. On the other hand, if I show up in the mini-van, I can't escape the Mom stereotype!
After one first date I remember going out to the parking lot and the gentleman saying, "Wait, don't tell me which car is yours. Let me guess." I knew he'd never think to pick the truck, but decided to play along for fun. The parking lot was full and sure enough, he started with all the small cars. Eventually there was only my truck left. He turned to me with a look of complete and utter disgust, "Please tell me that truck isn't yours." OMG, was he kidding me? He went on to lecture me about how he doesn't waste money on big cars, he just buys old second hand vehicles and drives them until they die. Funny, he drove an old Cavalier which looked like a Hotwheels car next to my truck. He had the nerve to say the truck had to go. Really, or else what? I think not, I told him the truck was staying and he was gone.
Another guy had an issue with the fact that the truck had belonged to my late husband. He insisted I had to sell it as I didn't need to have 2 vehicles. I love it when others decide what I should or shouldn't have. In this case I think vehicle envy played a huge roll given that my truck was a 4x4 and had a lot more features than his. He also said he'd never drive a truck that belonged to another man. Who asked him to drive my truck??? This coming from a guy who often bought second hand cars. So did he only buy them from women??? Hello, are we in kindergarten? Once again, nope I ain't selling it.
One time I arrived early and waited in the parking lot for my date. Not long afterwards, another truck pulled in and parked next to me. It was identical to mine, only red. Hey it was my date! He was shocked that I drove a truck, but thoroughly impressed. I thought it was so cool that we had matching trucks, sadly the relationship didn't go anywhere. He disappeared after a few weeks.
The best reaction I had was a guy freaking out over the truck. We spent forever in the parking lot looking under the hood and checking out all the features. He even asked if he could take it for a spin so we went for a drive. I let him drive. It was like watching a kid in a candy store. He thought it was awesome that I had a truck. Yes, he got a second date! Lol
Apart from the comments above, here's a few more:
1. I'm going to trade your truck in for a boat or a down payment on a cottage.
- Really? I don't remember agreeing to that, especially after only one date! Not too presumptuous.
2. You're not being environmentally friendly owing 2 large vehicles.
- Interestingly enough he also had 2 vehicles one of which was a much older model mini-van which would have been far less environmentally friendly than mine. Let's also keep in mind that I have 4 kids so I kind of need more room than most.
3. It's way too big, a beautiful lady like you shouldn't be driving this.
- Says who? Since when do looks determine what kind of vehicle you should drive?
4. That's a man's vehicle, we could just trade and you can drive my car.
- Yeah right, I don't think so. Not to mention his little compact car was worth far less than my truck.
5. What a waste of money, you must pay a fortune for insurance.
- They almost faint when they discover insurance for both of my vehicles is far less than what they pay for one.
Funny when guys are anal about their vehicle. In some cases it's like you to have to put plastic on the seats and remove your shoes before you get in. Can you make a person feel any more unwelcomed or uncomfortable? Never mind, I'll just follow you in my car. Then the opposite extreme where there's garbage everywhere and it wreaks like an ashtray or a garbage dumpster. You couldn't pay me to get in! Even more amusing when they go on and on about all the luxury cars they have and show up in an old rusted out jolopy. Of course the good car is in for servicing or storage - in the middle of Summer? Sure! Wait a minute, didn't you say you have 3 luxury vehicles? What's wrong with the other 2? Oh yeah, those are the imaginary ones. I'm not 18, so a BMW or a Porsche won't impress me, In all honesty, they never did. Show up in a Yukon XL or a Suburban and you'll have my complete and undivided attention! Lol
As I've said before, no point in lying because eventually the truth will come out. I could care less what a guy drives, just make sure you keep it somewhat clean if you expect me to get into it. Live and let live. We all have our preferences and financial limits. In my case I have 4 kids and it's not uncommon for me to have a couple of their friends or my nephews tag along so I need a larger vehicle. I'm paying for it so no one should be dictating to me what I should or shouldn't drive.
Things to keep in mind.
Dateless in Ottawa
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