Owner/Driver stereotypes.

[GTSLOW]

So after being a member for a few years I've noticed something. It's actually quite irritating and bugs me every time I see it. That is, people on here who stereotype the owner of a car based simply on the mods they have done or the looks of the car. Some examples:

- If I'm looking for a used car I typically avoid cars with aftermarket radios because they have usually been abused/driven hard.

- Whenever I see a car that has aftermarket wheels it's been heavily beaten.

- I'll never purchase a car with tinted windows.

These are posts people on these forums have made! When I see stuff like this I can't help but think how stupid that person is. When I saw the one about the radio I nearly fell out of my chair laughing.

So what are your thoughts?

 

[Cogen Man]

I hear ya. I drove 4X4's for a few decades. Heavily modded for off road use. I was raping the planet, destroying the ozone, killing all the wildlife, depleting the worlds natural resources. Even had someone key into the paint of one rig I owned that "You're and eco terrorist". I just don't sweat it anymore. Trying to keep the blood pressure in check.

 

[JDSwan87]

I agree with the owner/driver stereotypes! I put nice wheels on my car because I liked them and always wanted a nice car. The Jetta (Molly) is my first truly nice car as ive always driven beaters. I also have window tint and a few other mods in mind. When it comes to maintenance and how well I treat my car, she's spoiled. She gets a bath at least 2x a month (usually more), she gets a hand wax 2x a year, additives in her fuel tank every fill up, when I bought her she needed a wheel bearing and 24 hours later she had a new one. I've always maintained my vehicles to a high standard regardless of what the exterior looked like. I could go on and on about it but in the end in will say, if you are looking at a car don't look ONLY at the car, look at the owner and how he/she carries themselves. Look at their house and lawn how well its maintained.

 

[icecap]

So after being a member for a few years I've noticed something. It's actually quite irritating and bugs me every time I see it. That is, people on here who stereotype the owner of a car based simply on the mods they have done or the looks of the car. Some examples:

- If I'm looking for a used car I typically avoid cars with aftermarket radios because they have usually been abused/driven hard.

- Whenever I see a car that has aftermarket wheels it's been heavily beaten.

- I'll never purchase a car with tinted windows.

These are posts people on these forums have made! When I see stuff like this I can't help but think how stupid that person is. When I saw the one about the radio I nearly fell out of my chair laughing.

So what are your thoughts?

My favourite stereotype is every time I see a Hummer my first thought is Pimp or Drug dealer.

 

[Cogen Man]

Not a pimp or drug dealer. Just Paris Hilton.

 

[Serra]

- I'll never purchase a car with tinted windows.

I always purchase cars with tinted windows, the darker the better! Living in Florida, if the windows aren't tinted, the sun shines in show hot that the A/C can't keep up! I always tint, never drive hard.

However, I might think twice about buying a car with an aftermarket radio! I always worry that the electrical will be screwed up by poorly made install/modifications and the risk of fire with a wire hidden under the carpet or something along those lines.

I think those stereotypes are silly, it is impossible to draw a conclusion like that based on modifications.

 

[Ol'Rattler]

The trouble with mods or even owner performed maintenance for that matter, is that not all owners are created equal. You have owners that are friggen automotive geniuses all the way down to full blown automotive retards.

So ya, I might buy a car with an after market radio, but damn right I will be checking the quality of the install and fix any "surprises" I find.

What you call a "stereotype" is just an easy way for a non car guys to filter out cars that might have owner inflicted problems that they may not have the skill set or desire to deal with after the purchase.

 

[belome]

Stereotypes happen for a reason. Nothing worse than a hackjob stereo install

I have to admit, when I saw the thread title, I was sure this was going to be a different talk.

 

[AndyBees]

Stereotypes happen for a reason. Nothing worse than a hackjob stereo install

I have to admit, when I saw the thread title, I was sure this was going to be a different talk.

Me too! What he said ^^^

I find the TDIclub to be the best of all the automotive forums I belong too! Just got to learn to wade thru the BS.

You'll never find one of my vehicles listed for sale here or anywhere else. I drive 'em until there's nothing left........ have a couple that need to be parted and the balance taken to the recycler!

 

[1854sailor]

...When I see stuff like this I can't help but think how stupid that person is…

So what are your thoughts?

Just because you disagree with their opinions, doesn't necessarily mean that the person is "stupid". Just sayin'...

 

[greengeeker]

Fear not, none of the comments mentioned in the OP apply to this car. I look at it and see a well care for, tastefully modded, car that I would buy in a heartbeat.

Mods in sig.

 

[belome]

I won't lie, I spent 10 minutes wading through the OP's posts trying to find some dirt on him. It didn't work, I even developed a bit of respect for him when I saw this post.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=4330673#post4330673

As for the stereotypes, many of us feel that way because 'kids' are the ones doing those mods. We all know what we did to our cars as kids and expect the new generation of kids to do the same thing.

Most times I'd rather buy a stock car from a little old lady than a modded car from an 18 year old kid. Your results may vary.

 

[SSmike1]

to who did he tell you to tell you that to who?

When i am looking for a used car, i mostly like to buy stock. That way i know where i am starting from. Some people do not modify their car correctly. EX. taped spliced wires for an aftermarket stereo, VS correct Adapters with no spicing, or soldered connections if you must splice.
Nan, IF YOU EVER WANT TO SELL YOUR GOLF, Please give me the first chance to buy it.
Your car was modified correctly. I will buy it if it is for sale.
Uncle Mike mike motorbike

to who did he tell you to tell you that to who?

 

[40X40]

Yeah, all aftermarket radios are installed correctly. Umm, NO.

Dumb Kids will spend the whole budget on the hardware and skimp on the labor costs.

And they will argue that it was a WISE decision. LOL

Note: Not all kids are dumb.

Bill

 

[993er]

So what are your thoughts?

Have you heard of statistics.

"Likely" does not mean "everyone".