Is a muscle car a no-go? Forum

[Aptitude]

I would be more worried about the dealer markup on the new GT500 (>$20K) than what others think. I bet the out the door price will be roughly $100K for a Mustang. I love Mustangs, but that is crazy.

It has the performance of a car double to triple it's price. Along with the Nissan GT-R and Camaro ZL1, it's actually great value for $100,000. The guy who designed it also designed the Ford GT, which won Le Mans in its class the year it came out (beating out Porsche, Ferrari, BMW).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYU94CB ... e=youtu.be

Anyways, OP will be fine. I live in a city known for its tech billionaires and multi-millionaires that drive around in Priuses and Acuras. Maybe you'll see them splurge on a Tesla. I worked at a tech company that pushed being green a lot, and I was for it. I wasn't about to give up my ridiculously loud, enjoyable car though. Some coworkers gave me crap about it, "Oh your neighbors must hate you in the morning" type of comments. And the majority of my coworkers either walked or took public transportation to work. So I'm sure the culture for cars is far worse than your law firm.

But I didn't care, and it was well worth it. I didn't see the point of me going to a job I didn't like, and spending 10 hours a day doing so, if I couldn't even enjoy my money or had to think about what my coworkers thought. Might as well quit and take a more chill job, if that's how it's going to be.

I'm thinking of buying a Toyota Supra, and modifying it. It'll be real ridiculous. Far more ridiculous than your Mustang (you want to race?). It'll look like a Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift prop car. Problem is, it'd have to be my daily commuter because I think it'd be too costly to have two cars, and it would struggle mightily in winter weather. Only thing stopping me, not what my coworkers think.

[Anonymous User]

I was driving a lowered VW at my firm... it was pretty loud too with some other modifications. I definitely got some looks... but I wasn’t at a big law firm. Mostly the paralegals commented on how they liked my ride. Lol.

[Anonguy715]

OP, another option would be to make your daily driver something nice but a little more tame, and use spare cash to buy a classic muscle car. If you like mustangs, a '68 or '69 with a 390 or 428CJ are great looking cars that you can have a lot of fun with. Classics tend to be a lot cheaper than people realize, so you can keep that as your "fun car" if you don't want it to be your daily driver.

[JohnnieSockran]

If you are worried about looking like a douche in any situation, then dont drive a Mustang Shelby. There is nothing special to law firms about this question.

Brave anon use.

[Aptitude]

I was driving a lowered VW at my firm... it was pretty loud too with some other modifications. I definitely got some looks... but I wasn’t at a big law firm. Mostly the paralegals commented on how they liked my ride. Lol.

Was it like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8H4_VGKiyU

I always remembered that clip in The Fast & Furious because never met anyone that modified a VW. Feel like European cars just aren't built for that or getting parts/repairs would be expensive and difficult to do yourself. Unlike a Ford/Chevy or JDM.

[Tenzen]

There is someone at my firm who bought a Porsche during his first year. Whether or not it is deserved, ppl definetly lol at him behind his back.

Lol. I think we're at the same firm, if ~V20.

Honestly, I don't see why people make a big deal out of it though. But then this is a firm where people have been ripped on for wearing slim-fit suits, when the real question should be why do so few partners wear ill-fitting suits / care so little about having well-fitting suits?

[LaLiLuLeLo]

There is someone at my firm who bought a Porsche during his first year. Whether or not it is deserved, ppl definetly lol at him behind his back.

Lol. I think we're at the same firm, if ~V20.

Honestly, I don't see why people make a big deal out of it though. But then this is a firm where people have been ripped on for wearing slim-fit suits, when the real question should be why do so few partners wear ill-fitting suits / care so little about having well-fitting suits?

If it’s good enough for the president of the United States it’s good enough for pantherns

[Wubbles]

Just for fun, what's the call on riding a motorcycle to work? Assuming you pull it off while wearing the proper attire and maintaining a decent hairdo

[nealric]

I can see a first year going out and buying a new Porsche eliciting some snickers. However, a mid-senior associate buying a souped up mustang isn't likely to raise many eyebrows. You have to be a car person to know how far removed a GT500 is from a vanilla Mustang- most people will probably think it's a $30,000 car.

However, personally, I'd go for the GT350 instead. You get the correct number of pedals (three), and the melodious flat plane crank (GT500 is cross plane I believe). Even the 350 is far more car than you could hope to utilize on the street, and they also make excellent track cars. Lightly used examples go for the mid 40s, so you will save buckets of money over a 500.

[dabigchina]

I can see a first year going out and buying a new Porsche eliciting some snickers. However, a mid-senior associate buying a souped up mustang isn't likely to raise many eyebrows. You have to be a car person to know how far removed a GT500 is from a vanilla Mustang- most people will probably think it's a $30,000 car.

However, personally, I'd go for the GT350 instead. You get the correct number of pedals (three), and the melodious flat plane crank (GT500 is cross plane I believe). Even the 350 is far more car than you could hope to utilize on the street, and they also make excellent track cars. Lightly used examples go for the mid 40s, so you will save buckets of money over a 500.

I agree with everything except the "lightly used" point. Nobody who buys a 350 is going to use it lightly. I'm personally always wary of buying high performance cars used for this reason.

[rcharter1978]

Just for fun, what's the call on riding a motorcycle to work? Assuming you pull it off while wearing the proper attire and maintaining a decent hairdo

Not sure why, but an attorney at a high end firm driving a motorcycle to work always reminds me of the "work rebel" from a 90's movie. Which, personally, I think is cool, though I could never have the je need sais quoi to pull it off.

But it has to be a Harley, an Indian or maybe a triumph to get that look. A ninja is just going to kinda make you look like vanilla ice in the blockbuster classic "cool as ice" and then people are going to automatically think of the teenage mutant Ninja turtles song/movie.

[nealric]

I can see a first year going out and buying a new Porsche eliciting some snickers. However, a mid-senior associate buying a souped up mustang isn't likely to raise many eyebrows. You have to be a car person to know how far removed a GT500 is from a vanilla Mustang- most people will probably think it's a $30,000 car.

However, personally, I'd go for the GT350 instead. You get the correct number of pedals (three), and the melodious flat plane crank (GT500 is cross plane I believe). Even the 350 is far more car than you could hope to utilize on the street, and they also make excellent track cars. Lightly used examples go for the mid 40s, so you will save buckets of money over a 500.

I agree with everything except the "lightly used" point. Nobody who buys a 350 is going to use it lightly. I'm personally always wary of buying high performance cars used for this reason.

Lightly used as in low miles. But you’d be surprised by how many people buy these cars and just use them to cruise around. It's especially common with Corvettes. Some people buy them because they are the dream, but realize the reality of living with the car day-to-day isn't what they want. The kids who really thrash cars usually can't afford a GT350.

[Anonymous User]

There is someone at my firm who bought a Porsche during his first year. Whether or not it is deserved, ppl definetly lol at him behind his back.

Lol. I think we're at the same firm, if ~V20.

Honestly, I don't see why people make a big deal out of it though. But then this is a firm where people have been ripped on for wearing slim-fit suits, when the real question should be why do so few partners wear ill-fitting suits / care so little about having well-fitting suits?

V10 non-NY. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more than 1 misguided 1st years riding around in Porsches.

Again, no hate. But many attorneys are pragmatic and will view cars as a luxury item and depreciating asset. So if you are a partner with lots of disposable income, no big deal. A new associate with a pile of debt, a Porsche is poor judgment from a strictly pragmatic perspective.

If it brings you happiness though, I say go for it. Just have to accept that ppl will lol at you behind your back.

As for being on topic, I would be much less worried about driving a reasonably price but douchey muscle car than a super expensive status symbol car.

[Anonymous User]

At what point does it become "ok" to own a Porsche without having other attorneys lol at you behind your back? 5th year? Sooner?

I think it's pretty typical for a first year to have significant debt, so a 911 isn't pragmatic, but I assume there are more than 0 first years making $190k plus bonus that graduated law school without any debt. I understand that it's still not the best decision because who knows how long you will last in biglaw and whether you'll like being in biglaw, but just pointing out that some first years might be a little more financially stable than others and able to take on a larger car payment.

Also, I understand that a 911 is somewhat of a status symbol, but it is also an iconic car and arguably one of the best sports cars ever made.

[objctnyrhnr]

I think once you get beyond nicer Audi-type sedan, it becomes a “fine, but do you really have to be that guy; and if so, why?” kind of question.

-fellow biglaw midlevel indicating what’d go through my head without knowing more info.

But I also say that I’d probably think that once or twice and then get along with the thousand more interesting pertinent or pressing things in my life.

[Wubbles]

Just for fun, what's the call on riding a motorcycle to work? Assuming you pull it off while wearing the proper attire and maintaining a decent hairdo

Not sure why, but an attorney at a high end firm driving a motorcycle to work always reminds me of the "work rebel" from a 90's movie. Which, personally, I think is cool, though I could never have the je need sais quoi to pull it off.

But it has to be a Harley, an Indian or maybe a triumph to get that look. A ninja is just going to kinda make you look like vanilla ice in the blockbuster classic "cool as ice" and then people are going to automatically think of the teenage mutant Ninja turtles song/movie.

I'm actually thinking about getting a new motorcycle after graduating. I had one in high school and college that was similar to a Ducati, and I'm thinking an actual Ducati is just refined enough for a lawyer to ride to work

[lavarman84]

At what point does it become "ok" to own a Porsche without having other attorneys lol at you behind your back? 5th year? Sooner?

I think it's pretty typical for a first year to have significant debt, so a 911 isn't pragmatic, but I assume there are more than 0 first years making $190k plus bonus that graduated law school without any debt. I understand that it's still not the best decision because who knows how long you will last in biglaw and whether you'll like being in biglaw, but just pointing out that some first years might be a little more financially stable than others and able to take on a larger car payment.

Also, I understand that a 911 is somewhat of a status symbol, but it is also an iconic car and arguably one of the best sports cars ever made.

Two important questions:
1. Do you want it?
2. Can you afford it?

If the answers to both questions are yes, then you should do what you want to do and not care what others might think.

[Aptitude]

[

A new associate with a pile of debt, a Porsche is poor judgment from a strictly pragmatic perspective.

That's a lot to assume. When I went to law school, there was a decent amount of kids who were driving high-end sports cars because their parents bought them. Saw even more in undergrad (many Lamborghinis). I would just assume the same if I saw a first year associate in a Porsche. Especially in more well-off cities on the westcoast.

I think once you get beyond nicer Audi-type sedan, it becomes a “fine, but do you really have to be that guy; and if so, why?” kind of question.

-fellow biglaw midlevel indicating what’d go through my head without knowing more info.

But I also say that I’d probably think that once or twice and then get along with the thousand more interesting pertinent or pressing things in my life.

What would you think if someone showed up in a heavily modified Toyota Supra?

[JohnnieSockran]

[

A new associate with a pile of debt, a Porsche is poor judgment from a strictly pragmatic perspective.

That's a lot to assume. When I went to law school, there was a decent amount of kids who were driving high-end sports cars because their parents bought them. Saw even more in undergrad (many Lamborghinis). I would just assume the same if I saw a first year associate in a Porsche. Especially in more well-off cities on the westcoast.

I think once you get beyond nicer Audi-type sedan, it becomes a “fine, but do you really have to be that guy; and if so, why?” kind of question.

-fellow biglaw midlevel indicating what’d go through my head without knowing more info.

But I also say that I’d probably think that once or twice and then get along with the thousand more interesting pertinent or pressing things in my life.

What would you think if someone showed up in a heavily modified Toyota Supra?

I might judge the Supra more than the Porsche, but that's because of my personal preference more than anything. I see a lot of heavily modded Toyota 86's around where I live/work or whatever the similar looking Subaru is, and I just have no interest in something like that, but that's only my personal preference.

I don't think it would make me not like someone though or not want to work with them. If you're a cool person, that's all I'd care about, and whether or not I make snap judgments about your car, I'd like to think I don't carry that over into deciding who to work with or be friends with. No idea if other lawyers are like that or not though. I definitely know at least one partner that would probably harbor legit anger toward an associate for a car he deemed "inappropriate."

Edit: I do think the new Supra they just released looks pretty cool.

[nealric]

What would you think if someone showed up in a heavily modified Toyota Supra?

It depends, was it built with overnight parts from Japan?

But seriously, if it has a Wings West body kit and a super loud blow off valve, it might attract some attention as being rather childish. If it's basically stock looking/sounding, it will mostly be an object of curiosity given that its a nearly 30 year old car at this point (assuming you are talking about the MK IV).

Also keep in mind that car impressions are going to vary by market. In NYC, an associate having a car at all is an oddity and if they have one, nobody ever sees it at the office. In Houston, Dallas, or LA, people are much more car focused. To be safe as a junior associate, I'd recommend a car-guy type going with a more sleeper-type car like a Golf R than something relatively ostentatious like a Porsche. Of course, I say this as a guy who drives a bright red Subaru STI with a giant wing- but I'm in-house now

[Guchster]

There was a guy at my firm who used to ride a crotch rocket. We used to give him crap and rib him about it, but it had zero bearing on anything job-related because he was a good (albeit flawed) guy.

[dabigchina]

Of course, I say this as a guy who drives a bright red Subaru STI with a giant wing- but I'm in-house now

I like you. Bugeye?

[thatlawlkid]

What would you think if someone showed up in a heavily modified Toyota Supra?

It depends, was it built with overnight parts from Japan?

beat me to this

[Aptitude]

I agree with the posters that have said you have to be a car guy to realize how much a Shelby Mustang costs. The advantage to it is it's not a flashy car because it doesn't try to distinguish itself as such - it looks like a regular Mustang. Most people will assume it's a $30,000 car. On the plus side, people who do know it's a $100,000 Mustang will be true car guys, and it'll create a good conversation.

One of the most successful Attorneys I know, who retired early and is an old timer now, has spent 30 years collecting classic European and American sports cars. He loves talking cars.

With the Shelby Mustang, you get to drive a car with performance of a car that costs two to three times as much, it makes for a good daily driver considering it's ability on the track, and no one will know you spent as much as you did compared to a Porsche/BMW/Audi.

I love Mustangs, I just think Nissan GT-Rs are rarely ever seen. But they're both brands where only car people would know how much you spent, but they can outperform cars twice as expensive. And I like having a more blue collar type of brand. It'd be unique, I see so many lawyers in Audis, Volvos, BMWs. And Partners in Porsches.

[

A new associate with a pile of debt, a Porsche is poor judgment from a strictly pragmatic perspective.

That's a lot to assume. When I went to law school, there was a decent amount of kids who were driving high-end sports cars because their parents bought them. Saw even more in undergrad (many Lamborghinis). I would just assume the same if I saw a first year associate in a Porsche. Especially in more well-off cities on the westcoast.

I think once you get beyond nicer Audi-type sedan, it becomes a “fine, but do you really have to be that guy; and if so, why?” kind of question.

-fellow biglaw midlevel indicating what’d go through my head without knowing more info.

But I also say that I’d probably think that once or twice and then get along with the thousand more interesting pertinent or pressing things in my life.

What would you think if someone showed up in a heavily modified Toyota Supra?

I might judge the Supra more than the Porsche, but that's because of my personal preference more than anything. I see a lot of heavily modded Toyota 86's around where I live/work or whatever the similar looking Subaru is, and I just have no interest in something like that, but that's only my personal preference.

Why not? European cars your thing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeiP0_tF8d4

JDM cars are a lot of fun. If I just had $100,000+ to burn, I'd buy a Skyline or Mitsubishi from the 90s and have a lot of fun.

[Bingo_Bongo]

I'm going to join everybody else and say that you're waaaay overthinking this. Your car choice isn't going to make or break you (regardless of what it is). Some people may give you shit, but your choice of car isn't something anyone really cares about.

Honestly, and no offense, a GT 500 isn't even that extravagant of a car. I mean you're not talking a Lambo, or even a Porsche 911, or anything that's really going to be turning heads. There are tons of people I guarantee who make way less money than you do and drive GT 500s.