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So I'm in the market for a new car (Los Angeles area) and I'm starting a Biglaw SA next month.

Does it matter what kind of car I drive? Is it better to get a 4-year old luxury car, or just stick with a 1-year old Civic/Accord/Mazda3?

I know this might seem like a dumb/vain question, but there are some people who view a nice vehicle as very important...as a signal of competence, success, etc. Does this matter for a biglaw job?

Thanks so much for your input!

When it comes to showy spending, I've only ever heard of it counting against associates. Never heard of anyone being criticized for being cheap. Curious about other associate experiences though.

Some of the wealthiest people I know through work and other professional settings drive "normal" card, Honda, Chevy, mini van, Ford SUV, ect. They could drive much nicer and expensive vehicles but choose not to for whatever reason.

I also heard an interesting comment from a guy who worked in an upper management position at a company. He said he chose to drive a typical car to work because of the image it would give him among his employees at the office. He said, "there are a lot of people who work here and bust their ass everyday but they can't afford to drive a brand new BMW. I'm not going to do that and 'rub it in their face.'" He said that if he gives off the image that he is just like his employees and doesn't have to have a brand new car, ect that his relationship with most of his employees benefits from that. I always that was an interesting and humble observation by him. (He had a brand new Corvette at home that was his baby, but he drove a 13+ year old Subaru to work)

Interesting. I have definitely heard of the (I guess you could call it a stereotype?) wealthy businessman who drives an inexpensive car to work. I just wasn't sure how it translated to the legal field.

I'm definitely leaning toward getting a compact car that has low maintenance costs. The only thing that would really stop me is the whole "perception" thing...and it is a factor worth considering, whether you believe it or not.

Rabiz59 wrote:Interesting. I have definitely heard of the (I guess you could call it a stereotype?) wealthy businessman who drives an inexpensive car to work. I just wasn't sure how it translated to the legal field.

I'm definitely leaning toward getting a compact car that has low maintenance costs. The only thing that would really stop me is the whole "perception" thing...and it is a factor worth considering, whether you believe it or not.

Again, the only "perception" thing I've seen come up cuts the other way. But the kind of car that would make waves is probably out of budget for you anyway.

DELG wrote:

Rabiz59 wrote:Interesting. I have definitely heard of the (I guess you could call it a stereotype?) wealthy businessman who drives an inexpensive car to work. I just wasn't sure how it translated to the legal field.

I'm definitely leaning toward getting a compact car that has low maintenance costs. The only thing that would really stop me is the whole "perception" thing...and it is a factor worth considering, whether you believe it or not.

Again, the only "perception" thing I've seen come up cuts the other way. But the kind of car that would make waves is probably out of budget for you anyway.

I agree here.

If you don't wanna come across as showy/save $$$ but want a somewhat respectable car I think the new model Accord looks elegant and has luxury car features at the price of a regular ride.

If you want a lux car, an Audi A4/A5 or an Acura TLX/TSX are nice and low key without giving off the pretentious vibe.

So you're saying it's not like Better Call Saul where they give you a Benz?

somethingelse55 wrote:So you're saying it's not like Better Call Saul where they give you a Benz?

Idk are you a key client contact for a megacase?

DELG wrote:

somethingelse55 wrote:So you're saying it's not like Better Call Saul where they give you a Benz?

Idk are you a key client contact for a megacase?

Nah I'm a 0L. But a person such as that would indeed get a Benz IRL?

who cares about what people think, buy a porsche

I know a now retired biglaw partner who used to drive a Merkur XR4TI back in the early 2000s.
It isn't as nice as a Porsche, but that thing was a pussy magnet.

No one cares so long as you aren't driving a Yugo or something embarrassingly awful. No one is going to judge you for getting a 3-series or a Mazda or an Accord.

When I was a summer in LA, I didn't have my car so I borrowed one for free from a family friend that they weren't going to use anymore. It was in pretty bad shape--big dent in the door, scratches on the back, ect., and was about 10 years old. It was just a couple months so I didn't personally care, but TBH it was embarassing arriving in the parking garage with all the valets and my coworkers seeing it at events and when I gave them rides (esp since my actual car was significantly nicer). It's not so much "your car looks like shit," but more "we know you make enough money to not have such a shitty looking car (damage wise)." So if you're going to go the Accord/Camry route, that's totally normal, just keep it well maintained and cleaned or you'll look a little silly.

I drive something embarrassingly awful. A 2005 sunfire with a huge dent in the side of it. Spedometer doesn't work. Runs great, and I don't see myself buying a new car anytime soon tbh. Idk maybe people are judging me. I don't really care tbh.

Thanks so much for everyone's input!

I decided to go with a 2016 Civic. Great car with a great price, literally the only thing missing is a luxury "badge" which I'm glad doesn't matter!

Rabiz59 wrote:Thanks so much for everyone's input!

I decided to go with a 2016 Civic. Great car with a great price, literally the only thing missing is a luxury "badge" which I'm glad doesn't matter!

I think you made a good choice on the car. Reliable, low maintenance, good gas mileage, and good value.

Rabiz59 wrote:Thanks so much for everyone's input!

I decided to go with a 2016 Civic. Great car with a great price, literally the only thing missing is a luxury "badge" which I'm glad doesn't matter!

Great choice! Going back to your original question about cars being a "signal" for competence/success/etc., I think that's a bigger factor if you have a lot of client interaction in your car. I wouldn't want to be a Realtor driving potential buyers around in a ten-year old Accord with a sticking door, or taking potential investors out to lunch in a beater, but for an office drone, you're not going to impress anyone with a flashy car.

Finance a new Audi S8. What's a little extra on your student loans.

PeanutsNJam wrote:Finance a new Audi S8. What's a little extra on your student loans.

buy an Audi if you feel like buying a gallon of engine oil every month

Why does this dumb question happen at least once a year

Nebby wrote:Why does this dumb question happen at least once a year

Going out on limb here, but this question probably comes up because people buy cars?

If you want to fly under the radar... Audi A3 or A4 or the TLX are good options. They are just nice enough that no one will look down on you and not too nice that anyone would think you're showing off. A nice truck works well here too (Grand Cherokee, Explorer, etc.). If you're working for a firm that donates to Dems... You can snag yourself a Prius for like 25k and just point out that you're saving the planet.

Bottom line, drive what you like. Its not a big deal, especially for younger associates.

Don't get an A3, it's crap compared to the A4.

kellyfrost wrote:

Nebby wrote:Why does this dumb question happen at least once a year

Going out on limb here, but this question probably comes up because people buy cars?

Going out on a limb here, but this question probably comes up because some people are inept