Question of the Day: Does Anyone Listen To You?
Saying that TTAC readers have opinions about cars is like stating that water is wet. We'll therefore make the assumption that your friends, families and loved ones know what you think about cars. Assuming that, we will also bet that you get hit up for car advice more often than not. Us too. But do those who ask listen? A year ago my own sister was in the market for a new car; her '01 Sentra was just about dead. Her next car had to be good on gas and reliable while not looking dorktastic. I recommended the Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and MINI Cooper. She drove them all and reported back. They were "too sporty." She then bought a two-door Honda Civic. And loves it. On the other end of the spectrum, a friend of mine had a pair of Datsun 280Zs that were done playing parts car for each other. He wanted something reliable, fun to drive and cheap. I told him to try a Honda Fit. He not only bought it, he's decided to trade his current Fit for the 2009 model as soon as they hit our shores. That's 50/50, not too bad. Do I have to talk about my brother-in-law's RAV4? I do? Man… Anyhow, you?
Cleanup driver for Team Black Metal V8olvo.
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I am often asked for my opinion, and my opinion is allegedly respected. (I know this because people will preface their questions to me by telling me, "I respect your opinion!") And yet, my advice is often not followed. Why that is, I'm not sure. But I suppose that a lot of the time, people asking for advice are really looking for validation of their existing opinions, rather than objective information that might change their minds. So if the opinion doesn't hit the validation button, it goes into the circular file. Because it is the ones who hold questionable opinions who are most likely to need validation, the ratio of advice dispensed to advice taken is inherently low. Guess it must go with the territory.
First off, I'm proud of all these people who bought Saturn Ions despite all of your best efforts. Heathroi- chances are the relaxed nature of the Saturn dealership is what led your co-worker to purchase his car. i6- what's wrong with the SX4? It seems like a pretty neat car.
Nobody seems to listen to my advice. My sister- and brother-in-law wanted a Toyota Matrix. I suggested they also drive a Pontiac Vibe since they are so similar, but they wanted a Toyota. Go drive the Vibe, at least, and play the dealers off each other, even if you really wanted the Matrix. Interestingly, I tend not to follow my own advice. The car I always think I'm going to buy at the beginning of the shopping experience is different from what I end up buying. I chalk that up to research and refined opinions after test-driving the cars. The decisions have always ended up being good ones, and I guess I will (naively? :) ) take it as evidence of my open mind.
davey49; Nothing wrong with the SX4, my sister just over-spec'd it for her needs with AWD and auto and is paying the price now with poor fuel economy.