Do people judge people at work by the car they drive?

[Anonymous]

I could not care less believing everybody has a car that they need and or they like. Many can not afford cars they would like others do not care about fanciest cars ever so it does not reflect in no way on a person.

Does a car one drives to work reflect in any way on how people perceive this person professionally? Can it affect the way the person is considered for a raise or a position? I had this conversation with someone and they said it does, I don't think it does.
I mean, does it matter if someone drives a Porsha or a hooptie to work,regular employee, lower management, higher management ? Seriously? Neah. Right? No kidding?

[Anonymous]

Your coworkers look inside your car. if its messy and dirty as hell they judge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your coworkers look inside your car. if its messy and dirty as hell they judge.

Nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Possible. Possible. Yes. No, not right. No kidding

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Possible. Possible. Yes. No, not right. No kidding

Definitely?

[Anonymous]

Do you?

[Anonymous]

The only two professions where I think it matters is being a car dealer or real estate agent, but the reason is because of how clients view you rather than how colleagues judge you.

[Anonymous]

My office is in the city so MANY senior people drive unremarkable commuter cars, metro in, or walk. Literally nobody notices or cares.

[Anonymous]

Okay, I'll admit it. When I see a 30-something or older driving a POS older car, I tend to think they have money issues and/or bad credit.

Younger coworker? Sure, they get a pass. But by 30 you should be in a decent car. I know, I know... I'll hear from the "know what kind of car is the prettiest? A PAID OFF ONE!" people but, still, that's what I think.

Also, if the inside of your car is a total mess, do NOT offer to drive when you and your coworkers go to lunch. Yeah, Barb, it's great that you can fit 6 others in your van besides yourself, but I don't want to sit on crushed cheerios or have to push piles of broken toys out of the way to make room for my feet.

[Anonymous]

PP here. If anything, the only people who induce jealousy are the walkers because of their short commute (and one must be doing pretty well to live in walking distance of my office).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Okay, I'll admit it. When I see a 30-something or older driving a POS older car, I tend to think they have money issues and/or bad credit.

Younger coworker? Sure, they get a pass. But by 30 you should be in a decent car. I know, I know... I'll hear from the "know what kind of car is the prettiest? A PAID OFF ONE!" people but, still, that's what I think.

Also, if the inside of your car is a total mess, do NOT offer to drive when you and your coworkers go to lunch. Yeah, Barb, it's great that you can fit 6 others in your van besides yourself, but I don't want to sit on crushed cheerios or have to push piles of broken toys out of the way to make room for my feet.

Is your office in the suburbs? My office is in the city, we literally never do "group lunches" in someone's car. Walking, yeah, but not in someone's car.

[Anonymous]

Suburbs different values?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My office is in the city so MANY senior people drive unremarkable commuter cars, metro in, or walk. Literally nobody notices or cares.

This. I couldn’t tell you what anyone drives.

[Anonymous]

I actually think a lot of people who drive fancy imports are strivers. I drive a Toyota and I couldn't care less what you think you know about me from my car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Okay, I'll admit it. When I see a 30-something or older driving a POS older car, I tend to think they have money issues and/or bad credit.

Younger coworker? Sure, they get a pass. But by 30 you should be in a decent car. I know, I know... I'll hear from the "know what kind of car is the prettiest? A PAID OFF ONE!" people but, still, that's what I think.

Also, if the inside of your car is a total mess, do NOT offer to drive when you and your coworkers go to lunch. Yeah, Barb, it's great that you can fit 6 others in your van besides yourself, but I don't want to sit on crushed cheerios or have to push piles of broken toys out of the way to make room for my feet.

Is your office in the suburbs? My office is in the city, we literally never do "group lunches" in someone's car. Walking, yeah, but not in someone's car.

I have split time at two locations: Reston and Tysons.