new job, is my car appropriate? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Swede · #16 03-20-2008, 09:12 AM

You'd be surprised how people will notice, even if they don't hitch a ride.

I think the Jag is understated enough as not to cause any "problems". An '08 S550? That would be a problem.

davestlouis · #17 03-20-2008, 09:31 AM

The FH uses white Lincolns with navy blue cabriolet tops for lead cars/company cars. The XJ6 is a big sedan, but the interior isn't as big as you would think, given how big the silly thing is on the outside. I was online, looking at 2000-2001 Towncars, they are all over the place for under $10K, so if push comes to shove I can grab a white Town Car.

I hadn't even thought about this whole issue until a co-worker at my old job mentioned something about the Jag being awfully flashy for what I'll be doing. There is no real bias locally against imports, so that's not a big problem.

raymr · #18 03-20-2008, 09:32 AM

Success attracts success. The Jag is a sales asset, just keep it clean and nice.

SwampYankee · #19 03-20-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davestlouis

The FH uses white Lincolns with navy blue cabriolet tops for lead cars/company cars. The XJ6 is a big sedan, but the interior isn't as big as you would think, given how big the silly thing is on the outside. I was online, looking at 2000-2001 Towncars, they are all over the place for under $10K, so if push comes to shove I can grab a white Town Car.

I hadn't even thought about this whole issue until a co-worker at my old job mentioned something about the Jag being awfully flashy for what I'll be doing. There is no real bias locally against imports, so that's not a big problem.

If you like your Jag and it's all paid for how about a good black or white paint job if you don't want to thin the fleet just to buy another car?

Jim B. · #20 03-20-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

I agree, but not a Lincoln. Go for the Mercury Marquis -- you don't want to look like you are flaunting your $$ (or look like a airport limo either) I sliver Marquis would do nicely... If the area allows it, get a nice condition W126 XXX SEL as that car exudes understated class... just don't get a smelly smokey diesel

Either a Town Car or a Grand Marquis '00 - '01 sounds like a great idea to me.
Or maybe even a newer one

Not only will they be quiet, give the appearance of being American made (though the Grand Marquis is built at the STAP in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, actually!!) and have incredible comfort, smoothness and reliability and room, and the potential for lasting to 300,000 -500,000 miles.

These are the last remaining, perfected of what American carmakers always built best: RWD, BOF, cast iron block pushrod V8 (now in the modular 4.6L version)

For more information, see www.crownvic.net

Just don't get a white Town Car though, as chances are high it might have seen commercial use.

Don't forget they are the car of choice of America's retirees, so there are always LOTS of gently used, low mileage examples to choose. Especially in Florida, Southern California and Arizona.....

If you want to spend $15,000, that can buy you a one year old rental return Mercury Marquis GS or LS with some factory warranty left on it, stretching your budget a bit..

Stretching a bit more you could roll a brand new Mercury Grand Marquis for about $18k, as Ford is running a factory $5,500 rebate on them now.

Get one in a dark metallic color, such as dark blue, dark red, or black, or a non metallic pastel color.

They are available commonly with velour (The Grand Marquis GS, or with leather, the Grand Marquis LS and the Town Car)

If you get one without the trailer tow option (very desirable), then ditch the space saver spare and put in a full size spare tire.....

What will delight and amaze you is the overall amazingly CHEAP cost per mile to run. Mid 20s hwy mpg, and if you take care of them, virtually NO REPAIRS EVER.

Remember, these are the Police Cars and Taxis in a Tuxedo - the same car! so they are *Really* built to take it.

They are NOT very fast, though, and no one's idea of a sports car, but were never meant to be.

(That said, the enthusiast money goes for a Crown Vic LX Sport version with the bucket seats, floor shifter, better suspension and upgraded wheels or the ne plus ultra, the storming Grand Marquis Marauder with 300 HP.)

BlackRedGold · #21 03-20-2008, 10:41 AM

...for two reasons: 1) you can haul bodies and 2) you will keep those bodies from thinking it is ok to come back from the dead and try and take over the city.

technically that would make them zombies, so i guess what i mean is it would keep their spirits from crossing over and trying to take over the city. if it's zombies, you're on your own.

dynalow · #22 03-20-2008, 12:06 PM

Years ago one of my partners bought a red 380SLC. At the same time, he built a new office building with a really nice expansive office for himself.

I remember asking him if any clients commented on the bigger and much nicer office. (After all, they paid for it!) He said no, but the red convertible raised eyebrows when he took it to visit clients. They didn't mind the real estate, but they didn't like the car.

Years ago I borrowed a Nissan 300ZX from a woman in the office to make a first call on a prospective client. The guy remarked something like: "Boy, that's a pretty flashy car"

People do notice.

sd300td · #23 03-20-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davestlouis

I am changing careers, getting back into the funeral biz after many years. This time I'll be selling cemetery plots and pre-planned funerals, some at the FH, some in the prospect's home. My question is this...will middle and upper-middle class people react negatively to my rolling up in a big gold Jaguar XJ6? I may have to drive my wife's Grand Cherokee if I start getting resistance. The company I'm joining is solidly placed in the local market, with large volume but a GREAT reputation. I suspect it's like being a realtor, you want to look successful, without looking like a pimp.

Will people even notice one way or the other?

It's a 13-year old car. No will care...

davestlouis · #24 03-20-2008, 01:37 PM

The beauty of this car is that, while it's 13 years old, they built this same basic body style through 2002, so it could pass for a much newer car. Better still, I only have $2000 in it...

Idolotor · #25 03-20-2008, 05:31 PM

Better get a black Mercedes S-CLASS just to play it safe.
Wouldn't want to offend anyone...

The Swede · #26 03-20-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idolotor

Better get a black Mercedes S-CLASS just to play it safe.
Wouldn't want to offend anyone...

Heh, yeh right.

People sneer when they see my S600. The wagon is a crowd pleaser though.

.

PaulC · #27 03-20-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

Heh, yeh right.

People sneer when they see my S600. The wagon is a crowd pleaser though.

.

They don't mind the S600, but those "No Fat Chicks Allowed" mudflaps really aren't PC.

iwrock · #28 03-20-2008, 06:49 PM

A car is a strong reflection of the owner...

As long as it is not all blinged out, I think that you will be fine...

suginami · #29 03-20-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

They don't mind the S600, but those "No Fat Chicks Allowed" mudflaps really aren't PC.

When I visited Minneapolis and had dinner with Ted and his wife, he had "Fat Bottomed Girls" playing on the CD player.

The Swede · #30 03-20-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

When I visited Minneapolis and had dinner with Ted and his wife, he had "Fat Bottomed Girls" playing on the CD player.

LOL! Can't forget that redneck burnout either!