When it comes to your car, many hidden status symbols go beyond the price tag. Most people think driving around in a Lamborghini or Porsche is ritzy and high-class. However, there are other status symbols found in your choice of vehicle.
Keeping up with the Joneses may be tougher than you think Here are 12 status symbols to consider when buying a new car.
1. Brand Emblem
The emblem on your car often serves as a shorthand for wealth and prestige. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ferrari are universally recognized as symbols of luxury.
Choosing a car with an emblem on the hood subtly broadcasts your financial success to everyone else on the road. It’s not just about the car’s performance but also about what the car says about your lifestyle.
2. Vehicle Size
Driving a larger vehicle can be seen as a symbol of stability, authority, and even toughness. Think of someone who drives a pickup truck vs. a mom hauling her kids around town in a minivan.
These cars are associated with different status symbols. Each one is reflective of a person’s family, lifestyle, and personal interests.
3. Custom Plates
Personalized license plates are a direct expression of individuality. They can be playful, professional, or anything in between. In a sea of generic numbers and letters, a custom plate stands out and makes an impression. Your choice of message says a lot about you as a person.
4. Interior Choices
While there are many significant status symbols hidden in your car choices, one of the most significant is your choice of interior. Leather seats, fancy audio systems, and LED strip lights in the undercarriage all speak volumes.
These features not only enhance comfort but also signify that the owner values luxury and style. Plus, it shows you have the money to burn on extra frills.
5. Color
Color psychology is a fascinating field. In fact, the color of your car can influence perceptions on your wealth and personality.
Classic colors such as black, white, and silver are seen as professional and elegant. Brighter colors, on the other hand, might indicate a more adventurous spirit.
6. Rim Choices
Custom rims can turn a car from standard to spectacular. The choice to add this feature reflects a keen eye for style and a desire for performance.
Whether they’re sleek and elegant or bold and sporty, the type of rims you choose can dramatically alter your car’s appearance. They suggest a lot about your personal style.
7. Performance Upgrades
Some people shell out the extra money for enhanced engines or specialized suspensions. These upgrades are often expensive.
If you’re willing to pay for them, it shows that you look at cars at more than just a means of transportation. They’re a hobby or passion.
8. Window Tinting
Tinted windows offer both privacy and a touch of mystery. They can also signal a preference for discretion while subtly enhancing your car’s aesthetic appeal.
While tinting is a popular choice among celebrities and those in the public eye, be careful when using them on your own vehicle. They can lead to a ticket, depending on the laws of each state.
9. Eco-Friendly Models
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, hybrid and electric vehicle sales are on the rise. Choosing one of these vehicles is another prominent status symbol.
Hybrid and electric vehicles often signify that the owner is forward-thinking, values sustainability, and is willing to invest in the latest technology. Prices are high for these vehicles, so they’re also a reflection of your personal wealth.
10. Convertible Tops
Owning a convertible is about more than enjoying the open road. It’s about sending an image of leisure and luxury.
Convertibles suggest a carefree and perhaps even a slightly indulgent lifestyle. They are especially popular in places where sunny weather and scenic drives can be fully appreciated.
11. Advanced Technology
Cars equipped with the latest technology, such as autopilot features, advanced navigation systems, or interactive dashboard, highlight an owner’s tech-savvy nature. They also offer convenience in your travels.
Drivers who are willing to pay for advanced technology have money to burn. They also value innovation, convenience, and staying ahead of the curve.
Hit the Road
The status symbols hidden in your car choices often say a lot about who you are and what you value. It’s about more than just going to the dealership, pointing at a nice sports car, and calling it a day.
Consumers need to make many choices when it comes to their vehicles. Keep in mind that each of these choices reflects your personality and finances!
Read More:
12 Red Flags That Indicate Your Car Is a Lemon
4 Tips for Quickly Paying Off Your New Car
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.