The dreaded "chick car image" rears it's ugly head.

bmwnomore · 08-25-2007

It was ninety degrees today and sunny, so i took the car out for a spin to run a couple of errands. Dropped the top and off I went enjoying every minute.

I was feeling very cool (not cold cool) in my SLK with my shades on, but not particularly cooler than I usually feel driving my fine car.

Then it happened. The first time in 2 3/4 years of ownership. I put my turn signal on to turn left. As I began to turn, a Blazer-type SUV went past me on the right driven by some redneck-ish dude and his buddy. He yells down at me (he was only three feet from me and as I said the top was down),
............"DRIVIN' YOUR WIFE'S CAR!!!".

Since I was in the middle of my turn I had no time to come up with some witty rebuttal. They laughed heartily as they drove past feeling very good about themselves I'm sure.

I guess the "chick car" image is tough to shake. I've thought about it and I've come to the following conclusion.

1. It's basically a compliment. Of all the cars on the road, he certainly noticed mine.

2. He's envious. Why else belittle a perfect stranger driving a Mercedes-Benz Roadster? He needed to convince himself my car was a frivilous, woman's handbag.

3. He has a small ****.

**dsb** · 08-25-2007

It could be largely due to jealousy. I once had a lifted diesel truck purposely rev his engine as I passed him. He was stopped in the left turn lane and I was driving straight through the green light. He purposely did it so his toxic side exhaust would spew out towards me. I had no time to respond but I'm sure glad I don't own/carry a weapon. I was pissed! A little while later, my anger passed as will yours.

**etyu** · 08-25-2007

Agree with nos. 1 and 2.
x2 on no.3.

**SLKman** · 08-25-2007

I have a fella at work that drives a BMW and is always telling me I am driving a "girls" car.

I just smile and tell him, "Yep, the girls DO LOVE this car!!! and laugh. They are always asking to ride with me to lunch. When is the last time one has asked to ride in YOUR car???"

That usually shuts him up especially when others are around and laugh AT him."

SLKman

Ikarus · 08-26-2007

If what makes a guy's car is that women don't like it, because it's big, ugly, noisy, polluting, unrefined, gas-guzzling and harsh-riding, I'll have the girly car any day, thank you, and shall leave the others to the homophobic dimwits.

MarkR171 · 08-26-2007

Ignore them. Or laugh at their insecurity, either way

My brother is the only person to ever tell me my slk was a girls car, only to find his beloved Z4 at the top of the list for cars most driven by women (forbesauto.) Not to mention he was just giving me a hard time and wasn't being serious.

Maybe it's because I'm too young to have a wife or because a convertable is perfect for the weather here that I haven't ever gotten any "girly car" comments. Just a lot of compliments, even from other car enthusiasts.

DansSlk · 08-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Agree with nos. 1 and 2.
x2 on no.3.

I'll second that

**Ynot** · 08-26-2007

I've never had anyone say it to me in real life, only compliments, the only place I get that comment is on forums, usually when I voice my opinion about the boxster, I get the usual, "This coming from a guy that drives a girl's car." It doesn't hurt my feelings, I just ignore it.

garyhun · 08-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

I'll second that

Thirded by me!!

**-1-** · 08-26-2007

Doesn't matter to me what others think. If I didn't have one, I'd be envious.

HwoALanG · 08-26-2007

i got that few time~~~ people are just annoying~

Corkscrew · 08-26-2007

How about:

"Actually, this is what I bought for my mistress. My wife drives a SL."

or

"No...I like it because it is a chic magnet."

By the way, in Thailand pretty girls love SLKs.

**-1-** · 08-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corkscrew

By the way, in Thailand pretty girls love SLKs.

OK, then what do the "less attractive" girls like?

Couldn't resist.

Baron7700 · 08-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

OK, then what do the "less attractive" girls like?

Couldn't resist.

AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA HAHA

My friend has an xlr and swears i have a "girs car". He was very surprised when he couldnt blow me away with his V8 heavier and slower less handling vet.

His top takes like 40 seconds to go up and down, and its alot more complicated. Also he cant do it while moving!

in2dwww · 08-26-2007

Here's my take on the situation, and it applies to almost everything else pertaining to judgements:

When someone goes out of their way to make a comment or remark akin to a crass judgement, that person, deep down inside, is very insecure.

Don't let it bother you. Just understand that the individual has clearly identified his/her inferiority to you and has thus stated their reason why. It's nice to know that you don't even have to go around explaining why you are better than someone else, because the insecure people will just go ahead and tell you why you are so much better.

And this has nothing to do with what someone drives or what color your hair is... just spend one day around others and you will start to hear little judgemental comments thus identifying that person as insecure.

The best response is to simply say "Thank you."

suntan · 08-27-2007

Well.....actually....this sort of encounters can be fun since they allow you to practice all your redneck jokes, no?

"Naw,...but at least she (my wife) ain't my sister neither!"

"Whoa! Ease off, boy! What are you doing moving your Mama's house around like that??"

"Hey, a cowboy! How are things back in Brokeback?"

Ok, ok, so I'm not very good at this....

Actually, most of the time, when I need to deliver a retort and I can't think of a good one, I just put on this outraged look on my face and yell, "YOU WILL NOT TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN!" And promptly leave. It just leaves everyone puzzled....

cheers,
suntan

garyhun · 08-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by in2dwww

Here's my take on the situation, and it applies to almost everything else pertaining to judgements:

When someone goes out of their way to make a comment or remark akin to a crass judgement, that person, deep down inside, is very insecure.

Don't let it bother you. Just understand that the individual has clearly identified his/her inferiority to you and has thus stated their reason why. It's nice to know that you don't even have to go around explaining why you are better than someone else, because the insecure people will just go ahead and tell you why you are so much better.

And this has nothing to do with what someone drives or what color your hair is... just spend one day around others and you will start to hear little judgemental comments thus identifying that person as insecure.

The best response is to simply say "Thank you."

Spot On!!

**SLKDawg** · 08-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by suntan

I just put on this outraged look on my face and yell, "YOU WILL NOT TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN!" And promptly leave. It just leaves everyone puzzled....

cheers,
suntan

I don't care who you are, that's funny right there!!

I wonder if its the convertible thing. The SLK is my wife's but when I am driving it I usually leave the top up just because I like the coupe look of the SLK and I have never heard any comments like this.

Also, I just don't drive slow enough to give people time to make comments!!!

RacerCub68 · 08-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwnomore

It was ninety degrees today and sunny, so i took the car out for a spin to run a couple of errands. Dropped the top and off I went enjoying every minute.

I was feeling very cool (not cold cool) in my SLK with my shades on, but not particularly cooler than I usually feel driving my fine car.

Then it happened. The first time in 2 3/4 years of ownership. I put my turn signal on to turn left. As I began to turn, a Blazer-type SUV went past me on the right driven by some redneck-ish dude and his buddy. He yells down at me (he was only three feet from me and as I said the top was down),
............"DRIVIN' YOUR WIFE'S CAR!!!".

Since I was in the middle of my turn I had no time to come up with some witty rebuttal. They laughed heartily as they drove past feeling very good about themselves I'm sure.

I guess the "chick car" image is tough to shake. I've thought about it and I've come to the following conclusion.

1. It's basically a compliment. Of all the cars on the road, he certainly noticed mine.

2. He's envious. Why else belittle a perfect stranger driving a Mercedes-Benz Roadster? He needed to convince himself my car was a frivilous, woman's handbag.

3. He has a small ****.

Usually I let them know I do not need an SUV because I'm not a lesbian and have a big ****.

However, I like to play Wierd Al's Truck Driving song when I'm next to them:

I'm drivin' a truck
Drivin' a big ol' truck
Pedal to the metal, hope I don't run out of luck
Rollin' down the highway until the break of dawn
Drivin' a truck with my

08-25-2007	#1 (permalink)
bmwnomore Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ivyland,Pa Vehicle: SLK350, manual,iridium silver Posts: 157 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The dreaded "chick car image" rears it's ugly head. It was ninety degrees today and sunny, so i took the car out for a spin to run a couple of errands. Dropped the top and off I went enjoying every minute. I was feeling very cool (not cold cool) in my SLK with my shades on, but not particularly cooler than I usually feel driving my fine car. Then it happened. The first time in 2 3/4 years of ownership. I put my turn signal on to turn left. As I began to turn, a Blazer-type SUV went past me on the right driven by some redneck-ish dude and his buddy. He yells down at me (he was only three feet from me and as I said the top was down), ............"DRIVIN' YOUR WIFE'S CAR!!!". Since I was in the middle of my turn I had no time to come up with some witty rebuttal. They laughed heartily as they drove past feeling very good about themselves I'm sure. I guess the "chick car" image is tough to shake. I've thought about it and I've come to the following conclusion. 1. It's basically a compliment. Of all the cars on the road, he certainly noticed mine. 2. He's envious. Why else belittle a perfect stranger driving a Mercedes-Benz Roadster? He needed to convince himself my car was a frivilous, woman's handbag. 3. He has a small ****.

08-25-2007	#2 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	It could be largely due to jealousy. I once had a lifted diesel truck purposely rev his engine as I passed him. He was stopped in the left turn lane and I was driving straight through the green light. He purposely did it so his toxic side exhaust would spew out towards me. I had no time to respond but I'm sure glad I don't own/carry a weapon. I was pissed! A little while later, my anger passed as will yours. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

08-25-2007	#3 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Agree with nos. 1 and 2. x2 on no.3. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

08-25-2007	#4 (permalink)
SLKman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Texas Vehicle: 2000 Copper Designo Sport Posts: 1,063 Country: Thanks: 261 Thanked 73 Times in 35 Posts	I have a fella at work that drives a BMW and is always telling me I am driving a "girls" car. I just smile and tell him, "Yep, the girls DO LOVE this car!!! and laugh. They are always asking to ride with me to lunch. When is the last time one has asked to ride in YOUR car???" That usually shuts him up especially when others are around and laugh AT him." SLKman __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2000 SLK230 copper Designo Sport To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-26-2007	#8 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	I've never had anyone say it to me in real life, only compliments, the only place I get that comment is on forums, usually when I voice my opinion about the boxster, I get the usual, "This coming from a guy that drives a girl's car." It doesn't hurt my feelings, I just ignore it. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-26-2007	#5 (permalink)
Ikarus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 w. 6M Other Toys: 2000 New Beetle GLS w. 5M Posts: 596 Country: Thanks: 18 Thanked 40 Times in 20 Posts	If what makes a guy's car is that women don't like it, because it's big, ugly, noisy, polluting, unrefined, gas-guzzling and harsh-riding, I'll have the girly car any day, thank you, and shall leave the others to the homophobic dimwits.

08-26-2007	#6 (permalink)
MarkR171 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Vehicle: '07 SLK280 Posts: 210 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ignore them. Or laugh at their insecurity, either way My brother is the only person to ever tell me my slk was a girls car, only to find his beloved Z4 at the top of the list for cars most driven by women (forbesauto.) Not to mention he was just giving me a hard time and wasn't being serious. Maybe it's because I'm too young to have a wife or because a convertable is perfect for the weather here that I haven't ever gotten any "girly car" comments. Just a lot of compliments, even from other car enthusiasts.

08-26-2007	#10 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Doesn't matter to me what others think. If I didn't have one, I'd be envious. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

08-26-2007	#11 (permalink)
HwoALanG Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellicott City & Salisbury, MD Vehicle: 2007 SLK 280 Other Toys: COMPUTER? And1 and on Posts: 306 Country: Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	i got that few time~~~ people are just annoying~

08-26-2007	#12 (permalink)
Corkscrew Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Vehicle: 2008 S600, 2006 SL55AMG, 2005 SLK200k, 2004 280S Posts: 696 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	How about: "Actually, this is what I bought for my mistress. My wife drives a SL." or "No...I like it because it is a chic magnet." By the way, in Thailand pretty girls love SLKs.

08-26-2007	#15 (permalink)
in2dwww Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 203 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here's my take on the situation, and it applies to almost everything else pertaining to judgements: When someone goes out of their way to make a comment or remark akin to a crass judgement, that person, deep down inside, is very insecure. Don't let it bother you. Just understand that the individual has clearly identified his/her inferiority to you and has thus stated their reason why. It's nice to know that you don't even have to go around explaining why you are better than someone else, because the insecure people will just go ahead and tell you why you are so much better. And this has nothing to do with what someone drives or what color your hair is... just spend one day around others and you will start to hear little judgemental comments thus identifying that person as insecure. The best response is to simply say "Thank you."

08-27-2007	#16 (permalink)
suntan SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston Vehicle: '06 BMW 330i, '06 MB SLK350 Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well.....actually....this sort of encounters can be fun since they allow you to practice all your redneck jokes, no? "Naw,...but at least she (my wife) ain't my sister neither!" "Whoa! Ease off, boy! What are you doing moving your Mama's house around like that??" "Hey, a cowboy! How are things back in Brokeback?" Ok, ok, so I'm not very good at this.... Actually, most of the time, when I need to deliver a retort and I can't think of a good one, I just put on this outraged look on my face and yell, "YOU WILL NOT TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN!" And promptly leave. It just leaves everyone puzzled.... cheers, suntan