”What else can you tell about the driver of a car from the type of car he or she is driving? Accordingto the survey ‘Education level and computer savvy are just a couple of the things your car says about you.’ In addition it turns out, ‘your wheels also give clues to your age, gender, income level and marital status–even your political leanings.’We all know that very often the first major purchase people make is their motor vehicle.

 

Since paying off a motor vehicle is such a major financial commitment, people like to get this purchase right. Of course most people are limited in their choice of car by what they can afford. But often people stretch themselves, just so they put across the right image with their vehicle.Cars are also a reflection of the mindset of the owner. Ever heard of the Mini Mindset?According to the survey ‘If you’d like to cultivate an image of sophistication, try buying a MiniCooper.’ While not the cheapest of cars, Mini’s cost over R200 000 in South Africa, with monthly instalments of over R4000. Mini owners aside from earning pretty well are a tough bunch to pin down, demographically speaking, since the car has broad appeal.“It’s a certain mindset,” says Nathalie Bauers, spokeswoman for Mini USA. “It is about people who relate to the brand, there’s no age to that.”Bauers says Mini owners fall into four categories: ‘brand enthusiasts, who relish the car’s British racing roots; design aficionados, who like the car’s simple elegance; social butterflies, who want to be part of the Mini community; and gas misers, who crave the Mini’s fuel efficiency.’