"It looks like your dad's car"

[tonyhetherington]

Ok, for those that don't know me: I'm 24yrs old, drive a black '53 plate 111S (pic in profile). Kind of look like Alex from big brother a few years ago.

So...
True story...in the pub last night, and I was talking to some female friends of mine. They got talking about my car (because one of them was begging to drive it). Anyway, they were being really nice about the car and love it etc. etc. however they said something which I picked them up on..."It does look like your dad's car, though" they said...you don't look like you should be driving it! (their reasoning was partly because it looks too expensive for someone who's 24, which I found quite nice but anyway that's another thread...!)

Now, this surprised me somewhat - I never thought that at all?! A big car like an S-Class MErc with a 24 yr old I can understand the 'dad' comment, even something like a Ford Mondeo could be construed as borrowing your dad's (but maybe not at 24, who knows)...

...but an Elise?!?!

Anyone else ever had this?!!?

[cuzza]

Yep and I'm 30! Although this was a couple of years ago, I was waiting to pull out of a T junction and there were some kids waiting to cross.

Kid: Nice car mate
Me: Cheers
Kid: Is it your dads?
Me: Are you taking the piss?
Kid: (looking surprised) No.
Me: No it's not you cheeky sod.

Leave junction in quick but controlled manner...

[Esprit]

Yeah I get that a little bit on occasions... They're rare in this part of the world so people generally have no idea what it is... I usually put them straight

[tonyhetherington]

Fair comment - it may well be the perceived cost that throws them! Though, that could work both ways. Tell people it cost £25k and they look in and see a Rover engine, a steering wheel, 2 seats, a gear stick and, ...well, that's it really! I have equally had comments of £25k!!!?? FOR WHAT?!?!

Yeah, but the conversation about 'cars' was actually 'you've not taken me out in your car yet and you promised us you would' and 'wow your trip [EuroHoon] is going to be so amazing can I come' and 'wow Tony you're so lovely fancy getting all hot and soapy with us in a jacuzzi?'.

*2 of 3 three statements above are true.

** who else has a rule that only girls wearing short skirts are allowed in the Elise!?!? Oh, that's just me then.

[Esprit]

tonyhetherington said:

** who else has a rule that only girls wearing short skirts are allowed in the Elise!?!? Oh, that's just me then.

I try telling my girlfriend that wearing too many clothes weighs the car down too much The same comment usually applies when I'm talking about her arse I'm just trying to introduce her to the "Less is more" concept

[tonyhetherington]

Esprit said:

I'm just trying to introduce her to the "Less is more" concept

ah yes, the Colin Chapman approach to clothing

[markie*mark0]

I must say when i bought my 1998 standard elise 6 months ago at the age of 21! i thought i would of got a lot of "like your dads car" comments but suprisingly not one person has asked me if its my dads, Even more suprisingly the police havnt even stopped me once in a whole 6 months of driving around!!!

[tonyhetherington]

Markie markie mark mark...firstly, welcome to PH

I was truly shocked to learn of the 'dad' view, but hey, I know it's mine so I'm a happy bunny

Never had any trouble with the police - I don't know whether that's luck or just because they are fairly appreciative of the car!?

Anyhow - welcome!

[Podie]

Tony, you clearly look like you're having a mid-life crisis...

You'll be wearing leather trousers next mate...

[tonyhetherington]

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[maxf]

Never had any comments like that in the Elise - still waiting for them now I have an M5.

I did go and have a look at an early (read cheapish) 996 Porsche the other week in a local (non-franchise) showroom to get told by the salesman to save up my pocket money!!! Me and my girlfriend laughed then drove off in my newer, faster, paid-for car. I'm 28.

[markie*mark0]

Admittedly i don’t look 21 i must of had the biggest paper round in Warrington lol.
I also drive up and down the Cat & Fiddle road (continually) at a brisk pace which is easily done in any Elise. To my surprise the police don’t bother me at all !

[theweeninjaguy]

it's just perceived cost really people assume they cost like £30k second hand so they’re in awe that you can afford it. I’m 33 and have been getting this all week since picking mine up last week.

It’s great!

I’ve had people with family salloon cars which probably cost more than my 2001 S2 did saying “god I wish I could afford a car like that!”

My gf who’s 21 can’t drive but her mates would luurve a shot! Lol, my own fault cos I let one of them drive my MX5 when I got it and now she’s wet at the idea of the elise – which lets face it is kinda nice really.

ninja

[Phill_1981]

I always get strange looks when in my elise, im 23 but look about 17 I am aware that some people think my Dad bought it for me and that im a spoilt little er, but this is not the case, I saved long and hard for the car.

[markie*mark0]

I’m just waiting for the first person to say to me "Bet your dad bought it for you" and SHAZAM im gonna kick there ass!!

I worked unimaginable hours and lived like a bum for months so i could have this car oh wait i still do to pay for there bloody insurance!!

[Esprit]

I have had a few "wow what do you do for a job to afford that?" comments though

[dtmpower]

Phill_1981 said:

I always get strange looks when in my elise, im 23 but look about 17 I am aware that some people think my Dad bought it for me and that im a spoilt little er, but this is not the case, I saved long and hard for the car.

How can you afford an Elise at 23 - I am nearly 25 and struggling to get a 5k loan for my wife's car - dammed uni for both of us got us in debt and we dont drink and lived at home for most of it !

[Esprit]

dtmpower said:

Phill_1981 said: I always get strange looks when in my elise, im 23 but look about 17 I am aware that some people think my Dad bought it for me and that im a spoilt little er, but this is not the case, I saved long and hard for the car. How can you afford an Elise at 23 - I am nearly 25 and struggling to get a 5k loan for my wife's car - dammed uni for both of us got us in debt and we dont drink and lived at home for most of it !

It's not easy... I did the same as you... finished uni at 23 and got to work paying the student loan off.... paid that back smartish and the Elise was my reward to myself for doing so.... it's taken MUCH hard work (and still is... it's 11pm and I'm still slaving away at work) as well as sacrificie (I live in a run-down student flat) but I have my baby and that's all that matters to me

[JonRB]

Our little Elan SE Turbo is probably worth perhaps £6,500 on a good day, and yet people say to my wife "you have a LOTUS? That must have cost a bit".

It's all to do with the reputation / cachet of the name "Lotus" in the mind of your average numpty.

>> Edited by JonRB on Thursday 4th August 12:04

[Mr_C]

I'm 22, but got my car when i was 21. It's funny cos when my dad borrows it he has to tell people it's his lads car!!! most people just say ''wish my lad would buy a car like that and lend it to me''

no one has ever asked if its my dads tho!
also no trouble from the law. but that could be cos i'm such a careful, considerate, law abiding driver ...