Hey guys,

Here is the deal. I work in commercial real estate brokerage and deal with wealthy investors on a regular basis. I have been blessed to be able to work in this industry at a very young age. Although it has been great, the largest obstacle has been my age when dealing with potential clients. Many of the investors have sons and daughters significantly older than I, and as such, I must always strive to establish my credibility with whatever means possible. The second most important thing besides expensive suits and watches seems to be the car one drives. I've owned a Honda Prelude for the past two years and would not dare show up at a meeting on it, so I always borrow my father's '03 C240 when meeting clients.

It is time for me to get a new car and I am looking for something that will help to push the image that I am not just a random teenager, have a level of maturity greater than typical young people, and that I have worked my **** off for the car (which I did).

I've seemed to narrow it down to two options. A C5 Corvette or an '02 black S500. Yes, I know...apples to oranges. Please keep in mind why I am getting the car though. The 'vette is definitely more fun to drive, but it seems like it would push the image I am trying to avoid, "rich immature teenager." My reservation about the s500 is somewhat similar as I have heard several people state that it would be awkward to see a teenager drive one. What would you think if you see a teen driving one of these great vehicles? I don't know where else to turn to...I've read some posts on the forum and I think you guys can offer a balanced perspective.

Thank you in advance.

P.S. I just turned 19

 

Split the differance and get an E55 or a new E63. Fun to drive and under stated luxury. Could be over stated if you ghetto out the wheels however.

 

dude take the benz its soo much more classy then the chevy. and when you roll up in an s500 to the meeting they wont doubt you for second.

 

i had my s430 at 19 but i kept it classy and stock but people will deffenetly stare you down so be parpared for that, but its up to you. good luck

 

Get the S500. But keep it stock for the most part, if you're into modding.

A stock luxury car like the S500 always gives off the sense that you're a mature person.

 

Credibility is established by the person, not the car.

Drive it because you like it. Not because someone else does. But to answer your question S500 would be my choice.

 

Credibility definetly is established by the person, not the car.

S500 would be my choice too (duh) ..... its very smooth. Get the sports package to young it up a bit though if u are concerned with looks.

 

Im getting an S500, im 18 yrs old, but unlike you i am immature.

 

Thank you guys. I just looked through the picture thread and remembering the comfort and silence of the ride, combined with the awesomness of the look of the W220, I am getting goosebumps. I think my mind is finally made up. Once I get the S500, my first step will be to add rainbow neon lights all over the car, drop it on the ground, get some sick dragon looking sideskirts, a hood with huge scoops, a two story spoiler, Acura Integra wheels, and of course my absolute favorite: vtak, turbo, powered by Mercedezzz, and NOS stickers all over the back of the car. Just kidding, I'll definitely keep the car very stock and will probably just get AMG wheels.Thank you, I can definitely understand where you are coming from. One can have the most expensive toys and have the most professional look, yet still come off as a jerk if one's personality is that way. Be that as it may, I am a rather firm believer that the first and last impressions can either help make or break a sale. Some people argue that it takes, on average, only eight seconds for a person to develop a first impression they will inevitably associate with another. I hope that the car will help in developing a positive first impression about my professionalism. I also completely agree that one should drive what they ultimately want to drive. I can see great benefits of each of the cars, albeit on entirely different levels, and I can not decide which of the benefits is more important to me personally. Seeing that my job seems to be a major part of my life right now (and a part that I enjoy immensely), I have decided that what I personally want falls in line most closely to what would help to facilitate success in my job. That perspective may change in the future, but I feel rather confident in it at the moment.

 

If the person doesn't take care of the car, think how well they take care of themselves, their clients, and their equipment (if their job requires any equipment).

There's this one guy here, the nicest guy in the world. After he interviews you, he'll personally walk you out to your car, at the same time, he'll do a quick visual inspection of your car. If it's dirty, messy, on the inside, he'll drop you on the spot.

If you don't take care of your own possessions, how can he be sure you'll take care of his?

It sort of relates to this thread.

 

That is definitely some food for thought. I have never considered this factor, but it definitely makes sense. I think you have just given me motivation to wax my Prelude first thing tomorrow.

 

I am the youngest 220 driver here.






But nobody knows. Shhh.

 

A Corvette is a very casual car emanating "the weekend mentality." I can tell that you are seeking something more reputable, so an S Class would be the way to go. However, if you feel it is more of an older gentleman's automobile, then look into the CL. You really cannot go wrong with either one.

 

How old? I had a 87' 420SEL with rims/system when I was 16. By 17, I had a W220 with rims/system. I'm a little older and now I have a Brabus CL. Very very lucky and fortunate, luxuries dont last forever...

Go with the W220, such a smooth ride even on rims. Just make sure it has 100k warranty. Almost forgot.... the girls love it too. Go for it.

Or like the man above me said, go with a CL....

 

Well in my eyes they are both fantastic vehicles. Up untill a less than 2 years ago I was a Corvette man no matter what. I owned one in college and a few there after. I do understand where you are coming from. I ended up selling my beautiful yellow Z06 Corvette so I could get my S500. I am still very happy with the S. The only suggestion that I may have is if at all possible maybe you should consider a S55 instead. It has the power of a Vette and of course it is a Benz. I really want a S55 myself, but I am in the process of selling my businesses and starting a new business so right now is a bad time. That is my 2 cents.
On a side note if you know anyone who is getting married next year in the New England area hopefully by next summer we will have a wedding venue located in Maine. We will have a full wedding venue set up overlookin the ocean on the beautiful Maine coast. This is where I got married and the view is breath taking.
Johan

 

Ask yourself this question. If one of your wealthy clients decides to ride with you to an open house, would you rather drive him fast on a chevy or smooth in the S500? or even so a prelide? Go with the benz. It been said, your credibility will not be judged by what you drive but heck, show up in a clean S500 and you earn a sense of respect not found on a chevy. Also get something newer than 02. Just my thought.

 

If you are questioning people's perception of you (part of that is ego), hold off on the snazzy car.

Buy something that shows you are sensible, smart and realistic; something with nothing to prove. E.g. Acura Legend, Merc C class, Lexus?

Wait a few years for the ego car -- until you have an established rep/successful track record and no longer need to worry about other's perception.

 

17. Started driving it at 15.

 

I'm 20 and I rock the S500... not because of how much it costs or because what others will think about it, just because I love the car, I could care less what people think of me or the car... Don't buy it to make yourself "cooler"... you won't be.

 

i think a datsun honeybee is a cool car, im sure most would like to disagree, but i find it pretty sick ha

 

C32 at 17... S55 2006 at 19.... now 20. + you don't have to tell them ur age.

 

i think this thread has turned into "my daddy & mommy are rich so they bought me my Mercedes when I'm twelve" thread. lol.

 

Yep. Work for it, Daddy can't hold your hand forever.

 

Vlad, Oxygen

You guys have INCREDIBLE taste for a duo of young lads

Well I've had my TE since I was 20...can't afford a new S (can do a C but I LOVE my TE )

PS: EDIT, dude buy the S-class, it is a symbol of taste, class and wealth.

 

I asked for a Chevy. But daddy just gave me his car.


It's not necessarily a good thing. I'm going broke just trying to keep with with maintanance fees.