Do we like nice guys with cars? Or guys with nice cars?

Are women more attracted to sports cars or muscle trucks, classics or efficient hybrids? Sometimes I wonder whether a woman chooses to date the basketball player himself or his Mercedes McLaren SLR722 and its forward-swinging doors.

Or are the scratches on her man’s Jeep Wrangler Unlimited a sign of roughness and masculine power, or simply an indication of negligence? Do we find the Brazilian soccer player Neymar sexier since we know that he drives an Audi R8? Or has Leonardo Dicaprio become less attractive when he drives “just a normal” Toyota Prius?

To put it simply: I am thinking whether the stereotypes about girls and cars actually hold up to scrutiny. Want to see where that goes?

Do girls find guys more attractive if they drive a luxury car?

Okay, this is going to be just one girl’s opinion here, though a lot of ladies will agree with me. Sometimes, when a guy’s car is too fancy, girls are even more skeptical about his personality.

Do girls like to be seen around town in a nice car? Sure, some of them. But we are aware that a lot of this is just show. Not to mention how ridiculous it is to learn a man is trying to win you over with his dad’s car. Pathetic. But don’t just take my word for it:

“Sometimes men buy cars just to satisfy their ego and it is obvious. Or even worse – to compensate for other things they don’t have – lacks in character or shortages in other attributes…” says Sarah (38, Germany). Guys, you don’t want to leave such an impression, do you?!

“Ten years ago when I first came to the US, I thought I could tell the difference between men based on the brand of car they drive – whether they were successful in their jobs, whether they considered cars a luxury item and so on. Now I don’t think this way” Mariana Brown (49) confesses. “People have moments in their lives when they cannot afford an expensive car. If I see someone today driving an old rusty car I may conclude that he is struggling financially. But never that he is a bad person.”

Do women care about what car the man they date drives?

Are you currently debating on the brand of car to choose for your next big purchase? And maybe you want to get a girlfriend with it? Let me make it easier for you. Here’s the simple conclusion: Most of the times, women don’t care!

But in case you rely too much on your car to get women’s attention, there are some ways it can still help you to attract a lady. For starters… keep it clean! A brand new Dodge Challenger SRT8 would not do much for you if it’s a mess inside. Women don’t care if the doors of your car swing up or down or who knows how, as long as you open the door for them. Hand her the seatbelt even!

Moreover, the sound system in your 2011 Porsche Panamera won’t be impressive at all unless you play a CD with her favorite tracks on it (which, by the way, you have found out about in advance). Just know this: don’t buy a sports car to impress women. If you want one, get one sure, but careful with your expectations. Actually, while we are at it, check this article on why buy a sports car!

Why do men care so much more about cars than women?

Isn’t it weird that interest in cars is so disproportionate? Actually, no. Psychologically there are good reasons for that – men are more interested in things, women – in people. Of course, that’s generalizing it, but still.

The funny thing is that many guys actually prefer women who do not care about vehicles. Why? Different reasons, I suppose. Some want to have a “manly” hobby to themselves. Others just don’t find it particularly attractive when a woman knows more about a car than they themselves. Insecurities? Maybe!

I asked a friend what would be the best car the dream girl could drive? “The one I bought for her,” he said.

Well, okay, but you know what? Women should be free to enjoy cars and not be regarded differently for that. On that note, did you know that sometimes car marques target certain vehicles specifically to women? Here, check out such an example with the classic Dodge La Femme!