Can a Sexy Car Put Your Love Life in the Fast Lane?

A Girls Guide To Cars | Can A Sexy Car Put Your Love Life In The Fast Lane? - Lightening Mcqueen And Sally From Cars
Lightening McQueen and Sally strike up romance in the Disney movie Cars

And, Can It Help You Find the Perfect Partner?

So this really happened: While putting gas in the Mustang 5.0 6-speed I was test driving, a guy came up to ask me about it. I answered his questions and he gave me a fist bump and a huge compliment. Here’s the video. And, yes, I was a geek wearing a body camera, but that was so I could show you the capless gas tank! Yes, a sexy car can be the ticket to romance…if you’re looking.

https://instagram.com/p/3XjjLKLH5i

While this didn’t lead to a date (I’m happily married) it certainly lead to a conversation. And as we all know, great conversations can lead to romance. So can your car help you get your love life on track?

Yes, It Can, and No, It’s Not Shallow

Don’t think men don’t consider which cars will catch a girl’s attention, or that they don’t look at your sexy car as much as they’re checking out your, um, eyes. Cars that impress get attention and start a conversation. But, you want the right kind of attention (genuine), to send the right kind of message (I’m smart) with the right kind of car (one that you can live with all the time).

Alfa Romeo 4C Cars Attract A Man
The Alfa Romeo 4C is certainly an attention getter but is it it practical? Photo: Scotty Reiss

Which Car Will Get The Right Attention?

Of course, you’ll get attention in a sexy car like a Lamborghini or an Alfa Romeo 4C (pictured above). But if you’re not in the market for a guy who will drool over the car more than you, think a little deeper: What exactly about a car will start the conversation you want to have? What should you consider when car shopping? And, are there cars at every budget level that will accomplish this? The variety of cars and the availability of great features at any price make the answers plentiful but complicated. So here’s what to consider:

Best Crossover Suv Surprisingly Sexy Subaru Outback
Surprisingly sexy, the Outback Subaru, and the man (not surprisingly!) Photo: Terri Marshall

What Type of Girl Are You?

What life do you live? Adventurous? Luxurious? Sustainable? Travel with an entourage? We all know that a minivan says “My children are the focus of my life.” But what do other cars say? A Jeep Wrangler says “I’m heading out to climb a mountain but I will drive halfway up it first,” while a Subaru says “I’m living gently but capably on this earth.” Decide what you want people to see.

Jaguar Xf S Is Definitely A Sexy Car.
The 2017 Jaguar XF S was right at home on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich CT. Photo: Scotty Reiss

What Sort of Romance Are You Looking For?

Romantic weekends off the grid and under stars? A pick up such as the Toyota Tundra, can be a great conversation starter. First, it’s seen as unusual for a girl to drive a truck, as silly as that is. But with four wheel drive and ample towing capacity, a truck can take you on the road to adventure and provide enough cargo space to haul your tent and gear, too.

If you’re more of the 5-star hotel type, consider a hot new luxury car such as the Jaguar XF or the Genesis G80. There is a lot of curiosity around these cars and their appointments. And we can attest, spend a little time in them and you’ll gush with great information about them; they offer everything except a butler, and they both practically offer that, too!

Cadillac Ats-V Can Be A Sexy Car.
A little more badass: The Cadillac ATS-V. Photo: Scotty Reiss

Is Your Car a Conversation Starter?

If you’re not much of a ‘car girl,’ here’s our guide to help you ramp up. Once you’re up to speed and in a conversation-starting car, be ready for questions. While test driving the Cadillac ATS-V, a fun (460 horsepower 6-speed stick shift) and fairly practical (four doors) sports car, not one but THREE men stopped me to talk about it. One even grinned and said, as I got out of the car, “I knew it had to be a woman like you driving this car.” I’m not sure what he meant by that; I was stopping into Starbucks after school drop off and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t wearing makeup or a mini skirt.

Know Your Car’s Talking Points

Once the conversation starts, be able to hold your own. Know your car’s features and try out all its technology, from safety features to entertainment to performance systems. Being able to say with authority, yes it’s a 4-cylinder turbo and why (turbos are a more efficient way to get more power and better fuel economy from a small engine) is a confidence-builder. And, you’ll find out if he’s as knowledgeable as he seems.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Can Be A Sexy Car. Really.
There is nothing unromantic about the space, pampering and comfort in the Chrysler Pacifica. Photo: Scotty Reiss

Your Car Can Help Rekindle the Spark, too

I’m sure we don’t have to go far here: A babysitter, the Chrysler Pacifica, a drive-in movie and reclining seats. Hullo regular date night!

But also consider the Cadillac CT6: Massaging heated and cooled seats in front AND back. Or the Mazda MX5 with room for two and a small suitcase in the trunk. With parameters like that, you’re never on the hook for a third wheel.

Luxury Sports Coupes Are Always Sexy Cars.
There’s no better getaway car than the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe; it’s gorgeous lines and stunning interior ensure the next adventure is not far away. Photo: Scotty Reiss

And When the Romance Isn’t Working Out, Your Car Will Help You Escape

If there’s anything your car should do for you, its protect you from unwanted hits. When the conversation takes an unwelcome turn, when the romance fades or when it’s time to move on, your trusty ride is there for you. And ready to help you find your next adventure.

Scotty Reiss
Scotty Reiss

Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers and culture. A World Car Awards juror and member of the steering committee, Scotty likes to say the automotive business found her, rather than her finding it. But recognizing the opportunity to give voice to powerful female consumers and create a voice to match their spending power, her mission became to empower women as car buyers and owners. A career-long journalist, she has written for the New York Times, Town & Country, Adweek and co-authored the book Stew Leonard, My Story, a biography of the founder of the iconic grocery company Stew Leonard’s. Her love of cars started when her father insisted she learn to change the oil in her MG Midget, but now it mostly plays out in the many road trips taken with her family.

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