Black
06.29.05 (10:09 pm) [edit]
I always liked black cars. I think its because I consider black cars to be elegant, dignified and reserved....Nah, really I think my love affair with black cars started with watching too much Knight Rider and had been fueled by my admiration of the Batmobile. I often wondered what other people think of black cars and if they prefer another color, why. I read that black used to be the number one car color until it got replaced by silver. Yup, silver is the new black.
I also used to wonder if color affects the cost of your auto insurance. Do they charge more for red cars because the driver is perceived to be aggressive? Does it cost less for owners of white cars, because white is the symbol of purity, and their drivers tend to have or strive to achieve perfect driving records? Find out the startling answer in this article: http://www.drivers.com/article/854/" title="http://www.drivers.com/article/854/" target="_blank"http://www.drivers.com/articl...
Previous post: Genius
posted by: mnash (reply)
post date: 06.30.05 (5:00 am)
Without reading your link I lend my expertise: 1. I sold cars(Jeeps) and 2. I detail cars.
Selling: White was still most popular although in the early 90's we had 3 shades of green for the Grand Cherokee. In general though, there were more darker colors to choose from.
Detailing: White is the worst to keep clean: road tar, bugs. It does hid the dust the best, but not a favorite of mine to clean.
Gold and silver are generally older folks cars. Just look at Cadillac and Buick. Flashy colors for the younger. All else in between.
I'm not afraid of black though in Texas it is a HEAT magnet.
posted by: mnash (reply)
post date: 06.30.05 (5:03 am)
Now I'll read your link.
posted by: Deanna (reply)
post date: 06.30.05 (7:04 am)
Very interesting. I guess even the salesman was wrong on the whole color thing.
posted by: TiaNguyen (reply)
post date: 07.03.05 (1:17 am)
Have you ever noticed that the hearses are also mostly black ?
posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.03.05 (3:04 am)
Interesting...
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.05.05 (8:46 pm)
Reply to: mnash
Whew, Tblog is back! It's still pretty shaky though so I don't know if I'm able to access it after commenting. I don't know how some guys where able to comment after 6/30.
Anyway, pretty interesting viewpoint there. I might avoid dark colors too if I were living in Texas or Nevada.
What did you think of the link?
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.05.05 (8:49 pm)
Reply to: Deanna
Yeah, when I read the article, kinda scratched my head when I learned about the color factor. I guess most people didn't know that, including the ones who took the survey.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.05.05 (8:52 pm)
Reply to: TiaNguyen
LOL, yes I realize that. Black cars are not popular at all in the Philippines where I come from because of that reason. But when you think about it, death is not necessarily a negative thing.
posted by: jennjr (reply)
post date: 07.07.05 (10:32 am)
I've not read the link yet, but I know that police are more likely to clock red cars for speeding.
I'm surprised by mnash's comment that white's the hardest to keep clean. I would think black would be, since every speck of dust seems to show up on a black car...
Lastly I have a friend who's a police officer and he said that the hardest cars to clock were a dark green or dark blue when they're dirty. They're harder to see at night, and something with the dirt....
Meh, I don't know. I think he was making it up. :)
Ok, off to read the link now.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (5:25 am)
Reply to: jennjr
I would agree that dark colored cars are hard to see at night but I don't know why radar would be affected by it.
I tend to think though that red cars are hot on policemen's eyes. Actually saw one get pulled over this morning.
What'd you think about the link?
posted by: jennjr (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (5:35 am)
Reply to: theseeker
Maybe it's just because you can't clock what you can't see? Who knows...I was pretty sure he was fibbing, anyway. :)
The link was very interesting. I was surprised by the color not affecting insurance. The others I was aware of...
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (6:24 am)
Reply to: jennjr
I think the credit history as part of their calculation is a new one. It's becoming to be a very significant factor even when applying for a job.
posted by: jennjr (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (6:44 am)
Reply to: theseeker
I'm not sure how I like that. Seriously. I understand that if your credit score is low, it means you're irresponsible with your finances, and that this behavior may carry over into your work performance, the way you drive, etc. This is the theory behind it.
And it looks good on paper.
But this is the real world...And in all honesty, I've got outstanding credit. But I would not want my employment based on my ability to pay bills in a timely manner. This is not the concern of my employer. My employer's concern is that I show up for work every day and perform the tasks expected of me to the best of my ability.
My car insurance should not be affected by my credit score. My driving record, where I live and the kind of car I drive should affect my insurance. Not my credit score.
Besides, I don't know anyone who hasn't blanked out and missed a payment, be it car, insurance, credit card. We've all done it. We're human....
The whole thing is a bit big-brotherish for me. I may be stepping on to slippery slope with this, but how long until someone with poor credit is unable to get health care? The argument could be made that if they're irresponsible with their finances, they won't take good care of themselves....It's a stretch, I know, but I just don't like the concept of it.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (11:20 am)
Reply to: jennjr
I generally agree with the excellent points you made.
The website did say that "there is a direct, proven correlation between a driver's credit history and the likelihood he or she will be involved in a future crash, most auto insurance companies consider information about credit histories when calculating individual's rates".
I would be very interested to know how *exactly* it affects the insurance cost. If its a small factor like 10%, then I'll give that "direct correlation" claim the benefit of the doubt. But if its like 40% of the calculation or more, I would definitely question it.
Ultimately though, the bottomline for us consumers is the actual cost, so the suggestion to shop around should be heeded.
With regards to employment, I work for a credit card company so I see how financial responsibility is *somehow* related to being responsible at work. But again, the other factors you mentioned should be considerably more weighted.
Great comments jennjr, I appreciate it.
posted by: jennjr (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (12:56 pm)
Reply to: theseeker
It's just scary how that one number can overshadow every aspect of your life.
I'm with you...what role does this "correlation" have?
I've got food credit, and had three fender benders (none were my fault, though). I've know a girl (a friend of a friend) who's credit score is in the 400's and her driving record is clean as a whistle.
Go figure!
posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (8:34 pm)
I once had this Olds Cutlass that was a gorgeous car, it didn't run worth a crap but looked great. Well, except for the color. It was a royal blue (that's the best description) that from my experience must be an automatic stimulant for birds colons. I could wash that car and in no less than 5 minutes some bird would take a dump on it!
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (8:53 pm)
Reply to: FinalyFree
Bwahahahaha, that's some funny anecdote Free. Made my late night blogging so much more pleasurable.
posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 07.10.05 (7:24 pm)
Reply to: theseeker
I'm glad you enjoyed, and it makes me laugh now but was really aggrivating then, lol.
posted by: mnash (reply)
post date: 07.13.05 (9:33 am)
Do they still raise it for smokers? What about cell phone users? I know I am paying for someone else who is UNINSURED! Now, that is a crime. Yes, shop around. I saved $700 a year for both of my cars by shopping AND got a more credible company.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.14.05 (5:48 am)
Reply to: mnash
Smokers: I bet it's a factor, they always ask you when applying for insurance.
Cellphone Users: I long for the day they'll ticket drivers who talks to the phone while driving.
Uninsured motorists: Ain't that a bugger :(
The increasing competition seems to keep the cost at bay :)
