So, what do you drive?

How many times have you met someone and one of the first questions you ask is ‘What do you drive?’

For a lot of people, what you drive says a lot about who you are.

My old ZS-what did it say about me?

We all know the stereotypes about the sales rep in the Beemer, or the Pipe ‘n’ Slippers Rover driver. A car really can reflect its owner, and in many ways, become an extension of your personality.

As someone who’s very proud of the British car industry and with strong family links to the West Midlands, I’ve almost always bought BL or Rover cars (Slovakian-built Citroen not with standing) so my choice of car says a lot about me (good or bad!).

I joined BBC Radio 5 Live for a debate on Tuesday morning discussing what your car says about you, together with Scottish comedian Susan Morrison, who owns a Citroen Xsara that she hates.

Why though, would anyone buy, or own a car they hate? Cars are expensive, fuel becomes dearer with each passing second, our motorways frequently become car parks and our roads have more craters than the surface of the moon.

Why invest so much in something you can’t stand?

As I’ve always said, life is too short for crap cars and there is no excuse, whatever your budget for buying a crap car and surely everyone must have at least one fond motoring-based memory, be it your Mum’s Mini that took you to school, or a Countach poster than adorned your bedroom wall. Cars have character and as emotional human beings that speaks to us.

Now Susan explained that the Xsara was ‘thrust upon her’ by her husband. As someone who struck me as intelligent and clearly creative (she’s a stand-up, so must be) what on Earth was her husband thinking? Clearly Susan should be driving an Alfa. The little MiTo would fit her like a glove.

Don't buy ANY car, buy the RIGHT car...

I therefore suggest a new way of buying cars. Look at it as a relationship, rather than a financial transaction. The car has earned something of an unfair rep from certain quarters of late, lets put the passion back into cars and remember they’re more than just white goods on wheels.

Think of it as a marriage.

‘Til rust us do part…

Let’s get some of the people from dating agencies into car dealerships. Instead of simply looking at the number of seats, fuel consumption, 0-60 times and whether or not leather seats are an option, look at your personality and see if it matches the car you’re considering.

 Before we talk finance, lets talk compatibility.

What are looking for in a car? How do you want it to make you feel?

Are you punctual? Well organised and subtle, preferring to work quietly, almost unnoticed? Well walk this way, try the new Audi. Passionate, willing to except people’s flaws as part of their charm? The Audi’s not for you-might I recommend the Alfa Romeo 159. Yes it’ll depreciate at an alarming rate and won’t be worth half what the Audi is in three years, but c’mon, that’s not what you’re all about is it?

Of course there will be some who genuinely,  simply say ‘I just want something to get me from A to B’. I’ll always feel those people are missing out, not seeing the bigger picture. Still for those the answer’s simple.

Buy a Hyundai.