Since this thread has been continuing for years already, I will bump it into 2014. After reading all of the responses here, I am curious what the opinions are about my vehicle. It is a very clean 1999 silver Toyota Solara SLE.
My car looks similar to this one:
http://www.autoliquidatorsoftampa.com/1999_Toyota_Camry%20Solara_Tampa_FL_195478450.vehMy vehicle does not have cracked leather, like the photos show of that one, and mine also has tint applied to the windows as well as two mufflers that produce a sporty hum. I am the second owner of this 15 year old car and it was the elderly woman who owned this vehicle initially, not me, who "hipped" it up with the mufflers and new stereo. I keep my Solara very clean inside and out. I am not yet a realtor but am strongly considering entering into the profession. My initial thought was that I'd need a new car that was, at least, larger. I haven't confirmed it, but have read online that it is the norm to travel in two cars in Seattle when showing. As a young woman, I have also read that for safety's sake, one should always have their own vehicle when showing clients homes. While my car does have a large back seat I think that, obviously, my two-door is not ideal for showing. I do not want to offend potential clients, but I have to admit that I am very concerned about my personal safety and would far prefer to travel in separate vehicles.
The main reason is that I do have have a newer car is because I too believe it to be a waste of income to put my money into a car, or cars. I am far more interested in proper investments as well as other things and experiences that add true value to my life. While I think that I possess good taste and class, I do not feel compelled to have a car that speaks for me. When purchasing fashion items for myself I will always pass over any that have glaringly obvious branding that screams out. I am myself and will not advertise for these companies when all I actually need to advertise is sincerely genuine: The intelligent, quality individual that I am.
While the Solara is not my dream car, it does suit me just fine and it's not on my list of priorities to acquire a new vehicle right now unless it's truly necessary. My reasons to upgrade would be to save on gas (figuring in the price of the new vehicle into that equation) and to have space to fit larger items in the back on occasion. A realtor friend of mine claims she couldn't get by on less space than she has in her current SUV due to the signs and all of the paraphernalia she requires, but I believe that I can fit those items in my rather large trunk just fine.
I believe that it's smart to have a car that runs well, is clean and is, by no means, a clunker. Such a vehicle represents my logical approach without completely abandoning style or fun. My car is no luxury vehicle but it's a hundred times more fun to drive than my mother's Mercedes SUV and, in addition, it's probably quite literally a hundred times cheaper to maintain. ThatBlueTEC and the cost of maintenance on her machine is ridiculous to me and, were she to gift it to me, I would promptly sell it and buy a smarter car.
Thank you to all for your thoughtful replies!