What your car choice says about you

So you need a new car and are trying to figure out which one to get. What if the car chose you instead? Hogwarts sorting hat anybody? Queensland University of Technology and insurance company Allianz teamed up to conduct research to further understand why we choose the cars we do and what the car we own says about our personality.

When purchasing anything, whether that be a t-shirt, a sandwich or even a car, we base our decision on what we want and need, and according to Allianz’s Behavioural Insights Advocate, Associate Professor Peter O’Connor, we make these decisions based on who we are and what we value.

“When purchasing a car, our research demonstrates that consumers with different personality traits choose cars in predictable ways. Our car preferences match who we are, what we value, and how we wish to be viewed by others. Buying a car is a big decision for anyone and it has been fascinating to determine how closely aligned our car choices are with our personality traits.”

Here are eight types of cars and the subsequent behaviours and character types associated with them according to Allianz and Queensland University of Technology. Does your car match your personality?

"You are highly social, influential and have strong opinions. You likely don’t have kids and when it comes to the car you drive, good acceleration, power and speed are very important. You’re not cheap and are willing to pay more for higher performance and prefer convertibles; station wagons are definitely not your first choice. You appreciate a little more control over what goes on in your car and don’t let passengers change the aircon and music, but you do allow pets and singing."

Find your next performance car here on carsales.

"You are motivated, social and full of energy. You most likely have kids and like to keep up with the latest technology. When you are looking for a new car, getting the latest tech is one of your priorities and you’re willing to spend more to get it. You prefer large SUVs and don’t like station wagons."

Find your next technology first car here on carsales.

"You are outgoing, young, probably don’t have kids and prefer to spend your income having fun on the weekend. You prefer a car that can go anywhere and is ideal for recreation and you’d much rather four-wheel drives, large SUVs or utes than sedans. You have no problem with people eating in the car and you don’t mind passengers taking control of the music and aircon."

Find your next recreation vehicle here on carsales.

"You are kind, responsible and getting older. You probably have a couple of kids, love life and when it comes to your car, you want something that is safe, reliable and has a good reputation. You don’t have a preference for manufacturers, but small SUVs are your preferred body-type. You don’t like pets in your car and don’t let people eat or sing but you’re happy to have the windows down."

Find your next car here on carsales.

"You are reliable, enthusiastic and care about others. You can worry sometimes but you’re future-looking and financially smart. When you’re looking for a new car you want something with good value for money, fuel economy and high retained value and don’t care much about the type of car, including body type."

Find your next economical car here on carsales.

"You are a young parent and might not always be as responsible or organised as you’d like to be. When it comes to your car, you like to have all your bases covered for your family’s needs and prefer a larger vehicle with plenty of boot space like a large SUV or four-wheel drive. You definitely don’t mind if people eat in your car and are happy for passengers to sing and control the aircon and music."

Find your next family friendly car here on carsales.

"You are level-headed, creative and dependable. You are getting older and likely have a couple of kids. You don’t care too much about the type of car you drive, aren’t willing to spend big on it and prefer something practical and easy to use. Station wagons are your first choice. You aren’t overly occupied with maintaining your car and might give it a wash and service every now and then."

Find your next car here on carsales.

"You are social, trendsetting, educated and young. The type of car you own is important to you and you’re willing to spend a little more for luxury additions like heated seats. You prefer convertibles and large SUVs and are willing to spend time and money maintaining it."

Find your next luxury car here on carsales.

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