One in five men admit to being a car brand snob who would always stretch their budget to get a more prestigious car brand, says a new survey of 2,000 UK drivers.
This 22% compared to 14% of women while 17% of men also said having a flash car impresses their friends, compared to 9% of women.
The Opinium survey, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, for new and second-hand cars, finds that one in three men will also blow their budget for a car that looks good (34% men and 17% women).
Under 34s (53%) are the most likely to go over budget, as well as Londoners (48%), followed by Scotland (27%) and the West Midlands (26%).
Over a third (36%) of men say a car is part of their personal image, compared to 27% of women.
Image is also very important to under 34s, with 57% agreeing with this statement, compared to 22% of over 55s. Drivers in London (55%) are the most likely to agree with this, followed by drivers in the North East (38%).
About 62% of drivers would never buy certain car brands, irrespective of how good the car or deal on offer (66% men v 59% women).
Almost a quarter of drivers (24%) buy a new car rather than a second-hand one to get that ‘new car’ look and feeling (29% men and 19% women). Under 34s (40%) are twice as likely to do this as over 55s (19%).
Over a third (37%) of drivers say they like a car with “a personality, which is a bit different, rather than a popular car that you see a lot of” (41% men and 32% women).
Ben Wooltorton, chief operating officer of InsuretheGap.com said, “People have always used cars to make statements about themselves, whether this is to project wealth or status, or to just signify something quirky about their personality. It is clear from this survey that people want to see themselves reflected in their car and will pay more for this.”