I think it is somewhat market-specific;  when I was in a market where it mattered a lot, I drove a BMW. When I moved to an area where you were viewed with suspicion if you drove a BMW, LOL,  I switched to a SUV.  NOT because of what anyone thought, but because it made more sense for the terrain.  At any rate, yes, some people will - I have had people say "you must know what you are doing, you have this great car" but I have never had anyone refuse to do business with me because of my car.  I do think it matters more in some socio economic groups than others, though. Whatever you drive, whatever you wear, be yourself and let the chips fall where they may. 

Not really. Only if you wish to impress oversea investors with your 2 month tardy (payment) imports you will be the minority.

Around here hybird or electric are popular. Nothing fancy,

I drive a Civic and I go on appointment with a Honda SUV. Both newer and clean.

We have 750,000 and 60 folks are millionaires or billionaries locally. Many drive gas efficient vehicles. 

Around here people are not impressed by the type or brand of the vehicle you drive.  A pickup or a middle of the road vehicle is the mode around here.

I'm over that a long time ago. I'm not buying a car to impress someone. I want them to be impressed with the results and money I helped them to save/earn.

It should be the right car for your demographic, if you are selling highend properties you better be driving up in a highend car. No one wants to see their new agent driving up in a 1994 Ford Explorer, just makes you question how well they have done in the past and how well they will do in the future.

Absolutely they do-at least here in South Florida where the first impression goes a long way!

Yes.

Sometimes they base their judgments on the shades you sport and the hat you sprout. The critters in your arms and the length of one's hair. The height of a person, weight, color of skin and language nuances.

Judgements are made in seconds with whatever is at hand.

So, what's new?

I think you are judged by the value you bring, and not the car you drive.  If it is clean and the air conditioner works that is more important.

Years ago my mother said she would not buy insurance from a specific agent because he had a Rolex.  Agent said "would I be a better agent if I wore a Timex"?

We recently wrote a blog about this actually! I feel that it can have an impact on how you present yourself. 

http://actvra.in/4CVw

I've seen agents drive expensive vehicles and modest vehicles. Doesn't matter what you drive as long as it's clean and you are clean and professional. I don't drive a expensive vehicle but rather tell my clients I invest in marketing and items that help them sell or buy - to achieve their goals. That always wins over a high end vehicle.

I don't know but if asked I would tell people I own my own car and have no mortgage on my house ! 

I should hope not and I don't believe anyone ever has. (Of course, if they did I probably didn't know, then tant pis, as the French would say!)

They shouldn't, but many probably do.

Some do, but that is just the type of people we deal with daily. You are not going to change perceptions.

Bob Publicover I think the dress for success code has gone out of the real estate business. Same goes for vehicles.

No

They do in my market!  Its Mo town baby.  Living in or by the "D" your ride better be sweet. (You may not know but Oakland County is of the richest counties in America.)  We forgive you for not driving a high end American car if you drive a high end European car.  But NO ONE  in the top tier  here drives Japanese unless its a Honda S 2000, and thats just to race on Woodward. ( M 1)

I think some people do, but I haven't seen it very much. I'm a loyal Subaru owner and I will stay that way no matter what a client thinks. 

Bob,

Some will and some wont..  It depends where you are selling. A

I am sure some of them do...But then those people judge everyone comparing them to themselves.

I would not like to have that as a criteria for choosing what I want to drive but it happens. Can a 1970 Buick Electra 225 be bad for business?

YES, but probably more by the condition and cleansiness of the car.

Bob Publicover I don't think it matters for my clients.....they are referrals and perhaps know me long before we get into business relationships.

Though for high-end market, this may be true!

Can't afford TESLA now....

Some do, some don't. Depends on individual clients, I believe. It does need to be clean, though. Having said that, I'd hate to show up in a clunker at a luxury home.

I have often thought aboutn but not everyone will like your car for one reason or another.  Is success based on a status car (i.e., BMW, Mercedes, etc,) ?  It is your car and if you are happy with it, that is all that matters!

Probably no different than any other industry.  However, presentation skills and first impression of how you present yourself are more important.  The car doesn't sell the home.  

Bob..I can tell you that Realtors have made many comments on Mortgage guys. I can remember on more that one occasion a Realtor saying" I will never use him for my mortgage,see what he drives." I will also tell you is it depends on your buyers and the community you "farm". Some buyers feel if you drive a "High end" car you are successful,but some people feel intimidated. As the saying goes. you should look successfulto be successful.

Sadly people do judge you based on what you drive, I've seen it happen tons of times. I don't care my service would do better compard to most people driving a fancy car, their loss!

Sure, some do.

Some might. I found that more prospects related well to my Honda Accord than to my Mercedes.