how to pretend / be nice about others' new car?

[javacontour]

As an anecdote, that really means little with nearly a Billion Indians on the planet...

Years ago, I worked with two gentlemen from India. They both had Nissans. One had a Sentra, then we hired the other and he too had a Sentra. The first bought a second car, a Pulsar.

At the time, I had a VW Rabbit diesel and a Beretta GTZ. The VW was my daily beater. Since I owned a VW, I was an expert and the second guy asked me to come along and look at a Jetta he was interested in buying.

Because I owned a VW, I was the expert

Both of them were great guys, I enjoyed working with them. The first even banked blood for me for one of my surgeries in case I needed it when I was going through my cancer treatements and surgeries.

I must not have needed it, as I've not developed a craving for curry, LOL.

 

[kkreit01]

If it's brand new, just say "gotta love that new car smell", and leave it at that.

Based on your "ethnic/model" comparison, I was also thinking Civic, Corolla, Accord, Camry. However, I wouldn't consider those to be appalling. Maybe a Kia Rio? I personally would be happy for anyone who buys any new car -- especially if their old one was a POS.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

I don't get why it's so hard to just make one nice comment? Unless you hate them, it's usually good to play nice with people. You never know if you're going to need their help down the road.

I like the new car smell suggestion.

 

[rjundi]

Congrats! It seems like a great car for you, nice and quiet.

That is what I said when my bro-in law bought a 2006 Corolla Sport used and gave me ride. Bleech and boring to me but he commutes 100 miles/day 3 days per week.

 

[Drew99GT]

I wish I could get back the 3 minutes I wasted reading this thread.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
ok...one of your (not amazingly close) buys a new car, and you are invited to ride in it, and let's say it is absolutely NOT the kind of car you would EVER buy or like in ANY aspect ...


I'd quickly realize what a shallow individual I'd be if I thought that-not to mention if I actually said it. After all it's just a car and it's their choice, not mine. Friendship takes precedence over something as silly as someones choice of a vehicle.


Originally Posted By: 97tbird
..of course the young couple expects compliments and they're NOT the car savvy type - pretty much just buys whatever their friends (also inexperienced) recommend - just want a new car that's all...and waste a LOT of money buying ..let's say, a rather mediocre car...


I'd think that it's their business and decision, not mine. I wouldn't be tempted to stick my nose in where it's not wanted.

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
so let's say you have only critique to offer...but obviously you can't do that, right? ...you shouldn't.


I'd offer a compliment on the new car and go no further. Unless I wanted to look like an immature jerk.


Originally Posted By: 97tbird
I've been ranting to my wife about how stupid this couple's car buying was all day, and she says "pleeeaase don't say anything when we ride with them.."..


If that statement is true you need to really get out more. There is more to life than fretting over someone's automotive purchase. After all, it's their choice, not yours.

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
yeah i guess i should just be nice...


Repeat to yourself "It's just a car and it's none of my business. It's just a car and it's none of my business. It's just a car and it's none of my business." A few hundred times and it might start to sink in.

 

[greenaccord02]

Pop_Rivit is dead on.

I can't believe we're having all this discussion over a silly Chevy Cobalt.