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

[Stanley Rockafeller]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Stanley Rockafeller
i bet it's a mazda 3. Those cars are a total waste of time and money.


Sorry to take this slightly off-topic, but I cannot disagree more.

I drove around in a 2010 Mazda 3 for most of Saturday afternoon, and that car is definitely worth the money. The handling and steering feel is outstanding for an economy car. I still believe that it's the best car that you can buy for under $20k.


I only did this to illustrate how the thread would digress from the original question being asked. Thank you for proving my point

Oh and P.S. i still dont' like the mazda 3

 

[JustinH]

My guess is a Dodge Caliber.

Or another junk dodge product.

An older lady that I know bought a newer Chrysler convertible (sebring or whatever).

I know that car is a piece of junk, and she paid too much. But I said, wow its great that you have a convertible. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: deven

Let me guess, ethnic background: Indian? Gots to be a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.

Or Civic vs Corolla.

 

[JimPghPA]

I guess Kia.

Yugo is no longer made or I would say Yugo.

JimPghPa

 

[Audi Junkie]

If they wanted critical input, they would have asked before they bought. You have to give a positive response, no matter what.

I've been there a thousand times and now basicly I just lead by example.

 

[rshunter]

Originally Posted By: Jeff3126
A friend of mine bought a new VW and was bragging about the "german engineering". Haha, yeah buddy made in mexico.

What does the location of the assembly plant have to do with where a product was designed and engineered? There are countless products designed and engineered in the good ol' US of A that are made in China. Then you've got all those wonderful Japanese electronics that have never know "the land of the rising sun". Not to mention all those fabulous "American" cars that come from "down Mexico way"...

Unless your buddy was actually bragging about his "German built" Jetta, he was right. I guess the last laugh is his.

 

[Jeff3126]

Come on, VW braggs about the German engineering qualities of their vehicles, but don't you think its ironic that they build some in Mexico? The Ford Fusion is a fine example of a Mexican manufactured car.

 

[javacontour]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: javacontour
Why not just comment on how happy they seem with the car and that you wish them best with it?
Don't comment on the car, comment on them and wish them well.


i will do that of course, in fact i have ALREADY done THAT ("i am happy for you/congrats" part), when the guy called me;

BUT, they WILL ask about the CAR too, 'cause I have a reputation sort of, to "know" about cars and stuff, as I have often discussed or offered advice in the past about oil changes and simple car-stuff.
so it's kinda difficult not to comment on the car.


So are there any good points?

Fuel Economy
Safety
Good Reviews
Comfortable Interior


You don't have to like it to mention good aspects of the car.

I.E. You could say something like, "I've read some good reviews of that car, the engine/handling/whatever is very well done/reliable, etc.

There are all sorts of ways to say something good about the car without saying it's not your cup of tea.

You could say things like, "I can understand why you chose this car, it has a great __________."

 

[CivicFan]

Who cares. Just say - nice car and be done with it.

 

[opus1]

1) "Nice Car".

When pressed for more.....

2) "I don't really follow [brand-x] cars so I can't really say anything of value.".

Usually works for me.

 

[Kestas]

I find it hard to believe that someone can't be pleasant and find something nice to say about someone's pride and joy.

How would you respond if a child showed off their refrigerator artwork, fishing for compliments? Would you feel compelled to criticize?

 

[benjamming]

Kestas,

I believe the analogy with a child is much different. A child drawing something & adults showing off a shiny new trinket are quite different IMHO.

Adult friends should be able to take & understand that we aren't going to agree on everything. I would agree that I find it to be surprising that one finds it difficult to be pleasant for a short period of time w/o being lying (read: being deceptive) or stroking someones ego. Now, if they want to go into detail, I speak my entire thoughts b/c that is what they asked for. It sounds like they are just wanting to show off. I'm not much into that.

Are they friends or acquaintances?

 

[97tbird]

they're acquaintances.

I can be pleasant and can find (have already found, with your guidance)nice things to say about it.
I just wanted to be convincing about my remarks, and not show the (-) feelings I have about the car.

It's possible that I have over analyzed this situation, that's one of my weaknesses. it doesn't mean i am an arse who's always grumpy

Yeah the analogy with the kid showing drawings is quite different - these are adults, and it's an adult topic (cars)

 

[CivicFan]

Dude, you beam about the lenses on your car after you cleaned them up. Why can't you see that others may have similar excitement when buying a car?

 

[97tbird]

I have nothing against their excitement, and I see it very well - my question was about something totally different.

Read Gary Allan's post (#1683558) - he summed it up very well what my "problem" is.

 

[Win]

Good grief.

Just tell them you like their car and are very happy for them.

This is hardly the stuff of drama.

 

[Gary Allan]

If you're taller than the couple by a bit ..just use a convenient lie.

"I would get one myself, but as you can see I'm not cut out for it".

"If not for my phobic-like need for (fill in the blank) this would have been on my list".

 

[01rangerxl]

Just be nice about it. You can find something positive about almost any car. At least just congratulate them on the purchase and say it looks nice.

I'm completely honest with a few people. My dad is well aware of the fact that I think his Civic Hybrid is a piece of [censored]. My friends and I will often talk trash about each others vehicles. That's fine to do with certain people, but if you don't think they can take that kind of criticism, it's probably best to just bite your tongue.

 

[Papa Bear]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
thanks - [censored] this is gonna be hard. but will try my best to fake it and be nice..

and sorry to disappoint, but I am not going to disclose the car they bought - it will start a war

(because it's not an unpopular car by any means)...

guess if you guys want but i won't confirm

Well .... you could say:
"Wow !! Are you ever smart ....

I should have got a '97 Tbird instead of this Honda Accord.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: deven
Let me guess, ethnic background: Indian? Gots to be a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.



I was thinking the same thing. Or a Nissan product.

I work with lots of people from India; perhaps 75% of them drive Nissans.

As it was explained to me a few years ago: "I looked at the Toyota, and really liked it and felt it was the better car, but I bought the Nissan because it was cheaper".