# Car-o-scope **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 11, 1999, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963 "1999-09-11T15:18:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rich\_Hall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ebca7d/32.png) [@Rich\_Hall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rich_Hall)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 1999, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/1 "1999-09-11T15:18:00Z")
My good friend listed a topic about things you love/hate about your car. This, however, does not get into the relatioship you have with your car.It gets too technical.I’d like to look at the car in a more holistic way. I need help here. 1. Help me find Car Talk [http://cartalk.cars.com](http://cartalk.cars.com) that does not sem to work 2. Find the Car-o-scope in there 3. Take the test. See how compatible you are with your current car. Then report back here.What car does it say you should be driving, based on your income and lifestyle?And what are actually driving? ---
**Author:** ![Rich\_Hall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ebca7d/32.png) [@Rich\_Hall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rich_Hall)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 1999, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/2 "1999-09-11T15:23:00Z")
The Caroscope: [http://cartalk.cars.com/Survey/Results/Psychographics/](http://cartalk.cars.com/Survey/Results/Psychographics/) It takes 24 hours to process, so get going already! ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/3 "1999-09-12T02:00:00Z")
I tried this several weeks ago while looking up info on my car ('92 Grand Am). It told I wasn’t like most Grand Am owners!! (reminds of the line from Michael Jackson’s Thriller: “I’m not like other boys.”). Actually I’m glad because, DAMMIT!! I’M MY OWN PERSON!! So there, nyah!!! ---
**Author:** ![Louie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Louie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Louie)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/4 "1999-09-12T06:03:00Z")
I took the test right now, and in 24 hours, The Great Car-nack _ugh_ will tell me if my Chevy S10 is perfect for me. He better say it’s perfect for me, I spent too much on it already. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/5 "1999-09-12T07:23:00Z")
I did it, we’ll see what she says. ---
**Author:** ![AuraSeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c2a13f/32.png) [@AuraSeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuraSeer)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/6 "1999-09-12T07:51:00Z")
I did this a few weeks ago. My profile exactly matched that of other VW Jetta owners, except for my frugality score; in that, I matched more closely with Mercedes owners. ---
**Author:** ![EnigmaOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EnigmaOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnigmaOne)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/7 "1999-09-12T09:57:00Z")
Ok, I got the results back… **Roller Blades**!?!?! What’s up with that? * * * – **Kalél** _Common ¢ for all ages…_ “Well, there was that thing with the Cheese-Wiz…but I’m feeling much better now!” – John Astin, Night Court ---
**Author:** ![Ringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/8 "1999-09-12T15:15:00Z")
I did it. It’s funny, but now they’re trying to sell me a VW Eurovan. Regards ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/9 "1999-09-12T16:22:00Z")
Here it is… \*Comparing You to Other Toyota Camry Owners Boy oh boy, Katherine, you picked a vehicle which is just about perfect for you. Congratulations! For example, when compared to other people who own a Toyota Camry, you’re just about the same in terms of your income, your tolerance for taking risks, and status consciousness. But there are some psychographic and/or demographic measures on which you differ from other Toyota Camry owners. For example, you’re a bit too young to be driving this vehicle, and you just don’t care as much about your car as other Toyota Camry owners. Car-O-Scope Makes Suggestions for More Compatible Vehicles Despite the fact that your personality profile pretty much matches that of Toyota Camry owners, Car-O-Scope would like to suggest some alternative vehicles–should you be thinking of making a change. Note: some of these suggestions might surprise you. But try to keep an open mind. It’s quite possible that the car-o-scope has discovered some hidden and/or repressed aspects of your personality. 1. Plymouth Duster 2. Buick Skyhawk 3. Chevrolet Celebrity 4. Volkswagen Beetle 5. Oldsmobile Cutlass So, let’s look at your compatibility profile vis-a-vis the Plymouth Duster. If you dumped that Toyota Camry and got yourself a Plymouth Duster, you’d be a lot happier. For example, you’d be almost perfectly compatible in terms of your gender, your educational level, your tolerance for taking risks, status consciousness, and your grasp of reality. In addition, you’d have pretty good compatibility in terms of your age, how much you really care about your car, and the extent to which you’re a cheapskate. Here’s a little info on these personality characteristics. Read 'em and weep. Risk-taking: your tolerance for taking chances Some people are complete wackos when it comes to taking risks. I have a friend (who shall remain nameless), and when Tony goes on vacation, he immediately starts looking for the bungee-jumping sites. A nut case of the first order. On the other hand, some of us are complete wusses. (Is this how you spell woosses? I’m not sure, but I’m afraid to look it up. Oh, my God, I might be wrong. Oh, my God!) You’re compatible on this score. Status consciousness: I know a few people who will go to any lengths to impress others. ("Oh, yes, I went to Haahvaad.) I love them, don’t you? Neither do I. The kind of people I like to have coffee with are “jamokes.” Are you familiar with this term? No? Well, I guess you didn’t go to Haahvaad, now, did you? Reality check: ``` You have a pretty good sense of what's real and what ain't. You aren't one of those "head in the clouds" types--like some people I know. On the other hand, there are worse places **you're** [sup]<small>(where is that spelling pet peeves thread?)</small>[/sup] head could be--I guess. ``` Here’s a more detailed look at your compatibility scores for the other vehicles on the list. Good luck. And thanks for consulting the Oracle of Car-O-Scope. And don’t drive like my brother.\* Then there were some charts… one of which had me maxed out as a “flake” which I don’t understand, but OH WELL. So I have a car that I like… Not gonna buy an American car anytime soon, and a VW Beetle??? WAAAAY too small. My Toyota Camry is a STATION WAGON and IT is a little too small. * * * **\>^,^\<** “Cluemobile? You’ve got a pickup…” OpalCat’s site: [http://opalcat.com](http://opalcat.com) The Teeming Millions Homepage: [fathom.org/teemingmillions](http://fathom.org/teemingmillions) ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/10 "1999-09-12T16:31:00Z")
I tried it. They said I wouldn’t be happy with my new Saturn. Acutally, I like the car very much and am extremely pleased with it. But they got other things wrong, too. I suspect there were too few questions to truly judge your personality. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/11 "1999-09-12T16:48:00Z")
By the way, in an interesting bit of full-circle-ness, the Car Talk site mentions the Straight Dope: [http://cartalk.cars.com/Contests/Trivia/Questions-Cache/question-19990802.html](http://cartalk.cars.com/Contests/Trivia/Questions-Cache/question-19990802.html) * * * **\>^,^\<** “Cluemobile? You’ve got a pickup…” OpalCat’s site: [http://opalcat.com](http://opalcat.com) The Teeming Millions Homepage: [fathom.org/teemingmillions](http://fathom.org/teemingmillions) ---
**Author:** ![Ringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/12 "1999-09-12T16:57:00Z")
Opal, I, too, maxed out on the flake scale. I didn’t think I’d been _that_ revealing with my responses. Regards ---
**Author:** ![Rich\_Hall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ebca7d/32.png) [@Rich\_Hall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rich_Hall)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/13 "1999-09-12T18:09:00Z")
They said I should save up and trade in my Tercel for a Corolla. I think I may have clicked the wrong income bracket. ---
**Author:** ![sly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@sly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sly)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/14 "1999-09-12T18:39:00Z")
Wonderful. I’m too young, overpaid, undereducated and too snobbish to drive my Grand Cherokee. It recommends a Camaro or a Corvette. Now if only I could convince Mrs. Sly… OpalCat: > [@](#): > > … Not gonna buy an American car anytime soon, What’s _that_ all about? ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/15 "1999-09-12T19:41:00Z")
Heh, heh, heh. Looks like I have the wrong car: > [@](#): > > Boy oh boy, you picked a vehicle that just isn’t quite right for you, although you’re reasonably compatible in terms of your educational level, your income, and your grasp of reality. > > When compared to other people who drive a Chevrolet Cavalier, you’re a bit too young to be driving this vehicle, you just don’t care as much about your car as other Chevrolet Cavalier owners, other Chevrolet Cavalier owners are far more willing to take risks than you are, you’re, well–to be generous–a bit too frugal, and you’re just not enough of a snob. The cars it suggested? 1. Buick Skyhawk 2. Plymouth Duster 3. Ford Aspire 4. Peugeot 505 5. Oldsmobile Cutlass It gave me a nice long spiel for the Duster, too. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/16 "1999-09-12T21:56:00Z")
What do you think it’s about? American cars suck. I realize they’ve gotten better, but even so, Toyotas blow them out of the water, so why would I get one? * * * **\>^,^\<** “Cluemobile? You’ve got a pickup…” OpalCat’s site: [http://opalcat.com](http://opalcat.com) The Teeming Millions Homepage: [fathom.org/teemingmillions](http://fathom.org/teemingmillions) ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 1999, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/17 "1999-09-12T22:44:00Z")
Opal, you know not of what you speak, Chrysler was 3rd, Toyota 7th on the JD power consumer satisfaction list for 1999. Jaguar was #1 if you are wondering, amazing strides since the takover by Ford. Sounds like some snobbery here, I may just lose a touch of respect for you my dear :). Guess what, Lexus is just an overpriced Toyota with worse performance numbers. Damn yuppies, it ain’t the 70’s anymore. At least your not buying Korean. ---
**Author:** ![Poto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ab992/32.png) [@Poto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poto)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 1999, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/18 "1999-09-13T01:02:00Z")
## Rich must me embarrassed about his car-o-scope, that wasn’t much feedback. Here’s parts of mine, the whole thing is quite similar to all the others: Hello, sunbear Here is your official Car-O-Scope, the patented Car Talk assessment of the compatibility between you and your Saturn SL2. As you well know, the degree of compatibility between you and your car is crucial to your happiness and well-being! Driving the right vehicle–i.e., having the correct “carma”–will give you an incredible lightness of being, a constant sensation of euphoria and, possibly, a Rocky Mountain high. On the other hand, the wrong “relationship” can be devastating: a continuous frown, a deep and inexplicable depression, a sense of foreboding. In short, a life of quiet desperation–not to mention an incredible headache, lower back pain and continuous hemorrhoidal flare-ups. So, ready or not, here it is. Comparing You to Other Saturn SL2 Owners Boy oh boy, sunbear, you picked a vehicle that just isn’t quite right for you. You’re compatible with your Saturn SL2 only in terms of your income and your grasp of reality. When compared to other people who drive a Saturn SL2, you’re a bit too old to be driving this vehicle, you just don’t care as much about your car as other Saturn SL2 owners, you’re just too educated to be driving a Saturn SL2, other Saturn SL2 owners are far more willing to take risks than you are, you’re more generous than other owners, and you are a little too much of a snob. OK, so you’re a bit of a wuss–or is it woos?–when it comes to taking chances. So, why are you driving a Saturn SL2? Eh? We agree that there are lots of dangers out there–and you’re perfectly justified in attempting to insulate yourself from them. Car-O-Scope will try to suggest some vehicles that are more in line with your risk-taking profile. Compared to most other Saturn SL2 owners, you certainly aren’t the type who squeezes a nickel to see if the buffalo will cough up a dime. No, not you. Quite the contrary. Let’s face it, you’re far too generous a person to be driving a Saturn SL2. So continue to “cast your bread upon the waters,” and Car-O-Scope will find a vehicle that’s more compatible with your generous nature. Gee, this is interesting. Car-O-Scope has determined that you are a person who is quite concerned with status. Have no fear, Car-O-Scope is here to save you from a life of misery, depression and hemorrhoidal flare-ups. Through a secret and proprietary process (patent pending) the official car-o-scope has determined that your psychographic and demographic profile is far more compatible with the following vehicles: some of these suggestions might surprise you. But try to keep an open mind. It’s quite possible that the car-o-scope has discovered some hidden and/or repressed aspects of your personality. 1. Cadillac Catera 2. Infiniti I30 3. Mercedes Benz 320 4. Infiniti J30 5. Buick Lesabre Those look like old fart cars to me, aren’t they? How come other people my age all need SUVs and I don’t even get a teensy weensy Toyota SUV? I think I was average flaky and a super cheapskate. And generous?Which one is it? ---
**Author:** ![Louie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Louie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Louie)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 1999, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/19 "1999-09-13T01:34:00Z")
Here’s my report. Prepare to laugh at me… > [@](#): > > **Comparing You to Other Chevrolet S10 Owners** > Boy oh boy, Louie, you picked a vehicle that just isn’t quite right for you. You’re compatible with your Chevrolet S10 only in terms of the extent to which you’re a cheapskate. > > When compared to other people who drive a Chevrolet S10, you’re a bit too young to be driving this vehicle, you just don’t care as much about your car as other Chevrolet S10 owners, your educational level is a bit lower than that of other Chevrolet S10 owners, other Chevrolet S10 owners make more money than you, other Chevrolet S10 owners are far more willing to take risks than you are, you are a little too much of a snob, and you are much more objective and logical. > > For your further edification, here’s a little further elucidation on these personality characteristics. > > Other Chevrolet S10 drivers care about their cars much more than you do. Now, don’t get me wrong; this is not necessarily a bad thing. If you don’t care enough, you don’t care enough. Fine. FINE! > > OK, so you’re a bit of a wuss–or is it woos?–when it comes to taking chances. So, why are you driving a Chevrolet S10? Eh? > > We agree that there are lots of dangers out there–and you’re perfectly justified in attempting to insulate yourself from them. Car-O-Scope will try to suggest some vehicles that are more in line with your risk-taking profile. > > Gee, this is interesting. Car-O-Scope has determined that you are a person who is quite concerned with status. And yet, you’re driving a Chevrolet S10. Other Chevrolet S10 drivers just aren’t as much of a snob as you are. We’re going to have to do something about this, now aren’t we? > > Some of us have an overdeveloped left brain, and some have an overdeveloped right brain. And your strength is definitely on the left: logic and objectivity. This is not a bad thing. We do need rocket scientists. But it makes you somewhat incompatible with your Chevrolet S10. Other Chevrolet S10 owners are a bit more “touchy-feely” than you. But you are what you are, so take your pick: Change what you are or get a new car. (That rhymes, doesn’t it? Oops, that’s a right-brain thing. Sorry.) > > **Car-O-Scope Makes Suggestions for More Compatible Vehicles** > Have no fear, Car-O-Scope is here to save you from a life of misery, depression and hemorrhoidal flare-ups. Through a secret and proprietary process (patent pending) the official car-o-scope has determined that your psychographic and demographic profile is far more compatible with the following vehicles: some of these suggestions might surprise you. But try to keep an open mind. It’s quite possible that the car-o-scope has discovered some hidden and/or repressed aspects of your personality. > > 1. Buick Skyhawk > 2. Oldsmobile Cutlass > 3. Buick Roadmaster > 4. Buick Estate Wagon > 5. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme > So, let’s look at your compatibility profile vis-a-vis the Buick Skyhawk. If you dumped that Chevrolet S10 and got yourself a Buick Skyhawk, you’d be a lot happier. > > For example, you’d be almost perfectly compatible in terms of how much you really care about your car and the extent to which you’re a cheapskate. > > In addition, you’d have pretty good compatibility in terms of your age, status consciousness, and your grasp of reality. > > Here’s a little info on these personality characteristics. Read 'em and weep. > > Auto involvement: how much you really care about your car > > As you certainly know, some people don’t care what they drive; a car is just a way to get from here to there and back. (Unless you’re driving a sled, like Tommy. Every time he gets home, he throws his hands in the air and yells, “I made it!” But I digress.) > > For other people, a car is everything. You know the type; if you refer to their “significant other,” they say, “You mean my BMW?” > > Your score for auto involvement is just about the same as other Buick Skyhawk drivers’. > > Cheapness: your degree of–ahem–shall we say “frugality”? > > Your score on the cheapness scale puts you pretty close to the average for Buick Skyhawk drivers. Of course, utter and complete cheapness can be an asset (right!) People who believe this call it “frugality.” But they’re really just hopeless cheapskates. > > Like myself, though, some folks are quite magnanimous. The milk of human kindness oozes from their pores. “Generous to a fault,” one might say. Mightn’t one? (Of course, one might also say, “Too stupid to know any better.” Think whatever makes you feel good.) > > Here’s a more detailed look at your compatibility scores for the other vehicles on the list. > > But don’t delay! Your health, happiness and general well being are at stake here. Don’t drive that Chevrolet S10 for another day. > > It has been an honor and a privilege for Car-O-Scope to serve you in this very important decision. > > And, don’t drive like my brother. Wow, I asked for a compatible car for me and instead I got a tongue-lashing. Oh well. I’ll still stick with my truck. A snobby cheapskate “woos” that has an over-developed left brain, and is not “touchy-feely” --\> Louie ---
**Author:** ![Louie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Louie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Louie)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 1999, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963/20 "1999-09-13T01:38:00Z")
Hey Kat, wanna carpool with me in the utlra cool Buick Skyhawk? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-o-scope/7963.md?page=2)