What kinda car you in? :P

[random1234]

I was just wondering what psych attendings drive...the stereotype is that surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical subspecialists like to drive fast, outrageously expensive cars and that pediatricians drive old, cheap cars and IM docs, well probably depends on what sort of complex they have

What about psych attendings?

Maybe something in the newer range but reasonable (Toyota, etc)? Or maybe more upper range (Infiniti/Audi)...??

Also, as an optional aside, how comfortable are you with your salary?

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[OldPsychDoc]

Chev Equinox ('05, 120K, and paid for)--more vehicle for the $ than a comparable CRV or RAV4, and handy in the winter.
Mrs. PsychDoc drives (what else) a Honda Odyssey--also >5 yrs old and paid for.

Looking around the docs' parking lot here I see Priuses, Escapes, more Hondas and Toyotas than BMWs or Audis--but a couple of those. And of course, Volvos with bike racks...

Comfy...yeah. Though less so with LittleMissPsychDoc's college tuition bill due soon.

 

[freemontie]

Hondas and Toyotas is what one would expect.

And confirmed (Psychiatrists lifestyle report, Medscape):

But then again I'm pretty sure honda/toyota is the most popular make for any profession, except maybe hollywood types or sports figures.

 

[MacDonaldTriad]

By far the mode vehicle in our department is the Prius, Priusi, Priuses, Prion... What is the plural of Prius anyway? I guess we are all afraid of having someone interpret our need to compensate for something with a Vet.

 

[Frazier]

For my future reference, as a MS2 (interested in becoming a psychiatrist), I'd like to find myself driving:

or

Present reality:

 

[erg923]

Jeep. Anything more is just "for show"

 

[Hospital Dwelling Nomad]

One of my attendings drives an old car with the paint falling off from sun damage. I think it's because psych attendings know happiness doesn't come from an expensive car (knowing her, this is true). My other attendings drive much nicer cars, but frankly most of us don't care. I like that about the people I work with.

 

[slappy]

I drive a fast, rear-wheel drive BMW as a resident!

And I enjoy it!

Everything is possible in psych!

 

[erg923]

I drive a fast, rear-wheel drive BMW as a resident!

And I enjoy it!

Everything is possible in psych!

USA, USA, USA!

 

[mgdsh]

Probably far from the norm but I'm a psychiatrist and absolutely love cars. Have loved cars since I was 3? 4? 5? years old.

Interesting to read judgments like "anything more is just for show" as if people should all have the same interests and tastes.

 

[erg923]

Probably far from the norm but I'm a psychiatrist and absolutely love cars. Have loved cars since I was 3? 4? 5? years old.

Interesting to read judgments like "anything more is just for show" as if people should all have the same interests and tastes.

Easy tiger. This may come as a shock to you, but not all internet forum posts are serious.

 

[wolfvgang22]

Drove my thrifty 4-banger commuter all through med school, residency, and fellowship. Put over 205,000 miles on the odometer. Awesome vehicle in the snow:

Still have it.

Restored this V12 Jag XJS on weekends in residency:

It was fun to work on, and fast, though thirsty. Contained lots beautiful walnut interior, and had a dodgy electrical system. Learned a great deal from this car. Sold it on to another enthusiast.

Just picked up a Mustang GT Premium, with Track Pack:

.
Most horsepower for the money. About to put a GT500 axleback exhaust, CAI, and tune.

I'd like to have a Tesla if it becomes feasible at some point.

 

[TexasPhysician]

My opinion is that Lexus and Acura make the best vehicles for long-term use. They don't require as many repairs, and they hold up for 150k+ miles while still retaining the luxury feel inside and out.

I'm too big to fit in a Prius.

Wolfvgang22 - how'd you learn to fix cars? I'd like to learn, but I literally know nothing about them.

 

[freemontie]

I too find the cars people choose interesting. I thought this was interesting: Best Selling Cars in America's Wealthiest Zip Codes

Looks like Mercedes E-class is the single most popular among the very wealthy. But plenty of non-luxury cars. Interesting how residents of Chicago's wealthiest zip code have no luxury cars in their top choices.

 

[slappy]

That's a beautiful car. Love the wheels.

My opinion is that Lexus and Acura make the best vehicles for long-term use. They don't require as many repairs, and they hold up for 150k+ miles while still retaining the luxury feel inside and out.

Most Japanese cars are. Lexus is the luxury wing of Toyota. Acura is the luxury wing of Honda. Infiniti is the luxury wing of Nissan.

Wolfvgang22 - how'd you learn to fix cars? I'd like to learn, but I literally know nothing about them.

You could buy an old Beetle for next to nothing, and invest $20 on this classic: http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101

That could be a good way to do it if you don't have a mechanic friend to teach you, or an evening college you can attend for this. That book is simply amazing. Expect to invest a lot of time (and some money sourcing parts), however.

 

[wolfvgang22]

My opinion is that Lexus and Acura make the best vehicles for long-term use. They don't require as many repairs, and they hold up for 150k+ miles while still retaining the luxury feel inside and out.

I'm too big to fit in a Prius.

Wolfvgang22 - how'd you learn to fix cars? I'd like to learn, but I literally know nothing about them.

Dude, if you can learn medicine, you can learn anything. The internet is a vast textbook beckoning the renaissance man (or woman) in each of us.
I also admire the durability and comfort of Lexus.

I don't have enough bumper stickers for a Prius yet.

 

[whopper]

Prius, but no bumper stickers. Those things supposedly last forever. Mine has 145K miles. I'm thinking of keeping it till 300K.

 

[slappy]

So the owner of the car likes dogs?

 

[novopsych]

1979 Camaro Berlinetta. Call her Bernie. She rides sweet.

 

[Ceke2002]

If I was a Psychiatrist, and if I actually drove a car, this would be my absolute dream machine.

Citroen DS, oh how I do love these cars.

 

[Shikima]

Pontiac and Buick - '07 and '09 - paid for. No reason to incur any more debt.

 

[Zenman1]

Jeep. Anything more is just "for show"

I'm not an attending but I do attend to patients. I second the Jeep. Mine is a 2013 Jeep Wrangler 2dr 10th Anniversary Anvil color with bordello red seats and the only one in Kansas. We also don't call Jeeps "cars" btw. Nothing beats being able to lower the top, take the doors off, and run nekked. In view of my personality I have "Grouchy Old Bastard" on the back window which might explain why I never get tailgated nor does anyone honk at me. Life is good. Tomorrow I'll be flying the American flag from my rollbar and trying to run over any terrorists I come across.

 

[jakeislove]

One of my Attendings buys new every 2. He loves cars.

I'm not really into cars and driving is purely a functional. Current vehicle is a 19 year old Jeep Cherokee with 120K+ Miles.

I wont even keep a vehicle if matched downstate.

 

[clusterF]

A Ford Prefect

 

[psych md jd]

A little red Corvette and a silver Lexus IS250, soon to be updated to an ES350.

 

[klake3]

Ha. If I was willing to suffer through a surgery residency, the least I'd do for myself is try to buy a nice ass car. My (non MD) father hated his job and derived pretty much all satisfaction from material purchases like cars.

 

[F0nzie]

2012 Challenger RT. I will probably keep my car until I die since I only have a 1 mile commute to the office. I park in a secret area because I feel a bit embarassed.

 

[TexasPhysician]

2012 Challenger RT. I will probably keep my car until I die since I only have a 1 mile commute to the office. I park in a secret area because I feel a bit embarassed.

You mean a 1 mile walk right.

 

[F0nzie]

You mean a 1 mile walk right.

Yea right man

 

[jettavr6]

For those in private practice, you need a car at a price point where you can write off part or all of your lease. Furthermore, you need reliable service as "down time" is the kiss of death in private practice. Whoever is interested, BMW takes the prize with a 4 year/48,000 mile warranty, all service appointments included. You take the car in, they give you a like model loaner, and you bring it back when the car is ready. If it weren't for the hassle free service issue that BMW provides, I'd be perfectly happy with the smaller version Toyota Prius.

 

[Ibid]

Restored this V12 Jag XJS on weekends in residency:

It was fun to work on, and fast, though thirsty. Contained lots beautiful walnut interior, and had a dodgy electrical system. Learned a great deal from this car. Sold it on to another enthusiast.

Lovely..... timeless....

 

[Shikima]

I still wonder if I need to change it up... drive up in a harley with a leather cut. Long hair with a scraggly beard.

 

[Mapplicant]

I'm a car enthusiast, as another few posters have mentioned. So here is my small sample size from the top of my head.

Attending cars:
current gen Toyota Camry x2
late gen Honda Accord
current gen Subaru Outback wagon
mid 2000s Subaru Legacy GT wagon
1990s Toyota Sienna minivan
Toyota Rav4 x2
late gen Toyota Sienna minivan
Chevy Malibu
BMW X5

Resident cars:
Honda accord x4
06 Acura TL (me)
Honda Fit
Chrysler Pacifica
Toyota Camry x3
Ford Taurus
Toyota Corolla
Hyundai Elantra
Ford Fusion

I also occasionally see an Audi S5 in our parking lot as well. And there was a rumor that a former attending drove a Porsche Panamera but that is unconfirmed.

Family medicine chair drives a late gen Benz.

A FM resident rides around in a Honda Interceptor (very nice bike I must say)

There is an IM doc that drives a Nissan LEAF, which is pretty neat.

I drive a fast, rear-wheel drive BMW as a resident!

And I enjoy it!

Everything is possible in psych!

There is a black E46 M3 with the plates "ORTHO" at my hospital. Not surprising. hehe

I'm a car enthusiast so I'd like to get some fun cars as part of my enjoyment, and I can see how others wouldn't care at all and just want to get themselves from Point A to Point B. I don't want to just get the latest and the greatest. Here are my list of some dream cars to own:

Affordable on attending income:
2nd gen Ford Taurus SHO
first gen Acura NSX (with the pop up headlights)
The Terminator (03/04 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra)

Splurge, collector/more rare items:
GMC Typhoon (or Syclone)
1st gen Honda Accord
1987 Buick GNX
1959/1960 Cadillac El Dorado
1st gen Dodge Charger (heavily modded)

If I won the lottery:
an original Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33, R34)
later gen Dodge Viper
Lamborghini Diablo

If Bill Gates and Warren Buffett decides to make me a billionaire:
McLaren F1
Koenigsegg CCX

 

[Serous Demilune]

One of my Attendings buys new every 2. He loves cars.

I'm not really into cars and driving is purely a functional. Current vehicle is a 19 year old Jeep Cherokee with 120K+ Miles.

I wont even keep a vehicle if matched downstate.

Inpatient psych at Downstate. Now that's a scary thought.

 

[jakeislove]

Inpatient psych at Downstate. Now that's a scary thought.

I'd take it over another specialty or not matching.

Neighborhood can get a little rough, though.

 

[TexasPhysician]

I may go for a gmc syclone as well. Too unique not to one day.

 

[st2205]

1999 Toyota Corolla. I think about 150k miles. Pretty beat up. I will drive that thing into the ground. Family vehicle a 2009 Honda Odyssey. Will also drive into ground.

 

[Mapplicant]

I may go for a gmc syclone as well. Too unique not to one day.

Yup. I love the unique/rare cars that are quicker than what it looks.

Too often, when people think or claim they are "car lover" or "car enthusiast" they really mean "the whatever is the latest Ferrari/Lamborghini model lover/enthusiast."

Both Jay Leno and Ralph Lauren own a McLaren F1, but only Jay Leno is a car enthusiast.

1999 Toyota Corolla. I think about 150k miles. Pretty beat up. I will drive that thing into the ground. Family vehicle a 2009 Honda Odyssey. Will also drive into ground.

Wow that is low low miles for a Corolla. Should be good for another 10 years if you do the maintenance.

I bought my 1995 Honda Accord when I was in sophomore year in high school and I still drive it as a PGY-2 resident 12-ish years later. The timing belt broke recently at around 268k miles so got that replaced and its still running alright but figured it was time to get another car so got the 06 Acura TL just couple days ago and it should last for at least another 10+ years.

 

[slappy]

Life's too short to drive shoddy cars.

 

[vistaril]

I drive an audi s4. I like it.

 

[Ibid]

I'm a car enthusiast, as another few posters have mentioned. So here is my small sample size from the top of my head.
Lamborghini Diablo

You will want to win the lottery twice if you get a Diablo...... you will get about .5 miles between breakdowns that will run you 10K a go. And if you really want to go further than the local shop you will need a trailer to pull a spare car on...... if you can get it off the drive way with out it overheating that is....

imo the 3200 gt is the way to go for non lottery winners..... the last of the proper masserati with a Ferrari V8 at an reasonable price...... imo these will only rise in price from now on.... (you can't get the boomerang brake lights in the US as far as I know but if you sneak one past customs then I reckon you will be quids in....)

 

[mgdsh]

Maserati makes some beautiful cars and if there's anything better sounding than a naturally aspirated Ferrari V8, I'm yet to hear it. I had a 2013 GranTurismo Sport. Loved it, but it was time for a replacement aka upgrade Should be here in a few weeks

 

[erg923]

My question is, how do people tote children (and child's soccer teammates) around in some of these go-carts?!

 

[Ibid]

My question is, how do people tote children (and child's soccer teammates) around in some of these go-carts?!

This is why boarding school is such a wonderful idea....

 

[microshar88]

Life's too short to drive shoddy cars.

5 series? looks really nice, especially in black.

I honestly think that I'd like to have something around the $50K price point, your money's worth with E class or 5 series.

7 series looks too similar to 5 series and I can't justify shelling out another $25K for it

 

[vistaril]

My question is, how do people tote children (and child's soccer teammates) around in some of these go-carts?!

you buy your wife a minivan or SUV to tote them around in that.

 

[erg923]

you buy your wife a minivan or SUV to tote them around in that.

Well, I wanna go the games too. No sense is driving two cars...

Plus, I ref games.

 

[Jester25]

I drive an audi s4. I like it.

That's a sweet ride.

 

[Zenman1]

There are no words…

 

[mgdsh]

With a lot of German luxury cars it can make sense to buy used. There are quite a few people who drive those cars for a year or 2, keep them in great condition and move on to the next. Can save you a ton of $$