Most people have a dream car. Like our choice of fashion or home decor, the cars we end up with hint at our personality. A family man with a wife and kids is likelier to drive an SUV than a bachelor in his 20s who would rather be found in a sports car.

Consumer choice and motivation to buy cars and other goods are driven by two major factors: hedonic considerations and practical considerations. Sports cars and convertibles, for example, are based primarily on hedonic factors: shape, price, speed, handling, and prestige. On the other hand, a minivan or medium-sized crossover is based primarily on practical considerations: gas mileage, safety rating, cargo space, and the number of available seats. Do you prioritise safety or prefer cars that excite you when you hear the engine roar? Do you value social status and seek luxury vehicles like those from BMW or Mercedes-Benz? If you like the great outdoors, a Subaru or Jeep might be parked in your garage. These two factors – hedonic and utilitarian considerations – are always present when we make a big purchase, offering a window into our priorities and personality.

HATCHBACKS

Hatchbacks and smaller cars are among the most common vehicles on the road. Their small size is convenient for parking and slipping through traffic jams, and they offer better mileage. Hatchback drivers consider all the above factors, indicating that they are sensible and practical. If you also prefer a hatchback car over others, it means you don’t care about others’ opinions and are content with your life.

You’d rather drive a lowkey yet efficient car than show off an expensive one. The same holds true for your life as well. You spend to buy rather than buying to spend. You are composed, cool-headed, and optimistic. You are also carefree and friendly.

SUV

SUVs are some of the most powerful cars in the world. They are large, take up a lot of parking space, and offer poor mileage. However, SUVs convey power. If you like to drive SUVs, you are self-assured and dominant. You like to be in authority and love to command other people. Your car is another way of showing off your power.

SUVs are also more secure and have better road visibility. If you choose it for that reason, it shows that you don’t like unnecessary risks and are concerned about the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

SPORTS CAR

Sports cars that speed out of your sight moments after starting symbolise an adrenaline junkie driver. If you have a sports car, you love challenges and risks. You like to live your life to the fullest, as if each day is your last.

You are also an extrovert and love meeting new people, attending parties and travelling. You bask in the attention. However, your risk-taking behaviour leaves a bad impression on others. You are considered reckless and even insane by people. But on the contrary, you have natural people skills and are a good leader.

MUSCLE CAR

If you like speed and power but not sleek designs, chances are you drive a muscle car. But unexpectedly, muscle cars are preferred by introverts. If you like muscle cars, chances are you find comfort alone and aren’t a people person. You are reserved and quiet, which sometimes rub people the wrong way. You are perceived as rude, but you are highly supportive and loyal. You also have high levels of creativity.

SEDANS

Sedans are the most sold cars in the world and for a good reason. They are fast, luxurious and spacious. They have a bit of everything and are best suited for professionals. If you like sedans, you are a rational and logical person. You rarely give in to your feelings and remain stoic most of the time. However, in your personal life, especially in relationships, you are caring, kind, and loyal. You are outgoing and extroverted. You also have great leadership and managerial skills, which enable you to succeed quickly in your career.

VINTAGE

If you like and drive vintage cars, you are a rare breed. It indicates your compassion and loyalty. You’d rather maintain and drive a 50-year-old car than buy something modern. You probably aren’t too environmentally conscious but are otherwise quite caring and empathetic. You have a passion for the arts, and your go-to hangout place is probably an art gallery or a museum. You are also easy to work with and have an unconventional outlook on life.

Kehindé Fagbule
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Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.