Diving into the dynamic journey of personal vehicle preferences, we’ve gathered insights from six professionals, including CEOs and automotive experts. They share their transitions from prioritizing economy and style to embracing electric vehicles and sustainability, as well as how life stages and family needs have influenced their choices. From the evolution to branding and EVs to the practical considerations for long road trips, explore the reasons behind their evolving vehicle selections.
- Evolution from Economy to Branding to EVs
- Long-Term Financial Impact of Vehicle Ownership
- From Style to Sustainability
- Family Needs Dictate Vehicle Choice
- Transitioning with Life Stages and Finances
- Fuel Efficiency Over EVs for Road Trips
Evolution from Economy to Branding to EVs
My preferences in personal vehicles have notably shifted over time, reflecting both my personal journey and the evolution of Schmicko, our on-demand car care service. In the early days, pragmatism ruled; I gravitated toward economical and reliable models that promised low maintenance and high efficiency, aligning with the bootstrap mentality of a startup founder.
As Schmicko grew, so did my awareness of branding and the impression vehicles make. I moved toward cars that not only served functional needs but also resonated with Schmicko’s image, embodying a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. Recently, with sustainability becoming increasingly important, my choice has pivoted to electric vehicles (EVs). They not only slash the carbon footprint but also serve as a statement of commitment to leading the market toward cleaner, greener service alternatives.
David Bui
Director & Business Specialist – Automotive & Automations, Schmicko
Long-Term Financial Impact of Vehicle Ownership
Nowadays, I really think about the costs of owning a vehicle. Sometimes, cars that are cheaper to buy end up costing more in the long run. Even if two cars cost about the same to purchase, one could lose value faster or be more expensive to insure and maintain.
In today’s economy, this factor is very important. With rising costs and uncertain economic conditions, it’s crucial to consider a car’s long-term financial impact. Before choosing a car, I make sure to estimate how much it will cost over time, including things like how much its value will depreciate, insurance, maintenance, and fuel.
Rizki Kadir
Automotive Writer & Software Engineer, Our Own Cars
From Style to Sustainability
Over the years, my choice of personal vehicle has shifted from prioritizing style to valuing practicality and sustainability. Initially, a sleek sports car was the dream, reflecting a youthful desire for speed and aesthetics.
However, as environmental awareness grew, so did my preference for eco-friendly options. Transitioning to hybrid and then fully electric vehicles, the focus became reducing my carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency. These changes mirror a deeper understanding of personal responsibility toward environmental conservation.
Josh Steppling
Broker Associate, Treasure Coast Real Estate
Family Needs Dictate Vehicle Choice
When I first started driving, I had an old, used sedan that got me from point A to point B. As I got older and could afford it, I upgraded to a more stylish coupe that was fun to drive.
Now that I have a family, reliability and safety are my top priorities, so we bought a crossover SUV that has the space we need and modern safety features. While the types of vehicles have changed, finding the right fit for my lifestyle has always guided my choices.
Gavin Yi
CEO, Yijin Hardware
Transitioning with Life Stages and Finances
When I first started driving, I chose a small, fuel-efficient sedan that fit my budget as a college student.
As I got older and started a family, safety and roominess became more important, so I upgraded to a midsize SUV. Now, with gas prices soaring, I’ve decided to switch back to a hybrid vehicle that gets great gas mileage while still having the space I need. The reasons behind each change relate to my needs and finances at different stages of life.
Will Li
Hardware Engineer, MOKO Technology
Fuel Efficiency Over EVs for Road Trips
Over the years, my choice of personal vehicle has evolved toward more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly models, primarily due to growing concerns about environmental impact and the desire to save on fuel costs. I’m personally not very interested in EVs or even hybrids, as I don’t think the technology is where it needs to be, and I take a lot of road trips where range would be an issue for me, but I do like buying fuel-efficient vehicles.
John Frigo
Ecommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition
