I was chatting with an old friend yesterday about cars, and we got on the subject of Japanese "luxury" cars. I made the assertion that there were plenty of cars by Nissan (350Z) and Lexus (IS) that I liked, but I just hated the drivers of those cars.

Case in point: yesterday we're in Coronado, walking along the beach. All of a sudden, we hear some honking and a bunch of 'roids-ripped dudes hollering from their car (the equivalent of "whooooo" girls). What were they driving? A 350Z. I've never ever met somebody I liked that has driven a 350Z. There's something about that car that has a high correlation to douchery.

Second case in point: I was dropping my friend off at their hotel yesterday. I followed a Lexus into the drop-off lane. Suddenly, the Lexus decides to start going in reverse without checking who's behind. I had to quickly switch it into reverse to prevent a fender bender. The traffic guy at the circle hastily waves her car forward (she apparently thought she had to park in another lane, which she had passed) and she stops her reverse. (Clearly she wasn't even paying attention behind, cause she caught the traffic guy nearly immediately). She gets out of her car in her "my daddy spoils me" attire, sheepishly waves an apology wave, and goes on her way.

Third case in point: I'm driving back home today after picking up some bowls from West Elm (had some design dollars that were going to expire next week). I'm in the far left-lane of a one-way street when I notice a black Lexus IS in the middle lane. Suddenly, as I'm about to pass the Lexus (dude was driving like 10mph), he suddenly cuts in front when he notices an open parking spot. I slam the brakes and slide left (this is exactly how I got into my first car accident in SD - exact same scenario). The guy (Asian, go figure) looks up, realizes there may be other cars on the road, and sheepishly waves his hand at me. His girlfriend pops up from behind him and kind of has an :o look on her face.

I'm not sure why driving on a one-way street is such a foreign concept to people. If you're looking for parking spots, don't go exploring from the middle lane. And if you are, LOOK BEHIND YOU BEFORE YOU TURN.

It's kind of like that statement: "I'd love Paris if it weren't the Parisians." I'd love certain brands if certain people didn't drive them. That's why I can't stand BMWs (rich snotty high school kids get hand-me-downs from their parents), Nissans (reasons above), and Lexus (reasons above). I haven't formed an opinion on Audi or Mercedes-Benz yet (which is why the A5 remains on the top of my list of "realistic dream cars"). 

Interestingly enough, the people I've known who drive Mazdas are all awesome people (I'm not saying that because I drive one).