Dealing with anti-Insight coworker mindsets

[crx_rogus]

Folks -

For a rather odd question, how a persistently negative a reaction have some folks gotten from a significant number of coworkers etc. after getting something as untraditional as an Insight, especially when many coworkers can likely barely afford to keep their existing normal transportation because of lack of work?

My respect for the CRX, for good science and for good aircraft places the Insight front and center (and alone really) in what I consider a worthy successor to the great but excessively rust-prone car type I've been driving seemingly forever.

But pretty much all the folks I work with, good people I like working with, are very much truck and/or (imported) horsepower people. The folks I work with the most consider the Insight a combination of "hideous" and "dog-slow" and "would never drive something that looked like it dropped from outer space" (that last comment came from someone who wishes for a Tacoma hybrid). I think familiarity will help them get used to it, and the end result could significantly advance their vistas regarding what's possible regarding cars vs. gizmo-laden overweight versions of "same thing, different decade". Hidden, status quo -disapproved sincere personal interest could possibly be surprisingly well opened up at the car's appearance. Or, as things generally get worse there anyway after a merger and with the deepening recession, it could just add in a way to folks' irritation levels as they increasingly miss the old status quo.

I'd normally take each jibe as an opportunity to point out the errors in their assumptions in a friendly way, but that could go on long enough to get really annoying for everyone. Folks would eventually accept that "ok, Mr. Science+Aircraft here wants to drive around in a fuselage-shaped lab experiment, whatever, I know he'll still work well however wimpy and alien his transport is, but that old-school Civic was nice (ignoring its rust)... I hope he's not going bonkers".

In short, how many folks have found the sudden presence of their Insight among a forest of very traditional vehicles permanently welcomed somewhat like a healthy immune system welcomes a virus?

(BTW, these folks are all mechanically adept and would respect an Insight's engineering, while possibly making sure to look away as they walk past it in the parking lot and shaking their head at how its owner traded a 1.6L's 8000 rpm full-power redline for a 1L's relatively powerless 6000 rpm redline.)

TIA,
Roger
'86 D16A1-powered very autocross-grade Civic Si (29.4 LMPG over 3 years, minimal highway w/ lots of stop and go), preceded by CRXes.
Saving up for a pref. silver MT Insight (sustainable transport, pref. over massive years)

[bryankwalton]

Don't worry about it. Just politely laugh at their comments -- like you realize they are just giving you a hard time. Let them drive what they want to drive. When somebody genuinely asks how you like the Insight, let them know how much you love it. You may find that all your coworkers need is somebody to break the mold -- it might give somebody else the courage to think outside the box. And if gas in the USA gets really expensive again, they might quit laughing.

-Bryan

[seabag]

Easiest way to explain it to those with grey hair is a practical two seater sports car with performance about like the brit sports cars of their youth, with far better gas milage and engineering. I can carry more stuff in it than I can in the new fashion 4 seat econoboxes like skis and paddles. And for those with real gray hair have a look at the old 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder Saabs which are remarkably similar in size and concept.

[retepsnikrep]

Remember you are laughing all the way to the petrol pump, and are driving the most interesting and economical production car in the US.

[red1dr]

Originally Posted by seabag

Easiest way to explain it to those with grey hair is a practical two seater sports car with performance about like the brit sports cars of their youth, with far better gas milage and engineering. I can carry more stuff in it than I can in the new fashion 4 seat econoboxes like skis and paddles. And for those with real gray hair have a look at the old 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder Saabs which are remarkably similar in size and concept.

Why thank you so much, I understand my Insight much better now.

[E27006]

I had similar reactions from the lumpenproletariat.

But check this, one of the more vociferous characters (its full of batteries, it can' go anywhere) paid £33k for a Volvo cabriolet, 3 years down the line, presenting his immaculate 25,000 mile car to his dealer they offered £8k.

"We can't sell them they use too much petrol".

malcolm

[Roger Crier]

Well, my experience of co-workers is that some like it, some don't, and some just have to say something stupid because they feel they have to.

I work at the design HQ of Land Rover and Jaguar, so most all of the passers by in the car park are either car designers, ( Long pointed Italian shoes, sunglasses perched on top of their heads, even in winter) or Engineers, (Corduroy trousers and a tendency to walk into lampposts while pondering things we wouldn't understand, even if we asked)

The upshot of this is that one of those passers by has gone and bought himself one, so as of last Sunday, there are now two Insights doing sterling service for their tight fisted owners, ensuring the tax man gets short shrift when he reaches out towards our pockets via the petrol pump and the vehicle excise duty!

I can even get to work in the Insight cheaper than the car share option that I use now and again.....

To paraphrase two of our UK comedians, (so this will be lost on most of you) ........."it's "yippee" from me, and "yippee" from him."

[lakedude]

The important thing is what YOU think of the Insight. I drive a Honda Civic Hybrid and have heard my share of silly comments for sure. Some guys evidently view their big ole gas guzzling trucks as "extensions".

Peer pressure is for teenagers not grownups, make your own choices.

[Patrickmilburn]

Nine months ago when gas was over $4 a gallon, those kind of folks weren't laughing at my Insight, they were envious. When fuel prices get that high again and more (they will) you will get the last laugh!

In the meantime, just enjoy driving your Insight. It's nice to stand out from the crowd!

[freezin4]

Originally Posted by lakedude

Peer pressure is for teenagers not grownups, make your own choices.

My exact sentiments!

If you have to worry about "what will the neighbors think?" - don't get one.