1 in 10 Irish Adults Are “Car Snobs” when Dating, with 18–24 Year Olds Being the Biggest Snobs
More than 1 in 2 Women Say a Potential Partner Needs Wheels
Friday 3 December 2024, Dublin: 1 in 10 Irish adults have admitted to being a “car snob” when it comes to the dating game, with this number rising to almost 2 in 10 people aged 18-24.
A survey conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) asked 1,000 adults across the country whether they have or would judge a potential love interest based on the type of car they drive. While many claimed to be relaxed about their love interest’s vehicle choices, the findings show significant differences across genders and age groups when it comes to cars and compatibility.
Highlights from the Aviva survey include:
- 55% of female respondents say that a potential partner needs to have “wheels”
- However, 61% of men and those aged 55 and older say they “couldn’t care less” whether a partner owns a car or not
- Meanwhile, younger adults (18–24) are twice as likely to be car snobs compared to older respondents (55+), reflecting changing attitudes across generations.
This survey reveals the unique role cars play in our lives— for some, it’s simply a means of getting from A to B, but an important and necessary one. But for others, it’s a reflection of personality and lifestyle. It’s fascinating to see how attitudes vary by age and gender, with some prioritising practicality over prestige when it comes to cars and relationships.
Julie Frazer, Underwriting & Product Lead, Aviva commented on the findings
“An interesting observation was that although the youngest age cohort of respondents (18-24) were most likely to be “car snobs”, their peers just a few years ahead were least likely to be. Just 5% of 25–34-year-olds said they care about the type of car a potential partner drives. This is often the time of life when people meet the person they are going to “settle down with. This shows how quickly priorities can change—what seems important at 18 might just not matter as much just a few years later, especially when people start focusing on building a future together,” concluded Julie Frazer.