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A car isn't just a mode of transportation — it's an investment, an accessory, if you will. It makes a statement about who you are and can bring you a lot of attention. If you buy the right one, it will definitely pay off in the long run.
In the modern history of mating rituals, hot cars have been a traditional male device for sending signal to the opposite sex about their style, money or power.
In Thursday's Globe Auto, Petrina Gentile turned the tables and selected 10 cars that are guaranteed attention-getters for the women who drive them.
Now, in our online discussion, we invite male and female readers to add their two cents or ask Petrina for advice on what kind of wheels will torque your sex appeal.
Petrina Gentile will take your questions Friday at 12 p.m. ET (GLENN LOWSON FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL)
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Petrina Gentile is an award-winning automotive journalist who writes for The Globe and Mail and produces a weekly television show called Car/Business with Jeremy Cato and Michael Vaughan on CTV and Business News Network. She also has regular appearances on Canada AM and is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Ms. Gentile was online earlier to take your questions on buying a car to attract the one that catches your eye.
Editor's Note: globeandmail.com editors will read and allow or reject each question/comment. Comments/questions may be edited for length or clarity. HTML is not allowed. We will not publish questions/comments that include personal attacks on participants in these discussions, that make false or unsubstantiated allegations, that purport to quote people or reports where the purported quote or fact cannot be easily verified, or questions/comments that include vulgar language or libellous statements. Preference will be given to readers who submit questions/comments using their full name and home town, rather than a pseudonym.
Danielle Boudreau, globeandmail.com writes: Hello Petrina, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today about "Guy magnet" cars. Some men have always been attracted to hot cars for their flashy looks and appeal. Do you think that women have different priorities for car purchases, and are they changing the way they shop for vehicles?
Petrina Gentile: Thanks for inviting me to participate. Traditionally, women tend to look at safety, fuel economy, and price when car shopping. But there are so many options out there nowadays - there's no need to sacrifice style or flashy looks, either -- as you can tell from my top 10 list of guy magnets.
Northern Dancer from outside of toronto Canada writes: what is the perfect babe machine under $30,000 and gets good mileage?
Petrina Gentile: Hi Northern Dancer, Personally, I love the Pontiac Solstice convertible - it's the cheaper version of the Saturn Sky. The Solstice starts at $27,670. It's a sexy little two seater. It takes regular gas and its fuel economy is 10.8L/100 km (city) and 8.3L/100 km (highway) according to Natural Resources Fuel Consumption Guide. I have the brochure next to me -- I figured I'd have a lot of questions about mileage.
Paul Alfonsi from Hamilton Canada writes: Hi Petrina. Great list of cars, unfortunately a few of those are outside my price range. I like the Sky and Boxster. How does the Audi TT convertible compare? Thanks for your comments, Paul.
Petrina Gentile: Hi Paul, The Audi TT convertible is a great little car, too. It's all new for 2008; it's larger and wider than the last version, which means more space inside. Cargo space is respectable for a roadster, too. You'll have enough room to pack a few suitcases for a weekend getaway. I'd go for the base 2.0TFSI trim and skip the options. The optional packages tend to be pricey and push the price up fast. It starts just under 50 grand.
J. Smith from Smithville, ON writes: What do you think of guys who drive cars that might be seen as "chick" cars, such as a VW Beetle, Mini, or Mazda Miata? Do you think less of them, or maybe they're secure enough to drive a car they like the look of, regardless of what others think. And I wonder if colour makes a difference in making these cars less girly?
