Nine out of ten men believe an expensive car makes them more attractive

89 per cent of UK men believe a flashy car helps them score, putting this in the top two ways to impress a lady, according to a new survey.

Conversely, only 41 per cent of women agree.

The survey by motor finance site Carfinance247 also found that women tend to view men with flash cars as untrustworthy and that a more ‘conventional’ car was a reflection of greater commitment when it comes to a relationship or marriage.

When asked what attracts them the most, the top three female answers were looks, sense of humour and ‘being a gentleman’.

When men were asked the same question they think their looks, the car they drive and sense of humour help boost their chances with the opposite sex.

The findings match Carfinance247’s analysis of how much men spend on their motors versus women’s outlay.

On average men splash more cash when they buy a used car, spending almost £1000 more than their female counterparts. Men are also taking out a higher amount of finance to enable their purchase and putting less deposit down.

Psychologists also seem to think women’s perception of men with high-end motors is justified. Sue McGarvie, a clinical sex and relationship therapist, says “Your car, like your clothes, is a reflection of you.” But she warns men about trying too hard. “Women like cool cars, but as long as it’s not in our face.”

Age and the profile of a car also comes into play. To women over 30, if you see a 25 year old guy in a Lamborghini “you think player, dangerous and maybe fun for a night”, she says, “most women would rather have somebody who doesn’t have to try so hard, at least if you’re an adult.”

Regardless of the age, make and model of a vehicle it’s important to keep the vehicle clean say the experts.

Another study to test the theory of men and their motors, revealed the men who were just interested in short-term relationships had an eye for expensive treats. They were the ones driving the bright-coloured sports car.

Men’s tendency to ogle women while driving was a further demonstration of men’s in-car confidence. The survey by Carfinance247 found that 82 per cent of men admitted that they “check out a female while in their car” at least once a day.

86 per cent of women also claimed to allow their eye to wander when behind the wheel at least once a day too though, checking out guys and their motors.

Amy Smith from Carfinance247.co.uk, comments: “Men may feel that a flashy car makes them more attractive but when you ask women it’s really not that important.

“Of course, women like the idea of being taken on dates in a nice motor but are cautious of flashy fellas if they’re looking for more than a few nights out.

“Cars are undoubtedly a status symbol, which is why we all like to splash out and maybe push ourselves to afford a little bit more than we’d hoped to spend – let’s just hope it’s for the right reasons!”