--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Buying a car used to be an experience so…" description: "\"Buying a car used to be an experience so soul-scorching, so confidence-splattering, so existentially rattling that an entire car company was based on t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffa/susan-orlean-2207_business_buying-a-car-used-to-be-an-experience-so_314860.png" --- # Buying a car used to be an experience so soul-scorching… ![“Buying a car used to be an experience so soul-scorching, so confidence-splattering, so existentially rattling that an entire car company was based on the promise that you wouldn't have to come in contact with it.” quote by Susan Orlean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffa/susan-orlean-2207_business_buying-a-car-used-to-be-an-experience-so_314860.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffa/susan-orlean-2207_business_buying-a-car-used-to-be-an-experience-so_314860.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffa/susan-orlean-2207_business_buying-a-car-used-to-be-an-experience-so_314860.png) > “Buying a car used to be an experience so soul-scorching, so confidence-splattering, so existentially rattling that an entire car company was based on the promise that you wouldn't have to come in contact with it.” [Susan Orlean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-orlean/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote critiques how car ownership feels overwhelming and alienating, prompting companies to promise a hassle‑free experience. **In simple terms:** Cars feel intimidating; companies promise ease. Key Takeaway Seek reliable, low‑stress transportation. Themes consumer anxiety trust technology design autonomy Mood frustrated hopeful critical Type observational commentary cautionary When to use this quote - buying a car - choosing a rental - evaluating rideshare options - dealing with car repairs Key Concepts marketing psychology urban mobility Questions to Reflect On - How does marketing shape your perception of car ownership? - What alternatives reduce the stress of personal transport? A Different Perspective The promise may mask hidden costs or reduced control over the vehicle. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Buying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buying/) [Buying a car](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buying-a-car/) [Company](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/company/) [Promise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/promise/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) ## Related quotes > [With Zipcar, consumers avoid the upfront cost of buying a car, not to mention gas, insurance, and repairs. Plus, they reduce the number of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynn-jurich/with-zipcar-consumers-avoid-the-upfront-cost-of-buying-a-car-not-to/) [Lynn Jurich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynn-jurich/) > [Every time we decide for something, we lose something else. Buying a car is a great example. A lot of people not only read…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/renata-salecl/every-time-we-decide-for-something-we-lose-something-else-buying-a/) [Renata Salecl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/renata-salecl/) > [Consumers may put off buying a car, but they don't put off buying a vacation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dara-khosrowshahi/consumers-may-put-off-buying-a-car-but-they-don-t-put-off-buying-a/) [Dara Khosrowshahi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dara-khosrowshahi/) > [Congratulations on buying a car that will go 0-60 in 5 seconds whether you want it to or not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/congratulations-on-buying-a-car-that-will-go-0-60-in-5-seconds/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm not just buying a car... I'm buying a lifestyle!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynn-johnston/i-m-not-just-buying-a-car-i-m-buying-a-lifestyle/) [Lynn Johnston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynn-johnston/) > [ The money it would cost to buy another car could be \[used to\] build two schools. So it's an easy choice that makes me… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angelina-jolie/the-money-it-would-cost-to-buy-another-car-could-be-used-to-build-two/) [Angelina Jolie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angelina-jolie/) > [I saw my ex car, firstly I was sad but what makes me strong is I saw his new car more cheaper than the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/novelle/i-saw-my-ex-car-firstly-i-was-sad-but-what-makes-me-strong-is-i-saw/) Novelle > [You don't want to be the only car company. 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How do I get cars to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-mollenkopf/every-major-car-company-is-trying-to-figure-out-how-do-i-deploy-the/) [Steve Mollenkopf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-mollenkopf/) > [“When I counsel people who have been following God’s principles and have reached a point at which they can afford to drive any car…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/celso-cukierkorn/when-i-counsel-people-who-have-been-following-god-s-principles-and/) [Celso Cukierkorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/celso-cukierkorn/) ## More by Susan Orlean > [I've used Twitter now and again to try to figure something out; it's an amazing resource. 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