If your goal is to get respect, nothing beats a 1970's station wagon, fake wood paneling and all, particularly if it's got numerous dents and other blemishes. A friend of mine in college had such a car. People gave you space! It was truly amazing. Nobody wants to cut off a car that simply just doesn't care. "Honey, did we hit a car on the way home or was that blue scrape always on the bumper?"