Does what we drive affect how we drive? That's the question posed by Quality Planning, an analytics company that works with auto insurers. Quality Planning ranked the vehicles most likely to be ticketed, based on the number of moving violations issued for each 100,000 miles driven. The resulting top ten of the list contains a few predictable entries, but it's not entirely comprised of flashy red sports cars.
| More from CNBC.com • Most Ticketed Cars • Most Collectible BMWs • 2011's Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles |
But before we begin the list of the worst behaved vehicles, a rundown of the good guys. The top five "cautious vehicles," that is, the ones with the lowest percentage of violations, are:
5. Buick Lacrosse sedan
4. Kia Spectra sedan
3. Chevrolet C/K 3500/2500
2. Mazda Tribute SUV
1. Buick Ranier SUV
Eight of the top ten cautious vehicles were SUVs or minivans, indicating drivers with passengers (probably of the younger, biological offspring sort) drive more carefully. Click ahead to see the countdown of the worst offenders -- or as they are termed in the study, "spirited vehicles," with commentary from Marty Padgett of TheCarConnection.com and MotorAuthority.com and additional information and insight provided by Quality Planning.
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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible
Violations: 404%
Average Age: 53
% Male: 41%
Leading the pack as the "most ticketed" vehicle is this expensive and very fast convertible. "The Mercedes-Benz SL is the classic real-housewives' car," says Padgett. "At this pay grade, who worries about getting tickets, anyway? There's always a deep pocket to pay them."
 ©IFCAR |
Toyota Camry-Solara Coupe
Violations: 349%
Average Age: 50
% Male: 39%
Quality Planning reports that its researchers were surprised to see a Camry at No. 2, but they attribute its position to the convertible factor, saying a convertible may attract more aggressive drivers. "The Toyota Camry makes the list probably on the strength of its raw numbers," says Padgett. "It's been the best-selling car in America for most of the past decade -- and surely, lots of them are used every day for high-mileage, high-speed commutes where time is of the essence."
 ©scion.com |
Scion tC Coupe
Violations: 343%
Average Age: 30
% Male: 39%
The Scion TC is aimed at younger drivers, just like its cousin, the XB, only sportier. "The Scion tC is today's pony car, and it has a younger buyer than the more expensive Mustangs and Camaros of today. Younger drivers get more tickets for higher speeds. You do the math."
 ©Scott Olson/Getty Images |
Hummer H2/H3 SUV
Violations: 292%
Average Age: 46
% Male: 73%
The last time CNBC ran a slideshow of most ticketed vehicles, the infamous Hummer topped the list. It's still in the running this year, because as Quality Planning notes, it's popular with men who want to make a statement. "The Hummer H2 simply eclipses other cars on the highway," Padgett says. "It's so large, so distinctive, so in your face, it shows up on the ticket pad practically before it passes the instant-on laser gun. Also, Hummer owners aren't known for their restraint in ... well, in anything."
 ©scion.com |
Scion XB Hatchback
Violations: 270%
Average Age: 37
% Male: 40%
The Scion XB is popular with young drivers, who are typically more likely to take risks, drive fast, and get tickets. "Lots of the fanboys who get their thrills with the JDM (Japanese domestic market) look of the first xB are the same guys who tune them up to Fast and Furious levels," Padgett says.
 ©mbusa.com |
Mercedes-Benz CLS-63 AMG Sedan
Violations: 264%
Average Age: 46
% Male: 58%
Another big and powerful Benz makes the ticketed list. "The Mercedes-Benz CLS just looks gorgeous at speed, so we should applaud those drivers putting it to its highest, best use," says Padgett. "The CLS 63 AMG is the strongest performer in the CLS lineup -- it's the equivalent to BMW's M5 or the Cadillac CTS-V -- so it's no surprise its owners exercise every one of its 507 horsepower whenever they can."
Click here to see the full list of Most Ticketed Cars
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