God love women--almost anything "works" if the setting is correct.  

My angle is that I have a car so old, the status has disappeared--showing that I am "above" such petty things as conspicuous consumption.  It also shows I am thrifty and can maintain things.  

This strategy helped attract a very sensible mate ;-)

"Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"

That kind of thing works with me. But, then, I'm in the same social class to some degree: I'm okay with some forms of "consumption" but am impressed by someone who doesn't consume in other areas.