I'll bite. This is my two cents from a real-life real estate agent's experience...
I was a newly licensed agent riding around in my '03 Nissan Altima. I had just sold my "fancy" Chrysler 300 because it was pretty much a turd on wheels. A fellow agent (in South Florida, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area) suggested that I upgrade from the Altima to something a little more upscale because "clients aren't gonna take you serious when you pull up in an old Nissan to show them a six-figure listing."
I never once had an issue with my old Nissan hindering my ability to fulfill my duties as an agent. It is truly unfortunate that we live in a society where we are often judged on our material possessions rather than our ability to fulfill our professional obligations. I know people who drive high end luxury vehicles but don't own a single thing besides the clothes on their back & I also know super successful multimillionaires who shop at Goodwill for clothing and won't purchase a vehicle priced higher than $3000. I guess it goes back to the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover."