I second Lynn's suggestion...a car isn't exactly romantic (nor inconspicuous), and you deserve better for your first time. I don't blame you being turned off by the idea (and did he really phrase it as "eating out?" Seems blunt to the point of disrespect, but...well, you know me ).

I don't think it's you "wasting opportunities." I think it's you not willing to compromise on something that matters to you, which I think is admirable.