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You could live with your parents and make 30k a year and pay 1500 dollar lease payment.
Do people actually do stuff like that?
For me, I see a lot of the older BMW, Merc and Lexus models out there. A lot of them seem to be in poor running and/or cosmetic shape. To me, that's a poser there. I'd rather have a newer car that is more common that can provide me solid transportation and lower repair/maintenance costs than something that seems cool but gives me problems or costs a lot of run. If it's not practical, it's not worth a thing to me. Imagine means nothing to me as I never had one.
]And a Timex looks like a Rolex because they are both, after all, watches. Often the difference between average and great is subtle,[/b] recognized only by connoisseurs or at least someone with an interest in the subject. A $30 bottle of wine Vs $100 bottle Vs $1000 bottle, regular wool Vs cashmere Vs the different grades of cashmere, a $1000 crystal chandelier Vs a $10,000 one, etc. Prestige is often lost on the majority, and that is ok. I dont particularly like the type of person who buys something solely for "prestige", but I respect people who buy things out of passion. Often these items carry "prestige" as a side effect.
I agree with this. The engineering is what makes the difference. Which most often cannot be seen.
Nothing special about an S class. Its just another taxi.
Or 7 series for that matter.
Those are 80k cars? They look like crap. No shape to them at all! The outside needs to attract me before I even step into a car. Your paying 80k for a name and a computer inside that can take you places. Ill stick wit my 01 mustang convertible. It is sleek and slender....that is too boxy or too "baloony" if you will.
Yeah I see what you're saying, you're talking more about exclusivity than actual cost. But I think you have to factor in cost too. If you can only afford a 17,000 Hyundai, then yeah, a 65k E class is going to be somewhat prestigious to you. If you can afford that E class, then you may consider a Maybach prestigious. Notice I said afford. I think it's all relative. But I do agree that the luxury sedans of today show an amazing lack of originality in styling, especially for the money they ask for these cars. Only when you get into the "supercars" (Farrari, McClaren, Bugatti) do people get impressed anymore.
No offense, bit I think you have to have way more money than brains to spend 50-60-100k more than a Ford or Chevy would cost to get the exact same functionality--getting from point A to point B. Heck, for $50k difference you could own enough oil company stock that your share of corporate earnings would pay your fuel bill every year for the rest of your life.
"Prestige" or "exclusive appeal?" I think it is more like "Hey, look at me! I have way more money than brains!!" I'm just sayin'.
Just sayin', you're often wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnesthesiaMD
And a Timex looks like a Rolex because they are both, after all, watches. Often the difference between average and great is subtle, recognized only by connoisseurs or at least someone with an interest in the subject. A $30 bottle of wine Vs $100 bottle Vs $1000 bottle, regular wool Vs cashmere Vs the different grades of cashmere, a $1000 crystal chandelier Vs a $10,000 one, etc. Prestige is often lost on the majority, and that is ok. I dont particularly like the type of person who buys something solely for "prestige", but I respect people who buy things out of passion. Often these items carry "prestige" as a side effect.
This. For many of us, especially car guys, the differeces are not subtle, and they are important, as cars are much more than a way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, they are about taking the longest, twistiest route from point A to point B. Sometimes they are about getting from point A to point B the fastest. Sometimes they are just about enjoying the drive from point A to wherever. Sometimes they are, like clothes, about expressing yourself. Sometimes they are a little bit of everything above.
My own BMW 7 series was used, but was bought for fun, style, and comfort. It cost very little to maintain, but was a great place to spend time:
I like cars like that. And I will have another one.
This. For many of us, especially car guys, the differeces are not subtle, and they are important, as cars are much more than a way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, they are about taking the longest, twistiest route from point A to point B. Sometimes they are about getting from point A to point B the fastest. Sometimes they are just about enjoying the drive from point A to wherever. Sometimes they are, like clothes, about expressing yourself. Sometimes they are a little bit of everything above.
My own BMW 7 series was used, but was bought for fun, style, and comfort. It cost very little to maintain, but was a great place to spend time:
I like cars like that. And I will have another one.
VERY, VERY clean ride! I think you illustrate an important point also. The way the owner takes care of their ride, and the pride they show in maintaining it has a lot to do with the so-called prestige. I don't care what you own, if it's dirty and dinged up it ain't prestigous no more
BMW, Merc.,Lexus......no longer a car of prestige?
I've always laughed about the cachet Mercedes has here in the USA. In most other countries they are the equivalent of Chevrolet.
Anyway, virtually anyone with a decent job can afford to at least lease something with a Mercedes, Lexus, BMW or Infinity badge on it... not to mention you can get car loans 7 or 8 years long at low interest with decent credit, allowing you to buy something far more expensive than what would otherwise be possible. That waters down their "exclusivity" a whole lot.
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BMW, Merc.,Lexus......no longer a car of prestige?
