Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

Why are so many inferior vehicles considered status symbols?

1246711

Comments

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Well, I'm sure that $350K Maybach is far better built than those $350K cardboard McMansions he's stapling together for suckers. New houses are constructed of the crappiest materials these days. What passes for plumbing is a joke! It's not even PVC anymore but flexible vinyl tubing! Gimme copper and brass any day!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Gimme copper and brass any day!

    Not if you have a well. We had to get all our copper plumbing replaced because of the pin-hole leaks that the well water was causing. Even with a water conditioner, the well water took its' toll over the years.

    Bob
  • martianmartian Member Posts: 220
    I was reading the EDMUNDS review of this car..and it floored me! For example, M-B claims the car is capable of 180 MPH cruisng (it has special stability control systems and forward-looking microwave radar (which will automatically brake the car..if you are headed for a dridge abutment,for example). Well, where i live (Massachusetts), driving at 115 MPH OVER the posted speed limit would get you an automatic license revocation and a jail term..does MAYBACH provide lawyers to represent you? The capabilities of this monstrosity are so beyond any conceivable need, that i doubt any owner would ever use most of them.
    I understand that Bill gates drives an old Chevy..and the kennedies get by with old domestic beaters!
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Do they use vinyl stuff these days even for the water lines that are under pressure? I hope they'd use something sturdier for that! :surprise:

    A few months ago I had to have a good chunk of my kitchen sink drain pipe replaced. I have no idea what it was made out of. The house had running water installed in 1950, and the kitchen had been remodeled a few times since then, so much of the drain pipe was a hodge-podge of different parts. The plumber who fixed it put plastic piping in, and where the plastic joined in with the older metal part, he just connected it with rubber hose and what looked like radiator hose clamps! It should last for years, and the next time it needs to be replaced, it'll be a dirt-simple job. Sometimes plastic does have its place.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Plumbing aside, those new homes are mostly particle board and styrofoam sheeting covered with vinyl siding. They don't even have real brick chimneys anymore, but a cheesy sheetmetal stack boxed in a sort of "pseudo-chimney."

    Back to cars. What is the ratio of Phantoms to Maybachs? I've seen a few Phantoms on the streets but the only Maybachs I've seen are at shows. Maybe they're more common in other parts of the country.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    (which will automatically brake the car..if you are headed for a dridge abutment,for example). Well, where i live (Massachusetts), .....and the kennedies get by with old domestic beaters!

    kennedie may be well advised to drive a Mercedes(Maybach) for the next time he is driving with a young woman on a bridge.
  • xkssxkss Member Posts: 722
    Does anyone know how many of these are sold?

    autoweek.com said earlier this year that Maybach sales were less than projected. The Maybach does make a profit unlike the vulgar Rolls-Royce Phantom.
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    xkss, I tried to send you an email and it bounced. Not sure if it's something temporary with your email addy, or you've changed to a new one. Please check your profile and make sure that you've listed a functioning email addy.

    Thanks!
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    He's been looking at the 900's on eBay too. But the 9-3 is a little more recent and probably has more life left than a early 90's 900.
  • brightness04brightness04 Member Posts: 3,148
    Something very interesting happened yesterday. I saw another late model E class broken down by the side of the road in the break-down lane with hazards flashing and driver making cell phone call. As I passed it, I realized that I happened to have one of my cameras in the trunk. So I took the next exit, dug out my camera, and doubled back; here's what I got:

    http://www.pbase.com/brightness04/image/53833398/large

    If you view the image in "original" size, you can make out that it is a very recent model E320 4Matic (license plate blurred out to fend off privacy hawks). The shutter release happend to catch the hazard lights blinking too. If not for the fact that I had already passed the spot 25min earlier, I would not have known the car was a Mercedes before I had time to get my camera ready as the service vehicle was immediately behind it, and the traffic was going at 60+ mph

    For what it's worth, in the couple weeks since you suggested that I take some pictures, I was on vacation down the Carribean for over a week. I don't commute for my work, so yesterday morning's trip was only the third driving excursion that I have underer-taken besides the two midnight runs to and from the airport.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Interesting. I wonder what was wrong with it

    Around here I typically see old, recently purchased (the plates start with S or T, which means that they were registered in the past 6 months or so) domestic automobiles sitting by the road.

    I saw Mercury Mystique once, it was there for days and was finally towed by the police I believe for a non-moving violation. (it was sitting next to the railroad tracks, hmmm...)

    I also saw Jeep Cherokee on the freeway, just parked on the side.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    From looking at your photo of the E class in the breakdown lane, I've a couple of comments:

    First, the car is running (you can see the water vapor from the two exhausts).

    Second, it appears to my eye that the left rear tire is down (as seen when viewed in 'original' size).

    Possibly we have nothing more sinister than a flat tire?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,421
    Yeah, I see no evidence of a breakdown

    I still have yet to see a broken down MB or a broken down anything over the past several weeks. Maybe people here are simply better at vehicle maintenance.

    It's still a nice idea to subscribe to though, keep it up.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    some trophy housewife running off to meet the pool boy, and she stopped off on the side of the road to plot her rendezvous point on the NAV screen! :P

    Or maybe she faked a breakdown in the hopes that a hunky tow truck driver would show up and sweep her off her feet. Little does she know that this particular hunky tow truck driver's name is Bertha! :surprise:
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    LOL. :D
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    "And I know this isn't a motorcycle forum, but why are so many people willing to put their name on a waiting list to buy a Harley when everyone on the planet knows Japanese bikes do everything twice as well for half the price?"

    Maybe when one sells their Harley they sell it for more than they paid for it?

    "Do people actually have so much money they're willing to blow it on senseless purchases?"

    Yes. Except that senseless to you is not senseless to them or me.
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    So now that post #1 is quoted like 3 months later, does that mean the thread can close now? :P

    So now in 2006, what are the inferior status vehicles du jour?

    I hear the new Hummer H3s are actually fairly decent off-road, so I guess they're not as bad as previously (though I still can't imagine who's buying these things with a straight face...)
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    It is as much like buying a Harley Sporster. You have the name and the image of a Hummer. Having been an off road person for more than a few years I can remember seeing my first Hummer out on the trail. Stock they could go a lot of places our tricked out Jeeps could. Yes they were big and they had a problem with tight places but ground clearance was very good for a stock vehicle. If someone had the spending cash they could do a lot worse than to get a Hummer for places like Johnson Valley California. After all they replaced the Jeep with the Hummer for the military. I happen to be into rock crawling and it is hard to beet a Jeep based vehicle in that arena unless you have a one of a kind hand built rig. At the very least they have tons of aftermarket upgrades for them.

    Someone has to define inferior in the context that the forum was started. It is pretty much like one poster said earlier if everyone had the same standard for a vehicle we might all be driving Camrys, Accords or Buicks.

    As far as Harley goes, it is the feel of machinery. You get the same feeling as one might get standing next to a Steam locomotive. It has a pulse when you ride it. It has absolutely nothing to do with practically. They may be too successful today as has been said. But if you don't understand why people buy Harleys rather than a [non-permissible content removed] bike look at what the [non-permissible content removed] bikes are trying to do with their street cruisers. They are trying to look and sound like a Harley. Many of us would love to have a old classic car. Most of us realize that they would be pretty expensive to drive as a commuter. But if someone can make a classic car with modern parts it would be like having your cake and eating it too. That is just a bit like having a Harley.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    I just thought that epotimizes the character of the thread. Inferior is a value judgement. Maybe I wouldn't buy a Land Rover, Hummer, Escalade or the like, but lots of people do. Frankly I can't see the utility in some of these, but then who am I to judge how people spend their money?
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    It isn't about utility, it is about style, or the perception of style. It is why my good tie is a Oscar De La Renta and my office tie is a Hager. They both do the job but when you go out you put on your good watch, you put on the Ralph Lauren suit and your best shoes. Slacks and a sports coat might do as well but when you are out in public you want to look your best.

    If someone doesn't see the point it can't be explained.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    You didn't understand my post. I have Armani suits in my closet, but I wear Dockers to work, so what? What I said is who am I to judge what people buy? Does it make a difference if I buy a Porsche for $100K or a yellow Hummer for $80K. Both of those attempt to send the same message. You are making the judgement the Hummer is an inferior vehicle and my response is, by whose standard.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    I agree with kdshapiro....

    does a $100,000 car make more sense than a $80,000 Hummer ?
    Who is to say ?

    Here is another kicker...who would spend $120,000 plus on a suburban ? Well, turns out there is a market out there for these type of vehicles. And these people are not after style or status per se....( come on, a suburban ??)

    I bought a used Stillen Suburban from the original owner who paid $120,000 for it. It was worth the money to them...and definitely worth the money to us.

    I have a friend who drives a BMW 760i as a daily driver, and a MB GL 500 daily also. For weekends or special occasions, they drive either the Maybach ( top of line one, with the dual TV screens and recliner ) or the McLaren SLR. The Ferrari Mondial 1993 stays mostly in the garage. To them, they think they more superior vehicles.

    Why do people buy certain vehicles, and other people buy supposedly inferior vehicles ?

    I asked that question, and most rich people have nothing against Accords, or Camrys, but it is just not what they want. The image is important for many people, people like certain company executives, real estate agents, etc...all need cars that project the image of " I am successful" . The better amenities also are important. Many also say stronger built, more protective car body. Better feeling when driving...etc...

    Sounds arrogant ? Sounds rich ? but it is the stark truth.

    To some people , the accords/camry's are the inferior vehicles. People tend to move up in their car choice when they can afford to.

    that is just the other side's point of view.

    let the duel begin..... ;)
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    kdshapiro

    Saying people get MORE for their Harleys than what they paid for them is stretch. Besides, buying a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter isn't an investment strategy most finacial planners would recommend.

    boaz47

    Are you sure you're not talking about Oscar De LaHoya and Marvin Hagler?
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    "Saying people get MORE for their Harleys than what they paid for them is stretch. Besides, buying a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter isn't an investment strategy most finacial planners would recommend"

    I'm not debating investment strategy, I'm referring to the current success of Harley. Those things do not depreciate. Whether you believe it or not, you can research it yourself and then post back.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I don't care how well Harleys hold their value. I don't buy motorcycles as an investment. i buy them motorcycles they're fun to ride. I've ridden many Harleys and many Japanese bikes and the Japanese bikes provide a much better riding experience.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    I don't care if you buy motorcycles as an investment or not. It's a fact that Harleys retain their value and they have a huge following. You are entitled to your opinion of them, but it doesn't change the facts.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,421
    I think part of it is relative to your location and the background of those around you, too.

    For example, my mother lives in a small/medium size town about 100 miles from any real city, and there, that Stillen Suburban would have more clout than a Maybach or SLR. I suspect that would also hold true in suburban areas where urban cowboys tend to live - conservative areas with large lots etc. But in an upscale urban area or upscale suburb...it might just be a curiousity.

    "Inferior" vehicles might also be status symbols because some people see cars as more than a transportation appliance. If that's what it was all about, nobody would desire more than a Civic or a Camcord or even their domestic counterparts. The old adage "you are what you drive" is as alive now as much as ever.

    If I had a SLR AND a Maybach AND a big weird 7er AND a G wagen AND a Ferrari...I would also want some kind of awesome security system. That kind of stuff must make people suspicious. The ostentatious line has been crossed.

    Harley is proof that image is everything. Here on the eastside, everytime I see one it just screams "Middle aged accountant who drives a beige Camry on weekdays"...but that's just me.
  • w9cww9cw Member Posts: 888
    The answer to the premise of this thread is very simple: There's a fool born every minute, especially if that fool's ego is enormous. Ego is what drives all of the upper-end marketing. Remember, this is the "Me Generation," and these people care only about the image they project, rather than developing their character and substance. Additionally, I would suggest a fair majority of those who buy expensive, but in reality inferior, vehicles, know very little about cars - only the image they project.

    I personally know of several $600K to $1M homes in this area - and, this area is where a $250K home is very nice - where the homeowners practically have no furniture. They're so heavily levered just to buy the house and the Lexus or M-B, they have nothing left over for the essentials. Sad, as one's character and wealth should not be judged by where one lives or which automobile one drives, as it may be a totally inaccurate determination.
  • jimmy81jimmy81 Member Posts: 170
    Middle aged accountant who drives a beige Camry on weekdays

    So what? Who cares? People are people. It makes the world go round. Some people like and buy a car that others wouldn't dream of buying. To each his own. You definitely can't read a book by its cover. The guy in the high end Mercedes could be covered in debt with minimal net worth while the guy in the 6 year old CamCord could buy the other guy over and over. Good ole America. The home of the free. And you're free to charge it up and stick it to the man if things don't work out and you file BK....
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,421
    My point is that it is all about image...and some vehicles convey a different image to some than others. People can buy what they please, that's Good ole America in action. But they better be able to handle the connotations of their choices. I suspect most Harley riders don't care if passersby see "Hells Angel" or "Midlife Crisis" - they are having fun, and that's what it's all about.

    BK aint so easy anymore.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,421
    The best part is image is in large part in the eye of the beholder. For example, I have more respect for some guy driving a perfectly maintained 30 year old domestic boat than some yuppie or trust-funder who gets a new BMW every other year just to be seen. And don't get me started on the trophy wives in their pretentious SUVs. Someone thinking they look cool or desireable often has no bearing on how others see them.

    Nobody will argue with your latter statement.
  • prosaprosa Member Posts: 280
    The image is important for many people, people like certain company executives, real estate agents, etc...all need cars that project the image of " I am successful" .

    It can work both ways. For a professional whose work involves earning a client's trust - financial advisor, lawyer, real estate broker etc. - driving a too expensive vehicle might be viewed suspiciously, as if he or she might be skimming from clients in order to afford such a luxury vehicle. Clients also might think that the vehicle's high cost is being recovered through the professional's fees, making them higher than they should be.
  • shiphroshiphro Member Posts: 62
    This is a perfect example of inferior cars having superior status or cache associated with them.

    Both cars are performance-oriented, 6 cylinder, AWD vehicles.

    The BMW seats 4 with a cramped rear seat.
    The VW seats 4 with a cramped rear seat.

    The BMW has 4 doors and a trunk.
    The VW has 2 doors and a hatch.

    The VW has more usable space for moving large objects (fold flat seats + hatchback).

    The VW has more power, better handling and a nicer interior.

    But pick 10 people and ask 'em which car is nicer/cooler/whatever and I guarantee the majority will pick the BMW. I guess a big part of it is price since that's the only factor in which the BMW is 'superior'. That and the fact that "hatchback" seems to be a dirty word in America; like the horrific "station wagon".
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    You are right about Harleys holding their value and they have a huge following, but that doesn't answer my question, it only makes things more confusing. Why would someone spend more money for a Harley, when they could have a less expensive bike, that handles better, is more comfortable, is faster, and is more reliable. Makes no sense.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Your comparison is convenient for your argument, however, it misses the mark by a fairly wide margin for those who don't have the same criteria as you. Said another way, the R32 is the superior IN YOU OPINION. Does that make it the inferior car in reality? I'm thinking for many folks, NOT.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    inferior is in the eye of the beer holder. :P
  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    inferior is in the eye of the beer holder

    When I hear the word inferior, VW comes to mind first .. then Saab and Kia ...
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    so they should be judged by their furniture? :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I think I've seen it all now. I was surfing the naughty sites doing some research online when from the other room I heard a woman on tv mention the Chevy Equinox and Lexus RX330 in the same sentence. I went in the other room to see this woman who really needs to do something with her hair actually COMPARING the two! Both of them have V-6 engines and "sophisticated styling" (her words, not mine...and I actually DO prefer the style of the Equinox to the RX330) but making the argument that the Equinox MSRP's for $15,000 less!

    So I guess that says it right there. You're a fool if you buy the RX330. An Equinox in every driveway! :P

    Now what they SHOULD do is compare it to the Toyota Highlander or maybe the Honda Pilot. Only thing is, those both offer a nominal 3rd row seat, which the Equinox does not.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..... Like my great grand Daddy used to say:


    " ..the hand buys what the eye see's ...."


    just like any product on the planet ....



    Terry.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    LOL...it is true....hey...who wants a VW when there is a Bimmer to be had, eh ?

    But wait, I like VW....had a souped up scirocco.

    was looking at R32 on ebay last week....and I would choose either one...depending on my needs. The BMW for formal occasions, and the R32 for personal fun / commuting.

    Well, one thing I think VW has to improve , is the quality of their cars....

    BMW has got one of the best sports sedan in the world..indeed, they invented the segment, IMHO. The VW may also ride rougher, and drive feel is also not as nice as the Bimmer.

    I would pick the R32, though.
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    Well, that lightened things up.
  • stlcarguystlcarguy Member Posts: 30
    You said: "There's a fool born every minute, especially if that fool's ego is enormous. Ego is what drives all of the upper-end marketing. Remember, this is the "Me Generation," and these people care only about the image they project, rather than developing their character and substance. "

    THAT is frankly offensive. Who in the world are you to accuse someone of not "developing their character and substance" just because they have a desire to drive a vehicle with a marque that might get a little more respect on the road than just a toyota.

    To use my wife as a prime example, she came from humble beginnings and has worked hard to contribute to our being in a financially secure place. She went car shopping after getting her first "real" job out of college. She had graduated from a good school with a degree in marketing and with her determination found a high paying job because of it, all on her own and she decided she wanted to reward herself. She DID want something that said she was successful out on the road, you know why? Because she WAS and she continues to be! What is wrong with that???? Character was there from the beginning, substance grows with life experience every day for her.

    That is just an example of the "emotional" side of this topic. Cars are emotional purchases for a large number of people. Be it the hood ornament or the gas peddle that gets the reaction, its emotion just the same.

    The more logic based argument (and there can be one) I think can be found in a number of topics. The "higher end" makes usually come with better service, a more inviting buying experience (not always, I know,) and atleast around here, sales people that offer you a little more respect (or atleast pretend to).

    Those type of things are what drives the buyer, I think.

    The funny thing is, the "status symbol" part is fed more by those who don't own the marques, than by those who do.

    It's the kid at the gas station that reacts to your car, or the old "friend" from high school that you run into at the mall that comments on it. The people who are impressed have made them what they are with the recognition. The people who are buying them are just collecting on it ;) Along with enjoying that emotional connection that made them write the check in the first place.

    Just my take, after being on my soapbox in the beginning.
    Sorry for the long post!
  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    I agree with you about the Equinox ... However, I have compared the RX330 with the Buick Randevous. The RX330 handles better and has a nicer interior ... but is it worth $15k more? Not to me.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    stlcarguy...I think you hit the nail right on....

    there are those who loathe to admit it..but they themselves would upgrade if they could...majority anyways. Perhaps there is some hint of jealousy ? A note of self-righteous indignation that someone got what he or she could not ? Deep seated resentment that someone got something ? I am just theorizing also....though I do admit that there are those who buy a really hot car for the ego of it..(not even the image, the two are slightly different) .

    It is funny, but my friends never make a big deal out of the SLR or Diablo or Maybach....it is the others who woo and ahhh....and then deep down talk down about the owners. A car is a car. No big deal. I agree....it is the person that matters most.

    I do not know, but maybe the same ones who demean other people's choice of car, may also be the same ones who speak bad about the kid in the neighborhood with the new bike when he or she was little. Now, they passed that point, and would buy that same bike for thier own kids. Then in the same breath...criticize other people's choices.... That is kinda funny.... ;):D
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    an inferior vehicle now is living soundly and solidly in the past.

    Kia vehicles are now even more of a bargain because not only do they come with the Long-Haul Warranty but they also have the influence of big brother Hyundai and their shared architecture going for them. Those that choose to live with their head plopped soundly in the sand can do so as they wish, but they will be living ever-so-igorantly.

    Like it or lump it but Kia is here to stay, building factories in America and building quality vehicles that last.

    When I think inferior I think GM and VW, BTW. If you're looking for inferior you'll find what you're looking for with them.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • khmerkenboykhmerkenboy Member Posts: 14
    I luv my crapolia, you and you alone feels that Kia is better than everyone else, even Hyundia considers Kia below them. And because somebody makes 9 dollars to assemble your crapolia, doesn't make it better than a Candian built GM or Toyota car.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    jimmy81:

    you are correct. To each his own. I am sure there is a big group of people , probably 75% of the world population, who would think people are showing off and buying a Honda or Toyota for image.....since these people can only afford to use public transportation.

    hey...that's a nice twist...eh ? NOw where I grew up, if one had a car, then one was considered wealthy. Even showoff, since public transportation and taxi's are on every corner.

    I think in many 3rd world countries, people buy Hondas and toyotas to show off also. HECk, when my dad imported a Ford Granada to Colombia, it was the only one there, ( there were lots of mercedes benz there already in 1979) and all the local officials wanted a ride in it... a FORD !!

    On another note...you are right that many people live hand to mouth even though they make 5 figure incomes. They do not have the means to maintain this type of level of spending, but still do. This type of behaviour, in my humble opinion, is detrimental to the long term finances of said person, and is not good for him, regardless of type of vehicle.

    On the other hand, I also see people who buy expensive cars because they worked hard and have the means to pay for it. They always wanted a solid car...or one where the amenities were nice.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    Hi Prosa:

    It can work both ways. For a professional whose work involves earning a client's trust - financial advisor, lawyer, real estate broker etc. - driving a too expensive vehicle might be viewed suspiciously, as if he or she might be skimming from clients in order to afford such a luxury vehicle. Clients also might think that the vehicle's high cost is being recovered through the professional's fees, making them higher than they should be.

    You are right also. But most people who do business with these professionals prefer that their attorney, doctor, real estate broker , etc..be in at least a vehicle that projects a more professional image,,,and no disrespect to Honda or Toyota or Ford, but these kinds of vehicles may not/ does not project the kind of image associated with a knowledgeable , successful professional in their respective field.

    I have a friend who was a stay at home dad for over 12 years...and drove a nice Accord. He got his real estate agents license last March....and we used him to buy and sell our house. Of course, we did not mind what car he was driving...but after speaking with his colleagues, he just bought a Lexus GS300 , to project the 'professional' image. Par for the course. They also get to write it off.

    I just bought a Honda on March 16....so I can say this. :D
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    hello w9cw:

    YOU: There's a fool born every minute, especially if that fool's ego is enormous. Ego is what drives all of the upper-end marketing.

    Some people do have rather diff egos . Some people express that ego in innocuously neutral ways like buying something they like. Other people's ego's is expressed by putting down others. They are still egos clashes. If the person did not have an ego to be hurt, he/she would not feel so offended about other people's purchase, IMHO.

    Remember, this is the "Me Generation," and these people care only about the image they project, rather than developing their character and substance.

    This is a rather broad statement. IT is definitely not true. Why ? Because I know for a fact that the person who owns the SLR Mclaren,Maybach, etc....came over to the hospital in the middle of the night after driving for 1.5 hours..against her mom's wishes, to visit my son , who was sick. How about the friend who bought the ASton MArtin ? He just went to China and adopted a baby girl ! FOr your info, he was in the same adoption group as Meg Ryan !!! ( you guys probably heard of her recent adoption ) On top of that , his wife insisted on giving some money to a crying lady with a crying child in tow..who was kneeling in front of city hall in Chongqing, petitioning to the Mayor.

    Are these acts by people who are foolish ? who are self centered ? I don't think so. I am rather proud of them !! :)

    Additionally, I would suggest a fair majority of those who buy expensive, but in reality inferior, vehicles, know very little about cars - only the image they project.

    So are you saying you know alot about knitting and textiles, just because you bought a nice shirt ? :confuse: ARe you a computer expert, or chef, or architect, or specialist of everything you buy ? People buy what they like....depending on previous experiences, research, and value. I know that there are some newly rich who do not know what to do with their money...but I also know that the vast majority of rich people did not get to where they are by accident. They tend to be knowledgeable, insightful, and like value and research what they purchase.

    I personally know of several $600K to $1M homes in this area - and, this area is where a $250K home is very nice - where the homeowners practically have no furniture. They're so heavily levered just to buy the house and the Lexus or M-B, they have nothing left over for the essentials.

    You are describing a social phenomenon , that of our current consumerism society, one where the average credit card debt is over $13,000 . This happens to people who buy Mercedes and Honda and Toyota and Ford..etc(all types of cars) . Many people over extend themselves....not just the ones who buy status vehicles.

    Sad, as one's character and wealth should not be judged by where one lives or which automobile one drives, as it may be a totally inaccurate determination.

    I think most people know this. Not many people say 'good people drive certain vehicles ', or people with integrity live in a certain area. There are good people in slums and country clubs. Good people in Rolls and Bad people in Hondas........ Most People just admire other peoples cars, and the people who buy them enjoy the vehicles that they are in.... :D
This discussion has been closed.