Fairview said:
IDAGG said:
People want premium stuff but for ego reasons they need others to know they bought premium stuff.
Whenever stuff like this is posted it annoys the hell out of me. In some cases sure, it's the 30k millionaires that are leasing for status symbols but I can tell you I buy nice cars because I like them and what other people think is not even a consideration. Right now I have three cars for myself and my wife has her car. Do I need three cars? Nope. Is it excessive? Maybe, but I DGAF. I buy them because I like cars which is why I'm on the auto board. Financially it's not a big deal for me and I'm fully aware there are better investments for my money but I also quantify enjoyment as a factor. The posts where people make judgements about people that don't buy 3 year old Odyssey's or drive a car for 12 -15 years get old.
Well first of all, I have owned several BMWs, an Audi, Lexus, Acura etc. So I suppose you can throw me in that group I just made fun of. Part of it is I like nice cars. And part of it, as I pointed out, is that most car manufacturers make a distinction in what options/features you can buy in their mainstream vs their luxury brands.
As an example, I owned an Audi A6 at one point. I loved the Quattro. Later, I wanted a reliable (meaning non Audi) AWD sedan. BTW, did VW offer an AWD sedan several years ago? No. They now have an AWD wagon but to my knowledge they still don't offer an AWD sedan. So wanting something with less maintenance I looked at Hondas. Did Honda offer an AWD sedan? No. Well, sorta, they offered the hideous Aztek inspired Crosstour. So I had to buy an Acura TL with SH/AWD to get AWD in a Honda sedan. Could they offer a Honda Accord model with AWD and better soundproofing and interior (and not make it look like an Aztek)? Sure they could. But they don't. They gussie up an Accord, give it the excellent SH/AWD drivetrain and a slightly bigger V6, put the Acura label on it and add $20K to the list price. Like I say it is a profit deal. It's how they differentiate their brands and maximize their profits. It's a good business strategy.
So yes, to your point it isn't all about showing off, some of it is buying something nice vs something really nice that has better features etc.