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Why are so many inferior vehicles considered status symbols? - READ ONLY

524 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2006 at 8:10 PM

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Messages Page 50 of 53

#485 of 524 Re: BMW says global sales up 14 percent [rockylee] by kdshapiro

Apr 08, 2006 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: rockylee (Apr 08, 2006 11:31 am)
I don't think BMW makes inferior vehicles that are considered status symbols. They arene't exclusive, they are good mainstream vehicles. I know that when I plunk down $42 large for a loaded E90, I can get better vehicles such as the Expedition, Jeep Grand Cherokee, maybe evan an IS350.

#486 of 524 Re: BMW says global sales up 14 percent [kdshapiro] by rockylee

Apr 08, 2006 (12:51 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Apr 08, 2006 12:40 pm)
Well don't tell the 3 series fans that. They think BMW's are inferior status vehicles.
 
Rocky

#487 of 524 Re: cut-off and eternal damnation! [snakeweasel] by vchiu

Apr 08, 2006 (6:49 pm)

Replying to: snakeweasel (Apr 07, 2006 9:39 am)
Thid depends on what you mean by "stuck". If stuck means the vehicle has broken down, then (at least in France) the repair bill may be much cheaper with 2CV than many other brands.
 
Depending on what one means with "inferior" and "Status symbol", it seems this car really enters the category. Owning one is Hype but will be always regarded with sympathy (if not compassion) in that country.

#488 of 524 Re: cut-off and eternal damnation! [stevekilburn] by kdshapiro

Apr 10, 2006 (5:16 am)

Replying to: stevekilburn (Apr 05, 2006 3:06 pm)
"I think the cut-off for eternal damnation should be 100K and should be increased at the same rate as the annual inflation rate."
 
I had a talk with the almighty and he said the cutoff is now $20K. It was conveyed to me, and I was asked to spread the word that we should all be driving Hyundais. I suspect that once word gets out about this Land Rovers should be available for a mere pittance.

#489 of 524 Re: What does a.... [Mr_Shiftright] by ayyate

Apr 10, 2006 (2:04 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 30, 2005 3:35 pm)
Well put. The original message suggests that reliability is the primary reason to choose a particular vehicle. I rank uniqueness, performance, pride of ownership, above reliability. After all, that's why God invented warranties. As long as Audi will repair my A8 at no charge and give me a loaner car, I will not be concerned about the occasional problem. Furthermore, owners of the allegedly less reliable BMW's, Range Rovers, and others listed probably have another car in the garage.

#490 of 524 Re: Why are so many inferior vehicles considered status symbols? [bottgers] by ayyate

Apr 10, 2006 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: bottgers (Nov 30, 2005 12:38 pm)
It is a reasonable question. One that has been asked long before there was a Lexus or an Acura.
 
Part of the answer is effective marketing on the part of those manufacturers. That is one reason why Rolex watches and Mont Blanc pens are so often thought of, by the uninformed, as the best in their respective niches, when they are clearly not.
 
And who says reliability should rank first anyway? Isn't that what warranties and loaner car programs are for?
 
I have no answer for the existence of the Hummer, however. That one baffles me.

#491 of 524 would you by odie6l

Apr 10, 2006 (5:15 pm)

would you consider a Scion xB as a status symbol (or even Frugal Symbol) now that Kelley Blue Book has listed it as the #2 of top 10 hottest / most wanted vehicles?
 
Odie

#492 of 524 Re: would you [odie6l] by snakeweasel

Apr 10, 2006 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: odie6l (Apr 10, 2006 5:15 pm)
I wouldn't call a $17,000 car a status symbol.

#493 of 524 . by fintail

Apr 10, 2006 (5:33 pm)

It might be one in high school or something
 
At the same time 17K can buy a vintage car that the layman will think is much more expensive.

#494 of 524 Re: . [fintail] by snakeweasel

Apr 10, 2006 (5:40 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Apr 10, 2006 5:33 pm)
When I was in high school what made status was how many cars you could keep behind you

Messages Page 50 of 53

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