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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 53 of 53

#517 of 524 Re: xB [carlisimo] by john_324

Apr 12, 2006 (2:25 pm)

Replying to: carlisimo (Apr 12, 2006 2:03 pm)
Interesting point re different types of status and what it takes to achieve them I think.
 
The last-gen Camaros were absolute rocket sleds, esp. considering the price. Basically de-tuned Corvettes in queen-sized dresses. At any run-of-the-mill stoplight drag race, an owner of one could be reasonably sure he'd 1) win or 2) intimidate the other guy into not racing.
 
A definite measure of status to some, and as long as you worked for a living, you could acquire it. You just had to be willing to be a "Camaro guy" and deal with all that comes with it...

#518 of 524 I'm sure... by lemko

Apr 13, 2006 (8:05 am)

...a lot of guys would love to have a Camaro but are too self-concious about the "Joe Dirt" image. I say, "So what?" I think I'd rather be considered a Joe Dirt than a Steven Rhodes, (Al Bundy's old neighbor).

#519 of 524 Re: xB [carlisimo] by b3nut

Apr 14, 2006 (11:03 am)

Replying to: carlisimo (Apr 12, 2006 2:03 pm)
My wife found the xA and xB both to be hideous, I thought the xA was sharp (considered buying until I got vetoed) and the xB was ugly in a cute, outside-the-box way. You really have to sit in an xB and open the doors and look at the space-efficiency to "get" it. If I could have gotten away with it I would have considered the xB, it's a genius vehicle from a functionality standpoint. But Kia's new Rio5 scratched my hatchback itch well enough, and the looks were wife-approved, so that's what followed me home in the end (and I love the car, it's wonderful).
 
But I remain a fan of the Scions, and would heartily recommend them to anyone...can't go wrong with a Toyota product, after all.
 
Todd in Beerbratistan

#520 of 524 Re: xB [b3nut] by logic1

Apr 14, 2006 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: b3nut (Apr 14, 2006 11:03 am)
Along with the MR2, the XA is the only Toyota whose appearance I like.
 
I don't really like the XB. It does have a lot of interior room for a small car, however.

#521 of 524 . by sp01

May 03, 2006 (11:35 am)

The last F-Bod Camaros had the go and the track capability, decent styling more or less, but still came off as repulsively unrefined; an image the Corvette has about finally shed.
 
My complaint was that they were too big overall, and typical of GM (I hate to say) remarkably space-inefficient. Awful lot of body there for the actual usable space created, IMO. Front and rear overhangs too long, door cavities deeper than needed for the structure and componentry, etc., etc. Seems to me the car could've shed about 18 inches (and not a few pounds) overall and should have had more shoulder room for it width.

#522 of 524 Re: . [sp01] by rockylee

Oct 18, 2006 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: sp01 (May 03, 2006 11:35 am)
sp01,
 
Do you NOW, still feel the same about the 2009' Camaro concept ???? Does it do a better job utilizing it's interior space ????
 
Rocky

#523 of 524 Re: xB [carlisimo] by grabowsky

Oct 18, 2006 (4:50 pm)

Replying to: carlisimo (Apr 11, 2006 3:28 pm)
Another reason why Audi remains semi-popular is because the main car magazines promote the brand so often.Every issue has some article about some upcoming Audi or how they do the tech better or how it really isn't an over-priced VW.For some reason a lot of automotive writers seem to really like the brand although they rarely(if ever)own one themselves. And they are hardly ever in long term fleets.
As far as a status symbol I guess that depends on personal perception. I've never seen Audi as a status car but I guess some do.

#524 of 524 Re: xB [grabowsky] by smittynyc

Oct 18, 2006 (8:10 pm)

Replying to: grabowsky (Oct 18, 2006 4:50 pm)
About halfway down the block from my office is one of Manhattan's "power lunch" spots, extremely popular with media, finance, and entertainment types. Since one of my personal favorite non-power-lunch spots is a few doors down from it, I walk by a couple of times a week.
 
The street right outside the restaurant is like a showroom for ultra-high-end cars, who park there as their potentates dine inside. Just today I saw TWO Maybachs, e.g.
 
I see a LOT of the highest-end Audis parked outside that place (the freaking enormous one that has a backseat that looks like a club room at a luxury hotel). FWIW.
 
The one car that I used to see a lot of there and hardly ever see anymore is the Benz S-Class. Two years ago, that was the main car for this crowd. Now it's those Audis and a Maybach here and there and lots of BMW 7 series and an occasional Range Rover G-Wagen/smaller Benzes. You'll see a Caddy occasionally. And of course lots of the ubiquitous limos and Town Cars.
 
The most unusual ride I've ever seen was Frank Gifford's -- a freaking immaculately maintained early/mid 90s (?) sky blue Mercedes convertible. I'm not joking; it looked like it just rolled off the assembly line. It had an amazing depth and shine to the finish.

Messages Page 53 of 53

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