UPDATE- New car. New car for my sister?

[850CSi]

Just because it isn't a BMW or MB doesn't mean that you can't be a badge snob.  Badge snobbery is the act of believing something is better because of what is in front of or adorned to the hood, not what's under it.

Yeah, that was my point. Most people I know are badge snobs in that sense. Face it, people care about image.

[the Teuton]

Yeah, that was my point. Most people I know are badge snobs in that sense. Face it, people care about image.

And I think that's a retarded concept to care about style over substance.  Face it, when the G8 comes out, it will most likely be a better car than almost everything in the entry lux class.  Will that mean that a person cross-shopping a TL with it might still get a TL even though the G8 might be a better car?  Yes, because someone may lack sense in being able to see what the best choice is for the money.

[Cookie Monster]

Just because it isn't a BMW or MB doesn't mean that you can't be a badge snob.  Badge snobbery is the act of believing something is better because of what is in front of or adorned to the hood, not what's under it.

You're one to speak, Mr. Subaru's are the best cars on earth.

And I'm not a badge snob. If it's RWD and manual and fun to drive, I'll drive it (except for a Chinese car so I suppose that does make me a snob).

[CALL_911]

Teuton, after all your arguments, besides the Legacy, I fail to see how she's a brand snob.

[Northlands]

And I think that's a retarded concept to care about style over substance.  Face it, when the G8 comes out, it will most likely be a better car than almost everything in the entry lux class.  Will that mean that a person cross-shopping a TL with it might still get a TL even though the G8 might be a better car?  Yes, because someone may lack sense in being able to see what the best choice is for the money.

I can see what you are saying. I'm just thinking the last two sentences will be directly at fault for this thread adding about another 8 pages. 

[Cookie Monster]

Teuton, after all your arguments, besides the Legacy, I fail to see how she's a brand snob.

I agree. Wanting a TSX doesn't count as brand snob either because that Accord is different from the USDM Accord.

[the Teuton]

You're one to speak, Mr. Subaru's are the best cars on earth.

And I'm not a badge snob. If it's RWD and manual and fun to drive, I'll drive it (except for a Chinese car so I suppose that does make me a snob).

But the difference is that I realize the Subaru brand has no equity behind it.  Heck, I don't even have the Subaru constellation on the front of my car right now.

That being said, I realize it's a good car for what it is, and I fully believe that not because of the rally image associated with it, but with the proven ruggedness and reliability it has provided.

[the Teuton]

I agree. Wanting a TSX doesn't count as brand snob either because that Accord is different from the USDM Accord.

The Accord, while it may not be a better-driving car, is more practical, larger, and can be optioned just as well for less money.  Pragmatism is not what the non-enthusiast TSX buyer buys a TSX for.

[850CSi]

And I think that's a retarded concept to care about style over substance.  Face it, when the G8 comes out, it will most likely be a better car than almost everything in the entry lux class.  Will that mean that a person cross-shopping a TL with it might still get a TL even though the G8 might be a better car?  Yes, because someone may lack sense in being able to see what the best choice is for the money.

I agree 100% (although I'll readily admit I'm a bit of a brand snob myself), but most people don't follow that train of thought (unfortunately). Especially college kids.

[Cookie Monster]

But the difference is that I realize the Subaru brand has no equity behind it.  Heck, I don't even have the Subaru constellation on the front of my car right now.

That being said, I realize it's a good car for what it is, and I fully believe that not because of the rally image associated with it, but with the proven ruggedness and reliability it has provided.

So saying "Subarus are the best handling cars on earth" isn't being a brand snob?

[the Teuton]

I agree 100% (although I'll readily admit I'm a bit of a brand snob myself), but most people don't follow that train of thought (unfortunately). Especially college kids.

I don't think being a badge snob is a bad thing if you use your car for how the reputation is designed.  BMWs are sporting cars, yet many people buy them for image only when a Honda would be a much better alternative for their lifestyle.

[Cookie Monster]

The Accord, while it may not be a better-driving car, is more practical, larger, and can be optioned just as well for less money.  Pragmatism is not what the non-enthusiast TSX buyer buys a TSX for.

What if they think it looks better (myself included)?

[the Teuton]

So saying "Subarus are the best handling cars on earth" isn't being a brand snob?

First, I don't really believe that and second, drive one.  It'll put a smile on your face.  Own one and it will put a smile on your wallet.

[the Teuton]

What if they think it looks better (myself included)?

I think the FX45 looks better than the X5, but that still doesn't hide the fact that the X5 is a bigger and probably better vehicle.

[Cookie Monster]

First, I don't really believe that and second, drive one.  It'll put a smile on your face.  Own one and it will put a smile on your wallet.

You said it...
And I'm pretty sure they aren't as fun to drive as other cars you can buy for the same price anyways.

[the Teuton]

You said it...
And I'm pretty sure they aren't as fun to drive as other cars you can buy for the same price anyways.

I don't think so anymore.  But back in the day when there was no Mazda3, the Impreza was probably one of the more fun cars in its class.

But that's all relative.

[Cookie Monster]

I don't think so anymore.  But back in the day when there was no Mazda3, the Impreza was probably one of the more fun cars in its class.

But that's all relative.

Civic

[the Teuton]

Civic

And B13 Sentra, and Protege, and Neon R/T, and Escort GT...what's your point?

[Cookie Monster]

And B13 Sentra, and Protege, and Neon R/T, and Escort GT...what's your point?

That you're wrong when you say that the Impreza was one of the more fun cars to drive.

[2o6]

Civic

Not really.


The Impreza, Neon and and Sentra Usually placed ahead of it. Even the Protege (and MX-3) was likely more exciting.




And why is there all this rave for the Mazda 3?

[the Teuton]

That you're wrong when you say that the Impreza was one of the more fun cars to drive.

It is and was, though. 

[Laconian]

And why is there all this rave for the Mazda 3?

Because it's really engaging to drive, and practical as well?

[Soup DeVille]

If I end up having kids, I would make sure that the car is structurally sound and safe before I think about my wallet. Their safety should be a priority versus their deserving a piece of junk. 16-18 year olds have the highest crash rates and I believe the highest death rate from crashes, so that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a first car for a son or daughter.

Oh, the car would be safe before he'd be allowed to drive it, and it's not about what they deserve or what I can afford either.

[omicron]

Oh, the car would be safe before he'd be allowed to drive it, and it's not about what they deserve or what I can afford either.

A seven-foot bonnet made from inch-thick steel and three square metres of chrome trowelled on the front is plenty safe. 

[Soup DeVille]

A seven-foot bonnet made from inch-thick steel and three square metres of chrome trowelled on the front is plenty safe. 

I want one with all sorts of pointy bits sticking out the front end as well.

[TheIntrepid]

I want one with all sorts of pointy bits sticking out the front end as well.

I always wondered what those things were for.

[omicron]

I always wondered what those things were for.

[Soup DeVille]

They're boobs, Trep.

[nickdrinkwater]

C-Class?

[TheIntrepid]

C-Class?

And hell no to the C-Class.