The Classless Cars

[SVT666]

Not classless as in "without class".  I mean classless as in "cars that transend societal classes".  I'm wondering what cars all of you think are cars that would see just about anyone from any of societies classes owning and driving.

[SVT666]

- The original Mini.
- The original VW Beetle
- 1964-1971 Mustang
- 2005+ Mustang

[TBR]

I take it you read Peter Egan's column last month.

[ifcar]

Not classless as in "without class".  I mean classless as in "cars that transend societal classes".  I'm wondering what cars all of you think are cars that would see just about anyone from any of societies classes owning and driving.

Among new/recent cars, I'd say anything retro and inexpensive (PT in its heyday, Mini, New Beetle), the Prius, and Chrysler minivans. The Explorer and Grand Cherokee would have been up there maybe 5-8 years ago, too.

[2o6]

Anything that is distinctively styled: xB, Beetle, and the like.

Midsizers: especially the Camry and Accord, and for some strange reason, in my area the Sebring. To a lesser extent, 300's are included.

[the Teuton]

The BMW 3 Series.

[2o6]

The BMW 3 Series.

I disagree.

[Rich]

MINI
Miata

Not even so sure about them since there is a class (maybe 2) that can't afford them new.

Another one I can think of is the BMW 1, but again, a couple classes may not be included

Edit - Mustang is a good one too

[the Teuton]

I disagree.

Sure, it's an upscale car, but everyone has them.  Everyone!

[Eye of the Tiger]

Swift

[ifcar]

Sure, it's an upscale car, but everyone has them.  Everyone!

Maybe lower-middle class, but not below that, unless you're counting all ages of car.


Another I forgot to mention: newish full-size pickups.

[Rich]

Another I forgot to mention: newish full-size pickups.

Bam!

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Corvette
300M

[the Teuton]

Full-size SUVs.  Two people can have the same make and model car, but one will cost $35k or so and the other will cost somewhere close to $60k.

[Payman]

Swift

That's because you're classless.

[Payman]

Prius, Mini, any VW, Cadillac, Miata, Corvette, most SUV's and high end pickups, Smart, Mustang Convertible, Sebring Convertible, Subaru Outback.

[sportyaccordy]

Sure, it's an upscale car, but everyone has them.  Everyone!

3 series is not upscale. The base model is no more classy than a Civic EX-L.

*EDIT* The Civic actually has real leather.

[2o6]

3 series is not upscale. The base model is no more classy than a Civic EX-L.

*EDIT* The Civic actually has real leather.

However, the badge has prestige. Whenever anyone I know (including me) sees a BMW in any iteration we automatically think that the person has a fair amount of change.

[Payman]

However, the badge has prestige. Whenever anyone I know (including me) sees a BMW in any iteration we automatically think that the person has a fair amount of change.

A new one, I agree with you. You don't see any in trailer parks, and lower middle class families tend to buy mainstream Toyotas, Hondas and Chevys.

[SVT666]

Prius, Mini, any VW, Cadillac, Miata, Corvette, most SUV's and high end pickups, Smart, Mustang Convertible, Sebring Convertible, Subaru Outback.

I agree with all except the Cadillac and the Corvette.  Their prices are way out of most people's budgets.

[Onslaught]

A new one, I agree with you. You don't see any in trailer parks, and lower middle class families tend to buy mainstream Toyotas, Hondas and Chevys.

It's funny. On the way home from the beach this weekend in a poor little town I saw a run down trailer with a new 3 parked out front. It was all blinged out.

[Onslaught]

However, the badge has prestige. Whenever anyone I know (including me) sees a BMW in any iteration we automatically think that the person has a fair amount of change.

Not the 1-Series. I think something other than that when I see one.

[ifcar]

I agree with all except the Cadillac and the Corvette.  Their prices are way out of most people's budgets.

Are we talking about all cars of the same age? Because you'll often see old Cadillacs and, even more commonly, Town Cars, in poorer neighborhoods.

[Payman]

Not the 1-Series. I think something other than that when I see one.

I think "bitch". No idea why.

[Northlands]

Definitely Ford F-150's of the decade past.

The "New" Beetle or old Beetle.
Audi A4 ( we'll go with 1998-1999 ) I see them everywhere , rich or poor neighborhoods right now.
Toyota Prius
Corvettes
Mustangs of many model years

I'm sure a minivan would work its way in here somewhere. Sienna or Odyssey when it comes to hitting the most social classes I guess. Locally anyway.

[Vinsanity]

On the same token that Cadillac and BMW would qualify, I'd include Volvo as well

[GoCougs]

This is going back a bit, but the 1996 book The Millionaire Next Door showed that the most popular model with US millionaires was the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

My hunch is that the #1 model for the US's wealthy is now probably the F-150.

Rich people don't drive fancy cars, something many don't realize.

[BimmerM3]

Rich people don't drive fancy cars, something many don't realize.

Rich people who live in modest, middle class areas don't drive fancy cars. Rich people who live in rich areas (a.k.a. my high school district) do drive fancy cars. Sure, not all of them do, but you can't drive around my area for very long before you start agreeing with me.

[93JC]

This is going back a bit, but the 1996 book The Millionaire Next Door showed that the most popular model with US millionaires was the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

And before that, the Cherokee. And before that, the Wagoneer.

[Raza]

That book also considers "rich" in a very 1980s way. 

In Europe, it's the VW Golf.  Here, I think it's the Mustang.  As a car that represents America over the past 45 years, those who covet the Mustang will covet it regardless of finacial standing.