Audi's

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by HOOT

It's the leasing options they give people. Plus they have some cheap 1 and 3 series for average joe.

BMW are nice cars I know but they don't impress me style wise unless you get up there in price.

Like an M3.

For users of BMW's who aren't cocks, mad props. For people who drive M3's specifically and aren't cocks, even madder props.

[an_album_cover]

^Sadly, most people think that because you're proud of your car and happy that you're able to get into something that you probably never thought possible, it makes you a cocky jerk.

A guy driving a Civic with a smile on his face is seen differently than a guy driving a M3 with the exact same smile. Same person in a different car and the haters are on it.

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

There is one way to escape anyone hating you:

Yes, but you'll hate yourself. (Joking, for the record.)

[DESS]

Originally Posted by Ice

Just curious, what's the criteria for a car to graduate to status symbol. Because I see BMW's singled out a lot, but never the same judgment on Volvo's, Lexus, Infiniti, etc. Is it money? Is it that the BMW is so beautiful? What is it exactly?

They are a status symbol because their upfront cost and maintenance costs are high and out of reach for most people. A modest car that still has performance credibility is say a 3.5 litre Nissan Maxima. Many wealthy people, particularly small business owners from what I've seen, choose cars like that because it makes them appear more humble (usually because they are) while they still get to enjoy a nice vehicle.

When you drive a prestigious car like a BMW or Mercedes Benz, you are announcing something about yourself to the world. One of those things is that you have lots of money, whether that is true or not as lots of people can have any number of things leased/financed that they can't really afford. Anyway, that rubs many people the wrong way. For instance, if you have friends or family members that are struggling in this tough economy just to take a modest vacation or to make payments on their base model Honda Civic, seeing somebody roll around in a $50,000 vehicle can be off putting. People appreciate humility, and I think many people view young people anyway driving prestigious cars to show a lack of humility.

I think this changes quite a bit as a person ages or if somebody earned the wealth they have and buys these cars in middle age. My dream car is an M3, but I think my next "fun" car will be a Nissan 370z simply because I don't want to make my peers that may not have as much money as me feel down because of my conspicuous consumption. With the basic brands like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, domestics, etc. people tend not to mind. Humility to me shows strength of character, and ownership of these luxury brands really flies in the face of that.

Here is an article on humility that I love. It's called Humility - The Most Beautiful Word in the English Language.

Anyway, I don't think you're a bad person if you own a BMW and I will probably own one (again) one day, but for now they conflict with who I want to be because I see the negative affect they have on a lot of people with less and that bothers me. Of course the other side of the coin is to not worry about what other people think because no matter what you do somebody is always going to have a problem with it.

[an_album_cover]

^ Very interesting. I remember reading something (might have been on CP) about how lots of people choose white as a color for their car because it's less off putting.

Adopting a "who gives a " mentality is easier said than done, because let's face it, on some levels we buy things such as cars and homes wondering what others will think, weather we'd like to believe it or not.

I think people view a MB or BMW or Audi or whatever driver the same way they see someone who carries a LV purse - excessive. But whereas a $20 purse can do what a $2k purse can, sometimes you can't get what you're looking for in a Honda or a Toyota. I believe people who automatically judge those who drives a "status brand" are just finding ways to make themselves feel better about themselves. They're convinced that the MB driver only bought that car for the hood ornament, and nothing else. However, these owners are often times very passionate about cars, and are often more picky about purchasing than someone who's just looking for something "cheap and reliable". This is why I don't really care what the haters think, because they don't really know any better as much as they'd like to think so.

As for people being jealous, I'm not going to allow that be the deciding factor on what I should and shouldn't drive. They obviously have their own issues. I grew up extremely poor, so I know what it's like to watch from the sidelines, but I didn't hold that against those who had more than I did, I just worked with what I had.

[HOOT]

In the big picture a car is just a piece of metal with tires on it for me. I have had some nice cars in my life but it doesn't really change my attitude one way or the other.

I know friends who were just as happy to get their 2005 Mazda Protege as a friend getting a 2009 Porsche Cayenne. Everyone sees cars differently and if you think you are better than someone because you drive a nice car, you are an idiot!

I have had plenty of people come up to me and tell me I have the nicest of my car around town because of the work I have done to it in the small amount of time, but I just thank them. I don't sit there and tell them it is better than their '89 Accord. What is the point? Personally having a car to get from A to B is the goal, I am just lucky enough to be able to get something I enjoy and am proud of.

[OilersBaby]

Well when you say is the car "better" it depends on what you are going for - looks, drive, etc. My new favorite BMW is the 1 series cuz those things have awesome handling. However, when I was buying a new car last summer, I test drove the Audi A4 and the BMW 328i and decided that my MINI Cooper S was better than both

In terms of purchasing the car, I would go with the BMW because here in the States (not sure if they offer this in Canada) they have the European delivery program where you get 7% off MSRP off the car, a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal with Lufthansa to Munich, insurance in Europe for 12 days, and can drop off the car at almost any major city in Western Europe. Oh yeah, they ship your car back to the USA for free too

Audi's Euro delivery package includes the free shipping back I think, but you get 3 free nights at a hotel and only 3% off MSRP.

And no, people who drive BIMMERS (its not Beamer, get it right!) are not jerks, or anything else.....sure, some people do it for status, but a BMW in the Bay Area is not going to give you status because everyone and their mom drives a 3 series here. For status, you might want to pick up a Lotus or a Porsche. Also, sure you can drive a Honda Civic, but status aside, it just doesnt have the same horsepower or handling that your 3 series does......its just not the same ride!!!!!!! If you drive like an old granny then I guess it just doesnt matter, but if you drive stick shift and like to drive fast/crazy/fun....then the Bimmer engine cannot be compared to Honda/Toyota etc......just look at the horsepower!!

My vote though is for BMW because of the purchasing deal. Get the 135i..it truly is the ultimate driving machine (but my MCS is BETTER looking!)

[Ice]

Wow. I really underthink buying a car. I just drive them and see if they fit me. I can't even think of another car that is the size of the 328. I need to reach the pedals without having my chest right at the steering wheel, reach cupholders, be able to see the clock, etc.

I never thought of a car as showing anyone up, or making me someone who lacks humility, or is trying to announce anything about myself to the world and I never considered what I drive to be a put down to anyone else. All I wanted was a safe, reliable and pretty car that I was comfortable driving.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by lucky1

have you had a look at the new M3?? I think it is one of the most gorgeous cars on the road....but I may be biased cause I own one......

"You've broken it"

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by an_album_cover

I think people view a MB or BMW or Audi or whatever driver the same way they see someone who carries a LV purse - excessive. But whereas a $20 purse can do what a $2k purse can, sometimes you can't get what you're looking for in a Honda or a Toyota.

I think that's a pretty fair point.

Like you say though, a $2k purse doesn't carry more stuff.

I'd never buy a 325, 330 or an A4 because you can get other cars that are way better value for putting around town. I'm a performance car enthusiast and you don't find many cars that can do what an S4 or M3 bring to the table all around for less money.

Don't get me wrong though, if I was in the market for a bigger performance car, I would buy the much cheaper CTS-V in a heart beat over an M5 or S6.

[lucky1]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

"You've broken it"

That is hilarious....truly is

Truth is, I saved for over 4 years to buy a sportscar, and when the time finally came that I could pull the trigger, the timing was perfect in that I happened upon a used E92 M3 for a great price.
I'm not some hoity toity executive working downtown, I'm just a damn hardworking grease monkey pulling wrenches for a living..
Am I proud as hell that I own this beautiful car, damn straight......
Does me being biased thinking that these are one of the most beautiful cars on the road make me a ......I guess so
flame on

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by lucky1

That is hilarious....truly is

Truth is, I saved for over 4 years to buy a sportscar, and when the time finally came that I could pull the trigger, the timing was perfect in that I happened upon a used E92 M3 for a great price.
I'm not some hoity toity executive working downtown, I'm just a damn hardworking grease monkey pulling wrenches for a living..
Am I proud as hell that I own this beautiful car, damn straight......
Does me being biased thinking that these are one of the most beautiful cars on the road make me a ......I guess so
flame on

I am not a fan at all of the direction BMW styling has taken. I loved the E46. The E92 is definitely the nicest looking BMW out there now as far as I'm concerned, but the E90, 1 series, 5 series, 6 series and Z4 are all hideous in my opinion. I used to hate the X5, but the changes they've made over the years have changed my mind and I think they are quite nice looking as well.

As a platform, the E92 is amazing. Great engine too. It's too bad the V8 looks like it's going to die again.

If I was shopping in that price range it would be a tough call between the C63 AMG and the M3. I love Audis, but the RS4 is old now compared to those two cars and the next one won't be showing up for a while. The new S4 isn't much of a step up on the current one besides aesthetics, and the price will probably be way too high knowing Audi.

The great thing if you're buying used is Audi's depreciate pretty badly. I got mine which was ~4 years old with only 40,000km on it for half the price that it went out the door new.

[lucky1]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

I am not a fan at all of the direction BMW styling has taken. I loved the E46. The E92 is definitely the nicest looking BMW out there now as far as I'm concerned, but the E90, 1 series, 5 series, 6 series and Z4 are all hideous in my opinion. I used to hate the X5, but the changes they've made over the years have changed my mind and I think they are quite nice looking as well.

As a platform, the E92 is amazing. Great engine too. It's too bad the V8 looks like it's going to die again.

If I was shopping in that price range it would be a tough call between the C63 AMG and the M3. I love Audis, but the RS4 is old now compared to those two cars and the next one won't be showing up for a while. The new S4 isn't much of a step up on the current one besides aesthetics, and the price will probably be way too high knowing Audi.

The great thing if you're buying used is Audi's depreciate pretty badly. I got mine which was ~4 years old with only 40,000km on it for half the price that it went out the door new.

yeah, the E46 styling was much much more classic, and the E46 M3 much more of a drivers car, rough as heck, wheel literally jump out of your hands if you didnt have good grip, and the inline six rasp when you wind it out to 8K+ rpm.....almost sounds as nice as the V-8 at 8500 rpm

the new M3 is bloated.....and heeeaaavvvy...but it sure rides nice, and the gadgetry in that car would put the uss enterprise to shame....I cringe at the repair costs after warranty though. It has already been confirmed by BMW, after the E92 series, the V-8 (in the M3 anyway) will be dead, to be replaced by a twin turbo inline or V-6.....it will be the first ///M car to not be normally aspirated.....

the Audi's are nice, nice cars, but I was just never a fan of the VW/Audi's, I have had to chase way to many electrical gremlins on customer vehicles that I could never own one.

I think the other viable option other than an M3 in that class would be the lexus IS-F, V-8, close to 450HP, and gobs of torque (which the M3 lacks)...not a big fan of mercs....

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

I am not a fan at all of the direction BMW styling has taken. I loved the E46. The E92 is definitely the nicest looking BMW out there now as far as I'm concerned, but the E90, 1 series, 5 series, 6 series and Z4 are all hideous in my opinion. I used to hate the X5, but the changes they've made over the years have changed my mind and I think they are quite nice looking as well.

As a platform, the E92 is amazing. Great engine too. It's too bad the V8 looks like it's going to die again.

If I was shopping in that price range it would be a tough call between the C63 AMG and the M3. I love Audis, but the RS4 is old now compared to those two cars and the next one won't be showing up for a while. The new S4 isn't much of a step up on the current one besides aesthetics, and the price will probably be way too high knowing Audi.

The great thing if you're buying used is Audi's depreciate pretty badly. I got mine which was ~4 years old with only 40,000km on it for half the price that it went out the door new.

Pretty good post. The new direction BMW has taking is digustingly attrocious. The M3 and 3 series is fine, but thats it. The X3 is a disgrace to mankind, the 7 series looks like it is broken from the back, the 5 series is ugly, the 1 series cars look brutal. The X5's styling is pretty bad, but since it is bigger than the awful X3, it kind of works, but the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover you can get instead are not only better, but way better looking. And finally the Z4 looked awful before, and the new one they are making makes me sick everytime I look at it.

If I could afford one of these kinds of cars, I would want the Volvo, beautiful interior, nothing comes close to it. But I would test drive each car, and vear off and get the BMW M3. Having never actually driven any of these in real life (I am only 19, insurance reasons, they won't let me), I just know the M3 drives like a beast.