Why does an S class intimidate so many people?
#61
Lexus Fanatic
That's what I would go for, 2k12 or '13. Again, I'd just make sure I knew about common issues, decide what I can DIY, line up an indie to install FCP Euro parts, etc. Not a huge deal but maybe just some due diligence....I know if your heat stops working, it's a common issue and only a $80 part...dunno the rest.
#62
My folks can afford and S-class but (a) my mom views Mercs as boats for old folks and (b) my dad just isn't willing to spend that much money on a car. He is used to putting money into things that appreciate whereas something like an S-class is just like flushing money down the toilet. And unlike say, an M4 or a 911, the S-class does not "bottom out" in pricing after a certain number of years. It consistently falls which is why you find so many for under $10k.
There are many lease trade in CPOs sitting for around $60K which is a good deal compared to $100k new, but they will still just keep falling in value.
There are many lease trade in CPOs sitting for around $60K which is a good deal compared to $100k new, but they will still just keep falling in value.
to me the real question is why is this even being asked?
its just a matter of perspective and priorities. Some people prioritize appearances and how people view them others don’t. Not to over generalize but take for example Korea. Korean culture has a lot to do with appearance so they invest all they have in looks so they are the plastic capital of the world and they have the car to show everyone their status but nothing in the home since the world doesn’t see that. Then there’s the never invest in a depreciating asset mentality where people will put everything in the house and drive a 20 year old beater. Two different mentalities.
Another way to view it is if you have the money why pay 1$ for coke at McDonald’s when you can have it anywhere else for 5$ just because it costs more. or why buy one brand at Walmart for 1$ when you can buy the same brand at another retailer for 10$
Just because you can afford something it doesn’t mean you should get it.
#63
A friends owns apartment buildings and drives at least 2 cars, a high end Chevy or Ford to work, especially his buildings, and a Jag convertible or Mercedes SUV for everyplace else. He said his low to mid-income tenants were nicer to him when they took him to be a regular guy who’s done well for himself, rather than the millionaire that he is.
#64
Lexus Fanatic
Another thing that really is interesting, I had a Platinum AMEX for years and when the kids were born I downgraded it to a Gold one since we weren't using any of the travel perks, etc. Well...about 6 months ago I took a bonus point offer and upgraded it back. The new platinum cards are metal, and thick. they have a bright shiny look to them and they are very heavy, they plunk down on a bar or a hotel counter with authority. They catch the light too and get peoples attention. Here's what they look like for those who are unfamiliar:
Using that card is really fascinating. If you go up to a crowded bar, and pull it out of your wallet and plunk it on the bar, the bartender comes right to you. Its amazing. What use to take 5 minutes to get a drink or more is instant. I checked into a hotel and got a free upgrade. Never happened to me before. I was in WV and took my family out to dinner, the waitress actually came back and said "This is the most amazing credit card I have ever seen, we were all passing it around in the kitchen". When I paid the bill for the service on the Pacifica, the service rep actually said "Wow, this card is so heavy, it must have some money behind it!" He actually said that. I'm not exaggerating either...it actually makes me a little uncomfortable lol
When the Platinum card was just plastic and I had it for 10 years nobody ever said a word.
So status from things absolutely still exists.
And thats with it even being 10 years old, you still get those looks.
Last edited by SW17LS; 07-22-18 at 07:12 AM.
#65
Lexus Fanatic
I agree. There is status in everything we own or buy, the value of something to one person could be different to another, but pretty much everything emits status signals somehow. I just don't see the value in telling someone I could have bought this or that but didn't. As for someone leasing vs buying, if you have loads of money it is probably in the best interest to lease something as someone with loads of money could make more money by leasing (such car) vs buying as lets say a $100K LS money can be used somewhere else (stock market, property etc) But at the end of the load, if you have loads and loads of money, what difference does it make?
#66
Lexus Fanatic
I agree. There is status in everything we own or buy, the value of something to one person could be different to another, but pretty much everything emits status signals somehow. I just don't see the value in telling someone I could have bought this or that but didn't. As for someone leasing vs buying, if you have loads of money it is probably in the best interest to lease something as someone with loads of money could make more money by leasing (such car) vs buying as lets say a $100K LS money can be used somewhere else (stock market, property etc) But at the end of the load, if you have loads and loads of money, what difference does it make?
You talk as if I and others are walking up to people on the street and saying "You know, I could have bought an S Class but I didnt".
Just because people choose not to spend money on something doesn't mean they couldn't afford to. I could afford to do a LOT of things I don't do, as could you, as could we all.
The insinuation that comes across is "You really didnt buy the S Class because you can't afford it" and thats just not the case, which is why we respond that it isn't the case. Anybody who is buying ANY flagship sedan, unless they're an idiot, would be capable of buying or leasing a car well more expensive than an S Class.
#67
Lexus Fanatic
The point is we're on a Car forum discussing cars and the auto industry...specifically in a thread where the question is why people have concerns about buying an S Class when they could and would like to. The comment "I could have bought an S Class but I didnt for these reasons" is on topic and it adds to the discussion we're having.
You talk as if I and others are walking up to people on the street and saying "You know, I could have bought an S Class but I didnt".
Just because people choose not to spend money on something doesn't mean they couldn't afford to. I could afford to do a LOT of things I don't do, as could you, as could we all.
The insinuation that comes across is "You really didnt buy the S Class because you can't afford it" and thats just not the case, which is why we respond that it isn't the case. Anybody who is buying ANY flagship sedan, unless they're an idiot, would be capable of buying or leasing a car well more expensive than an S Class.
You talk as if I and others are walking up to people on the street and saying "You know, I could have bought an S Class but I didnt".
Just because people choose not to spend money on something doesn't mean they couldn't afford to. I could afford to do a LOT of things I don't do, as could you, as could we all.
The insinuation that comes across is "You really didnt buy the S Class because you can't afford it" and thats just not the case, which is why we respond that it isn't the case. Anybody who is buying ANY flagship sedan, unless they're an idiot, would be capable of buying or leasing a car well more expensive than an S Class.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 07-22-18 at 08:05 AM.
#68
Lexus Fanatic
As somebody who has driven new expensive cars for a long time I can tell you thats not true lol. There is absolutely status still in a car and in other outward appearances of wealth. Its interesting when you have two cars, one of which is an expensive Lexus and the other of which is a minivan, the differences in the way people treat you on the road, when you pull up to a hotel for instance, or a nice restaurant. Theres a distinct difference.
Another thing that really is interesting, I had a Platinum AMEX for years and when the kids were born I downgraded it to a Gold one since we weren't using any of the travel perks, etc. Well...about 6 months ago I took a bonus point offer and upgraded it back. The new platinum cards are metal, and thick. they have a bright shiny look to them and they are very heavy, they plunk down on a bar or a hotel counter with authority. They catch the light too and get peoples attention. Here's what they look like for those who are unfamiliar:
Using that card is really fascinating. If you go up to a crowded bar, and pull it out of your wallet and plunk it on the bar, the bartender comes right to you. Its amazing. What use to take 5 minutes to get a drink or more is instant. I checked into a hotel and got a free upgrade. Never happened to me before. I was in WV and took my family out to dinner, the waitress actually came back and said "This is the most amazing credit card I have ever seen, we were all passing it around in the kitchen". When I paid the bill for the service on the Pacifica, the service rep actually said "Wow, this card is so heavy, it must have some money behind it!" He actually said that. I'm not exaggerating either...it actually makes me a little uncomfortable lol
When the Platinum card was just plastic and I had it for 10 years nobody ever said a word.
So status from things absolutely still exists.
And thats with it even being 10 years old, you still get those looks.
Another thing that really is interesting, I had a Platinum AMEX for years and when the kids were born I downgraded it to a Gold one since we weren't using any of the travel perks, etc. Well...about 6 months ago I took a bonus point offer and upgraded it back. The new platinum cards are metal, and thick. they have a bright shiny look to them and they are very heavy, they plunk down on a bar or a hotel counter with authority. They catch the light too and get peoples attention. Here's what they look like for those who are unfamiliar:
Using that card is really fascinating. If you go up to a crowded bar, and pull it out of your wallet and plunk it on the bar, the bartender comes right to you. Its amazing. What use to take 5 minutes to get a drink or more is instant. I checked into a hotel and got a free upgrade. Never happened to me before. I was in WV and took my family out to dinner, the waitress actually came back and said "This is the most amazing credit card I have ever seen, we were all passing it around in the kitchen". When I paid the bill for the service on the Pacifica, the service rep actually said "Wow, this card is so heavy, it must have some money behind it!" He actually said that. I'm not exaggerating either...it actually makes me a little uncomfortable lol
When the Platinum card was just plastic and I had it for 10 years nobody ever said a word.
So status from things absolutely still exists.
And thats with it even being 10 years old, you still get those looks.
Now, if that c4s driver says, "Hey John, would you like to play at Merion? Why don't you call Lexi on Monday, and she'll arrange it." Yes, that is a showing of status, because you can be a billionaire from a successful start up, but if you are new money, you are still not a member at Merion, and cannot play there.
Last Saturday, we parked next to a GL AMG at Costco. Instinctively, I looked at the back brake rotors, which were scored. I told my wife, that's a shame, somehow material is able to embed into the pads and score perfectly good rotors like that. I walked past the other side and it was the same. A shame. I'd love to put that SUV on a lift and replace the rear brakes, because I like cars period. Should that driver be afforded status? I don't think so, he/she is at Costco just like we are. It's a nice car of course, but should they have elevated status?
I did see some clerks at IKEA making a big deal about a black credit card. I get those "pre-approved to apply" things in the mail for a black Visa. How come "to apply" lol I pulled my FICO and I have 0 inquiries and want to keep it as such, they stay on for 25 mos., no good.
I agree there is such a thing as status, just that driving a nice car at least to me doesn't get it for you. Need to know more about you...
edit what's funny is that I would get a lot of discussion when I would use the Navy Federal credit card, wanting to know my background. But I stopped using it since it's 1.5%, and citi double is 2%.....
edit 2 thought of another extreme, for a while I was watching on YouTube those kids driving exotic cars and how they swarm and treat police etc. And I realized, that is exactly how I acted and wanted to be when I was 19 and bought a Porsche. Do we afford them status because they are driving cars most of us will never even ride in? Not really, imho their behavior to me gives them even less status than a responsible community-minded Camry driver...
Last edited by Johnhav430; 07-22-18 at 08:10 AM.
#69
Lexus Fanatic
I did see some clerks at IKEA making a big deal about a black credit card. I get those "pre-approved to apply" things in the mail for a black Visa. How come "to apply" lol I pulled my FICO and I have 0 inquiries and want to keep it as such, they stay on for 25 mos., no good.
I agree there is such a thing as status, just that driving a nice car at least to me doesn't get it for you. Need to know more about you...
edit what's funny is that I would get a lot of discussion when I would use the Navy Federal credit card, wanting to know my background. But I stopped using it since it's 1.5%, and citi double is 2%.....
...
#70
Lexus Fanatic
And buying cs leasing is not the same. Most people do not have the cash to buy cars...someone buying cash a $50K Eclass carries more status and wealth than someone leasing a $100K S class.
Originally Posted by Johnhava430
I do not disagree with anything you have said, but I do feel that a car doesn't really mean that much for status. It's routine for many Americans to overextend themselves, or, they can simply lease a nice car. If you get up there, like a 911 c4s, yes, even the lease payment is going to be something most people cannot do, but I don't know if we afford status to people just because they have a 911 c4s.
I think you have a certain thriftiness, a preoccupation with money and what is "smart" that is not shared by most people. Most people don't think about whether somebody who is driving a car is overextended or not, they just say "Wow, nice car".
Last Saturday, we parked next to a GL AMG at Costco. Instinctively, I looked at the back brake rotors, which were scored. I told my wife, that's a shame, somehow material is able to embed into the pads and score perfectly good rotors like that. I walked past the other side and it was the same. A shame. I'd love to put that SUV on a lift and replace the rear brakes, because I like cars period. Should that driver be afforded status? I don't think so, he/she is at Costco just like we are. It's a nice car of course, but should they have elevated status?
I did see some clerks at IKEA making a big deal about a black credit card. I get those "pre-approved to apply" things in the mail for a black Visa. How come "to apply" lol I pulled my FICO and I have 0 inquiries and want to keep it as such, they stay on for 25 mos., no good.
I agree there is such a thing as status, just that driving a nice car at least to me doesn't get it for you. Need to know more about you...
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
At the end of the day, credit cards mean very little. You could be up to your eyeballs in debt on your fancy credit card. I have three, one for US purhcases, one for Hudson’s Bay as I wanted to buy a piece of jewelry once and I got 20% off for opening a HBC card plus an 15% for the promotion with the card and one size I was 21 years of age. They mean little. I could open my purse and have $1000 on me and waiters or waitresses would fight all over me. Cash is very important to wealth and so are assets.
#71
Lexus Fanatic
At the end of the day, credit cards mean very little. You could be up to your eyeballs in debt on your fancy credit card. I have three, one for US purhcases, one for Hudson’s Bay as I wanted to buy a piece of jewelry once and I got 20% off for opening a HBC card plus an 15% for the promotion with the card and one size I was 21 years of age. They mean little. I could open my purse and have $1000 on me and waiters or waitresses would fight all over me. Cash is very important to wealth and so are assets.
#72
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As somebody who has driven new expensive cars for a long time I can tell you thats not true lol. There is absolutely status still in a car and in other outward appearances of wealth. Its interesting when you have two cars, one of which is an expensive Lexus and the other of which is a minivan, the differences in the way people treat you on the road, when you pull up to a hotel for instance, or a nice restaurant. Theres a distinct difference.
Another thing that really is interesting, I had a Platinum AMEX for years and when the kids were born I downgraded it to a Gold one since we weren't using any of the travel perks, etc. Well...about 6 months ago I took a bonus point offer and upgraded it back. The new platinum cards are metal, and thick. they have a bright shiny look to them and they are very heavy, they plunk down on a bar or a hotel counter with authority. They catch the light too and get peoples attention. Here's what they look like for those who are unfamiliar:
Using that card is really fascinating. If you go up to a crowded bar, and pull it out of your wallet and plunk it on the bar, the bartender comes right to you. Its amazing. What use to take 5 minutes to get a drink or more is instant. I checked into a hotel and got a free upgrade. Never happened to me before. I was in WV and took my family out to dinner, the waitress actually came back and said "This is the most amazing credit card I have ever seen, we were all passing it around in the kitchen". When I paid the bill for the service on the Pacifica, the service rep actually said "Wow, this card is so heavy, it must have some money behind it!" He actually said that. I'm not exaggerating either...it actually makes me a little uncomfortable lol
When the Platinum card was just plastic and I had it for 10 years nobody ever said a word.
So status from things absolutely still exists.
And thats with it even being 10 years old, you still get those looks.
Another thing that really is interesting, I had a Platinum AMEX for years and when the kids were born I downgraded it to a Gold one since we weren't using any of the travel perks, etc. Well...about 6 months ago I took a bonus point offer and upgraded it back. The new platinum cards are metal, and thick. they have a bright shiny look to them and they are very heavy, they plunk down on a bar or a hotel counter with authority. They catch the light too and get peoples attention. Here's what they look like for those who are unfamiliar:
Using that card is really fascinating. If you go up to a crowded bar, and pull it out of your wallet and plunk it on the bar, the bartender comes right to you. Its amazing. What use to take 5 minutes to get a drink or more is instant. I checked into a hotel and got a free upgrade. Never happened to me before. I was in WV and took my family out to dinner, the waitress actually came back and said "This is the most amazing credit card I have ever seen, we were all passing it around in the kitchen". When I paid the bill for the service on the Pacifica, the service rep actually said "Wow, this card is so heavy, it must have some money behind it!" He actually said that. I'm not exaggerating either...it actually makes me a little uncomfortable lol
When the Platinum card was just plastic and I had it for 10 years nobody ever said a word.
So status from things absolutely still exists.
And thats with it even being 10 years old, you still get those looks.
#73
Lexus Fanatic
I think you have a certain thriftiness, a preoccupation with money and what is "smart" that is not shared by most people. Most people don't think about whether somebody who is driving a car is overextended or not, they just say "Wow, nice car".
...Sheesh, you and these brakes!
...You are atypical though, My guess is you'd be way more impressed on the deal somebody got on some leftover whatever from some outlet store than some new fancy thing.
Although I am not on their forum (I likely should be), I probably share a lot with the Bogleheads, although I don't think there is anything wrong with splurging here or there, if that's what a person wants. I can scream until I'm blue in the face, get the $25 full synth oil from Walmart and then do the $12 or $10 rebate, no-brainer!! Yet many people might say, it's only saving $12, I don't do Walmart, and I don't change my own oil, so it's not a very good deal. It's so easy you can even do amazon prime, which I did on the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. Rebate is online and electronic submission.
The brakes are just an obsession right now, it will likely change in 6 mos!! Nice smooth rotors with no rust, is like putting a tie on straight...that scoring is annoying, none on my wife's car thus far...
edit: You got me thinking about that black Visa, it was from FNB of Omaha (already sounds sketchy). I googled it, and there is nothing about a black Visa on the website. So it does seem to be by invite, but as you say, a poseur card, because I remember it had some exorbitant annual fee to boot...
Last edited by Johnhav430; 07-22-18 at 08:40 AM.
#74
Lexus Fanatic
I love it too, only thing that frustrates me is that you have to trade the extra points on restaurants and groceries you get with the Gold card for the other perks of the Platinum card. IMHO for the money you should have all the perks of the gold, PLUS the perks of the Platinum. Thats why I had downgraded, because we weren't traveling and I figured we may as well get the additional points.
At one time I had a personal and a business platinum, but I didnt upgrade the business card back to platinum for the same reason, I'm getting way more points on business purchases with the gold card and now have the Platinum perks back also.
#75
Lexus Fanatic
But when you see the E Class and the S Class on the road, how do you know the method by which each are financed? Would you be interested to know that E Classes have a much higher % lease vs buy than the S Class? Same is true of all flagship luxury cars, actually most of them are purchased, not leased vs other luxury price points its the opposite. Thats why you find lease programs for flagship cars aren't nearly as good as they are for midsized luxury cars.
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