Can you really tell if someone is rich by the kind of car they drive? Are luxury cars like Mercedes and BMW really “status symbols”? For the most part not really. First, let’s examine what the “true” state cars are.
Without a doubt, cars like Rolls Royce and Ferrari indicate some kind of status. Cars like these get a second or third look even in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Prices hover around $100k and everyone knows how much these cars cost.
When it comes to cars like Mercedes and BMW, it’s another story. Sure, these are good cars, however their entry-level models start in the $30k range. These are hardly outrageous prices and these cars are within the financial reach of many individuals and families. Even top-of-the-line luxury models, like a Mercedes S-Class or a BMW 7 Series, are not indicators of wealth because, as we all know, many people lease these cars.
What is really elite is paying to be put on a waiting list for a car. The most exclusive cars cannot be bought with cash alone. This car is the electric Tesla Roadster. Not only is it super powerful and fast; It’s also electric. Do you want to buy one? You’ll have to shell out five thousand dollars to get on the waiting list. Now that is exclusive!
When it comes to the “cool” factor, you really can’t argue with armored cars. These cars are made to withstand bullets. Ford makes a bulletproof Lincoln Town car that will sell for roughly $140k. So who drives these bad boys? They are mostly people like billionaires, pop stars, and government officials.
Some people consider larger vehicles like SUVs and Hummers to be status symbols because these cars use a lot of gas. However, expect some disapproval if you decide to drive these types of cars. Many people are not big fans of these great vehicles and will not hesitate to express themselves.
Due to the economy, fewer consumers are buying vehicles with status in mind. Most are more concerned with mileage, efficiency, and reliability. Consumers are less concerned about status and more about being able to afford to fill up on gas.
Many people also choose their car to make a statement. Cars like the Ford Focus EV, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Toyota Prius are known for being environmentally friendly. Some consumers choose to buy such an efficient car due to concerns about dependence on foreign oil, global warming, and high gas prices.
There will always be people with money who will continue to buy big SUVs despite high gas prices and exotics. However, it seems that most people opt for more practical options these days.
