Can you really tell if someone is rich by the type 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 “true” status cars are.
Sure, 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. Price tags are 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 prices are not outrageous and these cars are financially affordable for 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 rent these cars.
What is truly elite is paying to be on the 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 is also electric. Do you want to buy one? You will have to fork out five thousand dollars to be on the waiting list. That really is exclusivity!
When it comes to the “cool:” factor, you really can’t argue with armored cars. These cars are made to resist bullets. Ford makes a bulletproof Lincoln Town that will sell for about $ 140,000. So who drives these bad boys? They are mostly people like billionaires, pop stars, and government officials.
Some people consider larger vehicles, such as 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 buy vehicles based on the state. Most are more concerned with mileage, efficiency, and reliability. Consumers are less concerned with the state, but more concerned with being able to afford to fill their gas tank.
Many people also choose their car to make a statement. Cars like the Ford Focus EV, the Ford Fusion hybrid, and the Toyota Prius are known to be environmentally friendly. Some consumers choose to buy such an efficient car due to concerns about dependence on foreign oil, global warming, and high gasoline prices.
There will always be people with money who will continue to buy large SUVs despite high gas prices and exotics. However, it seems that most people are opting for the more practical options these days.