I think people try to get cars that reflect who they are. Usually since they are purchasing one as a daily use car also, they end up getting something that's more practical for their use, and not a reflection of their personality. Pickup trucks, suv's, minivans..etc. Ok..pickups and suv's can be a reflection, but they're practical also for the most part. My sister drives a Honda Element she named "Ellie" that she loves. I think in my family we like cars that are unique, fun, but make sense. I remember way back when I was a kid, the only new car my dad ever bought was a 71 or 72 Volkswagen Beetle. It was right before they stopped selling them here in the States. Not very practical for upstate NY especially in the winter. Sure it did great in the snow, but rarely had heat, couldn't take more than 2 people in it for long distances because of the lack of cargo space...etc. But it was a fun unique car.
A good friend of ours (who also is our tax lady, if you live in the area...and need a good tax professional let me know....she's very good at what she does, and takes great pride in her work, and keeping up with the ever changing tax codes) took a chance on herself when she was suddenly without a job, by reinventing herself and beat the system by becoming very successful at being self employed. I would've said by working for herself, but she doesn't...she works for her clients, and she loves what she does. This year she got herself a BMW convertible (not sure what kind, it's the bigger one). She didn't buy new, but a got a heck of a deal on a gently used late model one (she's always lucky in picking out good used cars that are like new....unlike me, and is very smart/careful with her money). It's her "fun" car, and it reflects her well. It's stately, elegant without being pretentious, but with a sense of "I'm ready to have fun at a moment's notice". You could almost imagine a briefcase in the trunk along with a cooler, lawn chairs, a good book...etc for when the mood strikes her to do a spur of a moment getaway. She's the kind of person that would be just as comfortable staying at the Waldorf Astoria, enjoying fine dining, as she would be at a bonfire eating bbq and listening to someone strumming a guitar, and having a few laughs...and her car fits both criteria. I mention her because we enjoy bantering back and forth about BMW vs Fiat.
Now, I don't think you would ever see us in Lil Blue pulling up in front of a 5 star restaurant that has valet parking (Lori wanted to use valet parking last weekend, but the image of that scene in Ferris Bueller's Day off (where the parking attendants went out for a joyride in the Ferrari) kept running thru my skull), and where everyone is formally dressed. But then again, maybe we would. Not formally dressed...but wearing hawaiian shirts, shorts/jeans depending on the weather, and not really looking like we belong, and not really caring either. Even though Lil Blue isn't really all that practical for more than 2 people (though Lori has been using it for commuting because it gets good gas mileage), it is "fun". You could never imagine a briefcase in the trunk, but the fixings for margaritas...absolutely (disclaimer...we never "drink and drive", I always drive on these occasions because I stopped drinking alcohol a while ago, and don't miss it. Even when I did, one of us always remained sober to be the driver), along with beach towels and the such.
We wanted a car that was unique and fun. That said we don't follow the "mainstream", and made us happy and feel good. Though I like the Mustang, everyone has one (probably because it is a good car..but still). And people our age that drive them seem to be trying to relive glory days of high school, or trying to get a sense of being part of the "in" group. Camaros (at least the latest one), I did like the look, but after getting in one, didn't like it. Wasn't comfortable at all, didn't feel right, and having talked to Camaro owners..I heard a lot of buyer's remorse. After checking out other convertibles, Fiat felt like the right choice. It felt fun, whimsical, carefree. That last word "carefree"...that's what I needed. I haven't felt "carefree" since I was stationed in England (surprisingly that I felt carefree in the military...but I did). Right now, with our present situation...I need to go out and do some Fiat Therapy again. I need to regain that sense of being carefree that I lost right before my birthday. I have to many things I'm worrying/stressing about. I quit my alarm job because, not only was I in constant physical pain, I was stressed all the time. When I got on at Nations...my old self started coming back...Lori and everyone around me saw the difference. I need to find my old self again
I'm impressed that you hold an opinion of me than is higher than it should be. I am actually not a 5-star hotel person and fine dining is just overpriced food with a haughty atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI prefer camping and good friends. Friends like you!
My car is actually one of the smallest BMW models..it's a 2005 325ci. The "3" is the body size and the "25" is the engine size (2.5 litre). The "ci" is the model, "c" referring to convertible. The fuel pump went out on it last week and I had to have it towed. :)
Actually, my opinion of you is pretty low. Remember, I've seen you after a few margaritas. (hehe) Seriously, guess I didn't explain myself very well when it came to you. It wasn't that you are a Waldorf Astoria/fine dining type, but that, if you were placed amongst the "country club" types, you would "fit in", and/or be just as comfortable there (or give the appearance that you belong). You just wouldn't like it, thinking of a way to get out of there so you can hit that road you saw that looked fun to drive with the top down.
DeleteYour car just seems bigger to me than others I've seen. When we were in Colorado coming back down from Buffalo Bill's grave site, I remember seeing a beemer (think it was one of the M3's(?) that seemed small, and thinking yours was more elegant, classy looking. You're a (as the guys from BBC's Top Gear say) petrol head who loves BMW engineering. Not sure if this was any clearer than before. Most times I'm not very good at explaining myself.
That's a good explanation. If I had the proper clothing, I'd be at home at the Waldorf. I'm just not a shopper!
DeleteI know that some people don't understand the fascination with BMW because they aren't all frou-frou. Not a lot of gadgets, not cushy. They are a driver's car. They handle so well, such wonderful engineering, sport suspension, steering that is so tight, it would make a virgin blush. Beautiful. I'm off to take it to Kansas City Autosport. Still having fuel pump issues.