Mr. M

This question came up in my mind because I realise that I've always been the one in the family who keeps pursuading everyone to change cars. I get my dad influenced and that's why from becoming a typical car owner he is now an enthusiast like me. He used to drive S-Class to every S-Class, not caring what options it has, what features it has or what engine it had and he mainly bought it for the status symbol. Now, he knows what options to ask for and why a V8 is better than a V6, which some people would find very hard to understand (especially women).

My sister on the other hand keeps complaining that I'm pursuading my dad to buy cars like its collecting scale models. She says that cars are very expensive purchases and that I do not see how much money is spent on every car bought. After some thought I realise that she is right. Am I getting too obsessed with new cars everytime? Last time we used to change cars very 4-5 years, now its barely 2 years and we're looking at something new already.

Today we had a go in the Cooper S, and we were so close to putting down a downpayment to confirm our order. But I hesitated and so did my family - we should be happy with what we have now, and not change cars just because we feel like it. The Jazz is still a very good car and we don't have a very good reason to change it actually. As it is with the A8L as well, which we have decided to keep until the S300/400 diesel or petrol hybrid comes out next year.

Right now, I'll probably put a 3 year minimum on the ownership duration of the cars we own. That way, we'll buy less impulsively.

Have anyone else here on GCZ experienced the same thing?

Monster

Great to see you are back James !

I think we are all obsessed with new cars because it is natural for us to want new and better things, and if people can afford it, it will be very difficult to resist the temptation.

I am in a similar situation as yours, I am also the only one in the family pursuading everyone to change their cars. My parents didn't really know or care about cars until I start informing them. Now they go for regular test drives of new released models and we often have discussions about them as possible replacement of our current cars.

At the end, we all agree that we should hold onto our car for at least 3 years so we can have a chance to enjoy them. I think cars, unlike other consumer products, can thrill and delight our senses like no other, and we can form a strong sedimental bond with them. This is also part of the reason why we don't want to let go of a car so quickly.

btw just a curious question, does your sister collect shoes and handbags like there is no tomorrow?

Centurion

Haha you are financially ruining your families.

I'm very obsessed with cars and I'm very happy with it because it's these type of passions which make life worth living.

Bartek Sikorski

cawimmer430

You should post here more often, James.

I'm quite busy too but a lot of my free time is spent on GCZ.

Keep me updated on your dad and his decision.

Poverty

So why exactly is a V8 better than a V6 because I dont agree.

Mr. M

I think one good way which you would keep your car longer is to buy it brand new and specifying it the way you like it. That way it's easier to form a personal bond. Buying second hand cars on the other hand gives that recycled feeling that encourages you to change cars more often. Don't you agree?

Anyway, yeah she does.

You're not as busy as me... I only have my weekends off. Seriously. On weekdays I'm on an offshore island training to be a soldier.

Less vibration and more refined - there are of course, many ways which a V6 is better than a V8. I'm just saying it in a casual way with assumptions made. My mistake.

Monster

Yes I do. Is the Jazz a second hand car?


So she should understand your dad and your obsession with cars.

Mr. M

No, the Jazz is a first hand. Ha, but cars depreciate like hell, her bags and shoes don't.