MB and BMW has always been aimed at the premium in the North American markets for decades, this is why they're "higher status". Plus, they do not carry a mainstream brand like Honda/Toyota/Nissan/GM/Ford does, where product overlapping and platform sharing is quite common.
Well if they are aimed at the premium in North America they must offer quality. If not, why would anyone pay the premium.
Back to the value thing, let's compare.
MB E320: $47,615 (automatic, 221hp)
does not include sunroof ($1500), leather seats ($1,440), heated seats ($650), D changer ($400), Xenon HID lights ($1150)
BMW 530i: $43,070 (automatic, 225hp)
does not include heated seats ($600 package), leather seats w/front seat lumbar support ($1,850), CD changer ($400?), Xenon HID lights ($500), Fold down rear seats ($475!)
RL: $43,650 (automatic, 225hp)
Standard heated leather seats w/lumbar support seats, CD changer, sunroof, HID lights.
Wow! You know how to research the prices of options on different cars! Yes, there is a premium to owning a MB/BMW, however, you’re not just buying the car, your also buying the experience! Lets see, take an RL in for service and get a song and a dance when you ask for a loaner. If you’re lucky they will give you an RSX, if not, it’s a trip to Enterprise rent a car for a Geo Metro.
Oh and if your trying to compare similarly equipped cars I think you need to add the following to the RL: Dual climate control, one touch windows, full size spare, infrared ignition switch, on board information (mpg/range/stopwatch/service interval, etc), 10-way power drivers seat, 10-way power passenger seat, etc. Oh that's right these things aren't offered on the RL!:bowdown:
Oh sure. I'm working at a client's corporate headquarters and looking straight out my window at the parking lot, I can see the executives parking lot which includes many premium brand vehicles, many costing over $50k. The cheapest one I see is a 1 Toyota Avalon, which probably belongs to the admin of the CEO.
Here's a tibbit for you, guess what the CEO of our client drives everyday? Answer: he doesn't drive anything. There's a Lincoln Town Car Limo escorting him everyday. He has several cars he owns drives, but he has a limo because he needs and wants to be on the same level playing field of status amoung his peers (the one with at least 7 figures in there accounts to their disposal).
I've spoken with some of the executives and they do not shop at Sears. That is a f*cking joke and the most ridiculus statement I have ever read. I was just talking to an executive manager of operations of our client the other day, and our conversation was on the subject about the brand new Nordstrom store in our city and how he will probably switch from shopping at Mark Shale to there more often.
Oh, and I call on this "study" you speak of.
Learn how to read my friend before you get your panties in a bunch. :slap: I said "most" not all. Oh, and your huge sample size of TWO that you draw your conclusions from is completely indicative of your ignorance and has no statistical significance.
My intent was not to suggest that all millionaires wear $400 suites and shop at Sears. My point is that there are plenty of millionaires that shop for value and quality not for brand identity.
And do you think Britney still lives in her trailer park too??? Even if Britney has a sebring, do you think that is her one sole car in her possession??? I'm not even going to research the Britney or your claim of her Sebring, but all I have point to is watch MTV's Cribs. Tell me if you see ONE person that has a much more than comfortable amount of $$$ that has 1 single non-premium brand automobile in his/her driveway. It is outragous the amount of wasteful spending these people spend on materialistic items. Who needs six $80k+ cars and SUVs in their driveways? For gawd-sake, John Travolta has basically has an airport and his own jumbo jet. You're a joke if you think these people shop at Sears.
Again you draw your conclusions from a select few. The celebrities that you see on Cribs are young, just came into money and flaunt it. Most of them went from rags to riches and they have no clue. However, someone who has accumulated wealth over the better part of his or her life is usually more conservative.
Do you honestly believe these people only shop at top line stores for everything? I've seen celebrities wearing GAP and Old Navy jeans and shirts. Do they buy these at Neimann Marcus? Or what about the Dickies brand, FUBU, Sean John, etc that a lot of rappers wear. These clothes are cheap. Last time I went to NM they did not carry those. However, Sears does!