Jim Beam and fond memories.
What a combination

 

Cheeky Jim,

I think you are spot on. It's a combination of things, but this subject relies on people being absolutely honest about badge snobbery.

I bought the Subaru because it was fast, hip, reasonably practicable and a road going version of my favorite rally car being driven by a popular hero (McRae at the time!).

If it was the equivalent road verion of the 4wd Octavia, would I have bought one, even if it were cheaper. No. I'm honest, at the end of the day, it's a Skoda and I'm a bit of a snob in that respect. But on the other hand I wouldn't buy a BMW, because it seems to be surrendering to the herd. Illogical I know, because the BMW is a fine marque, but it doesn't seem like an extension of me somehow.

Buying a car only for it's practicality is like marrying a woman because she is punctual.

But that doesn't apply to all consumers does it?

blubs

 

Guys,

after hearing all these logical arguments, I have to say I agree and myself am a culprit for the reverse badge image thing. I have always been a fan of the M3 and before choosing the Evo I did seriously consider the Beemer. Ultimately, as Blubs put it so well, I didn't want to surrender to the herd and when I think about it, they're just not me either.

Thanks for all the comments guys, good to hear people's viewpoint.

MS.

[This message has been edited by Martin Stirling (edited 19 October 2000).]

 

Image does matter to a lot of people, but I have never understood when someone would rather buy a 316 compact than a well specced Honda, Nissan, etc.

I like BMWs, and there is no arguing that they are well built and that some of them are very good, fast cars - but not the 316. I hate the 316. I had to drive a company runaround once and they lent me the 316 for a couple of weeks. Ugh!

I might pay a little extra for a good looking car, but the badge doesn't matter.

As long as it is well built, has plenty of power and in comfortable - I don't care.

Admittedly I might have some reverse snobbery against Volvos and Saabs.

 

Well said..

 

Useless info first,

The A3 shares its platform with the Skoda Octavia, VW Golf, VW Bora, VW Beetle, Seat Toledo and Seat Leon.

The Skoda Fabia's platform is shared with the not built yet VW Polo and Seat Ibiza.

The Skoda Felicia's platform is shared with the current VW Polo and Seat Ibiza.

I would never buy a car on Image alone but would strike a car off my wish list if it had the wrong image, Volvo and BMW I wouldn't consider. The general public still have a problem with Skoda but the Motoring press and those in the know see them as a high quality bargain, no longer a cheap car but a cheap VW/Audi.

We may have to wait a little longer for that Scooby beater but the new Octavia RS Turbo is a step in the right direction.

As well as my Scoob I run a Skoda Felicia, 3 years old now, nothings gone wrong or broke, no squeeks or rattles and the dealers are 1st class.
Oh yes and driving it for a few days makes the Scoob feel so much better.

Stopped waffling now

Lee

 

Strange, but I have a 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider which I bought in Germany.
I think the scoob will go before that.
Though I do get verbal abuse when I say I'm thinking of changing it.
Best thing with the scoob is that a lot of my friends under-rate it.
"How could you sell the Merc for that..."
Then I floor it

 

I'd never buy on image.

I am interested in the quality and characteristics of the car, warranty, dealers attitude to customer service and manufacturer backup.

There are 3 types of car I will not buy. BMW, Mercedes and French.

C