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Original poster

What are your various car brand stereotypes?

133 replies

Grumpafrump · 20/02/2023 12:24

Just that really. Was having a conversation about people’s perceptions of various car brands recently and found it interesting. The original conversation stemmed from a disagreement over whether Volvo is a premium brand or not; they weren’t when I was a child—they seemed to be mainly driven by university professors—but now they are quite expensive and also
nice inside. Does that make them premium, or is it more about the perception of the brand (for example, everyone acknowledges that Mercedes, Audi, BMW, RR, etc are premium) that is the defining factor? Is Tesla premium or just cutting edge tech?

OP posts:
Bluevelvetsofa · 22/02/2023 10:43

Minis are uncomfortable, particularly convertibles and especially if they’re fitted with run flats.

Ihateboris · 22/02/2023 10:46

Inkypot · 22/02/2023 09:36

Driving a Mini just means you're someone who loves a fun car, but also values safety and lots of gimmicky gadgets with it 😄
I too drive a Mini! Owned lots of other cars previously, none of them have been a patch on the enjoyment of driving the Mini.

Show quote history

I agree - I've had a variety of cars over the years, but the mini is by far the most fun. Easy to find a parking space too 😄

Oakbeam · 22/02/2023 11:04

I tend to assume that a BMW or Audi is on finance, as well as anything with a plate less than three years old.

Like most people’s houses.

SinnerBoy · 22/02/2023 11:11

JennyTheDonkey · Today 09:23

Have since had another Volvo, same model but new generation and I love it. Feel really safe in it, it works, it's comfortable, nippy when it needs to be and I can fit everything in it (including the obligatory lab!).

That's us exactly!

Inkypot · 22/02/2023 11:35

Bluevelvetsofa · 22/02/2023 10:43

Minis are uncomfortable, particularly convertibles and especially if they’re fitted with run flats.

Haven't found this at all but maybe just depends on the driver. Mine aren't run-flats though so that will make a difference 😄

Original poster
Grumpafrump · 22/02/2023 11:38

JennyTheDonkey · 22/02/2023 09:23

That's interesting, I went from Audi to Volvo and found everything a level up. From the service in the dealership to the build quality of the car and the features that came with it. Have since had another Volvo, same model but new generation and I love it. Feel really safe in it, it works, it's comfortable, nippy when it needs to be and I can fit everything in it (including the obligatory lab!). Plus I think it looks really good, my model still turns my head, the equivalent Audi, BMW, Merc etc don't. Oh and price wise I think it was near enough on par with the others but our dealer worked some magic.

Will never understand the appeal of the the urban Range Rover, why buy a car that's in the garage so often and too big for a city/town?? My family have had the LR work horses of old but they're not what I'm talking about.

These observations are giving me a laugh, most are pretty much on the button!

Show quote history

That’s good to know you’ve found the Volvo quality so good! We have one on order to replace our old Ford and are excited to drive something a bit nicer. We have 3 kids and went for it because we wanted a reliable, safe, nice quality car. Apparently we fit the stereotype!

OP posts:
dew141 · 22/02/2023 19:34

Will never understand the appeal of the the urban Range Rover, why buy a car that's in the garage so often and too big for a city/town??

You make a fair point. Mine is great to drive, a lot smoother to corner and manoeuvre than my old XC90. Really nice interior too and tech (you can watch three different programs on the three TVs).

Then again, you don't realise that extra 5cm or so of width is the tipping point in terms of taking up an embarrassing amount of width on the road. It also has a crap boot and rear leg room for its stupidly large size. And it's currently back in the garage for the third time but they've cocked up the diagnostic and parts yet again so it will need a fourth visit.

Once bitten, twice shy, I feel like warning off the happy buyers in the showroom of shiny, yet utterly shit, Land Rovers.

MichaelFabricantWig · 22/02/2023 19:50

JennyTheDonkey · 22/02/2023 09:23

That's interesting, I went from Audi to Volvo and found everything a level up. From the service in the dealership to the build quality of the car and the features that came with it. Have since had another Volvo, same model but new generation and I love it. Feel really safe in it, it works, it's comfortable, nippy when it needs to be and I can fit everything in it (including the obligatory lab!). Plus I think it looks really good, my model still turns my head, the equivalent Audi, BMW, Merc etc don't. Oh and price wise I think it was near enough on par with the others but our dealer worked some magic.

Will never understand the appeal of the the urban Range Rover, why buy a car that's in the garage so often and too big for a city/town?? My family have had the LR work horses of old but they're not what I'm talking about.

These observations are giving me a laugh, most are pretty much on the button!

Show quote history

Ah, I’ve never driven an Audi, BMW or Merc mind you so their marketing works a dream!

I love the Volvo though, it’s proper nice

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