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Original poster

Is badge everything?

31 replies

minesadecaf · 27/10/2019 07:54

Just wondering how much people really care about the badge? I live by an area where everyone seems to be behind the wheel of a Range Rover or Porsche (we can't afford them!!) but it does make us weirdly feel sub par which is irrationally ridiculous. Does anyone else feel lured by the badge?

OP posts:
Benes · 27/10/2019 07:57

No. For me a car should be functional. I only know one person who actually cares about stuff like this. Most people just want a car that will fit the kids in and get them to work.

Original poster
minesadecaf · 27/10/2019 07:59

Very true.

OP posts:
Original poster
minesadecaf · 27/10/2019 07:59

I'm really liking a Seat at the moment!

OP posts:
SnorkMaiden81 · 27/10/2019 08:06

Spoiler- 90% of those cars will be on finance. They 'belong' to a finance company and require a huge monthly payment which is unlikely to ever end. HP rollovers etc.

Also, the things car badges say aren't always positive. It's image. Generic, unimaginative, soul crushing blah.

Original poster
minesadecaf · 27/10/2019 08:14

Really @SnorkMaiden81 so you can't buy them outright? That's interesting. I personally don't see the need for a 4x4 guzzler in suburbia but clearly lots of people do. I do wonder if a lot is feeling you've got to keep up with the Joneses.

OP posts:
Original poster
minesadecaf · 27/10/2019 08:15

Sorry missed the 90% part Blush

OP posts:
Laterthanyouthink · 27/10/2019 08:19

Second hand range rovers are comparatively cheap, though expensive to run.

Benes · 27/10/2019 08:21

Of course you can buy them outright but the vast majority of people don't have 10's of thousands of pounds spare to pay upfront.

happinessischocolate · 27/10/2019 09:45

I used to have car envy, I've never had a car worth more than about £2k, and would feel embarrassed if I bumped into someone I knew who had a nice car at the petrol station.

My car broke down and I ended up driving a gorgeous spanking new car on rental for about 2/3 weeks, the novelty soon wore off and I realised that I didn't even notice what anyone else was driving.

Alarae · 27/10/2019 11:37

I think it's ridiculous to have a monthly payment of 300+ a month when in reality, a year of that would give you a decent runner.

My husband and I bought our cars outright and have ran them for the past 6/7 years. We would run both into the ground if it were not for the fact we need a 5-door car when little one arrives!

At the end of the day the car I have purchased, even though it depreciates, is still an asset of mine. I can sell it and recoup part of the cost when I need to change. On finance you have nothing at the end if you give it back, and more often than not people are forced to rollover into a new finance agreement as they can't afford the balloon payment at the end and depend on having a car.

c3pu · 27/10/2019 11:44

The cars I've owned for any length of time are:

Renault 5
Daewoo Nexus
Rover 45
Skoda Octavia

None of those badges would set the heart of a fair maiden racing with excitement, but all of the cars have offered me good service for the price I paid...

IWorkAtTheCheescakeFactory · 27/10/2019 11:45

I think badge is an important feature for people who can’t think for themselves. For everyone else it’s cost, build reliability, fuel efficiency, size, and comfort. There are some “badges” I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. (Vauxhall!) but only because they’ve had loads of publicly known faults. (Cars going on fire??) nothing to do with the badge itself but their reputation for building dangerous cars.

broomzoom · 27/10/2019 11:51

I would say no but I like Volvos for their safety record & I grew up with them so I guess I do a bit. I personally wouldn't buy a RR as I don't like the towie, wannabe rapper, wag associations. I would consider a Porsche though as I think some are very attractive equally I like Fiat 500s.

ruralcat · 27/10/2019 11:57

I have only ever owned 'badged' cars, brought outright (though I'm not sure why everyone gets worked up about finance as lots of of people with cheaper cars also have them on finance), and I have honestly found them to be of higher quality than other cheaper cars which is why I will continue to buy them. That's me though and I don't care what car anyone else drives as it has no impact on me whatsoever.

DM1209 · 27/10/2019 12:42

'Badge' owner here, current model is a Mercedes E Class and no it is not on finance, not that that should make any difference.

I buy the car I want for reliability and security. I retain good resale value, I do not have mechanical errors one after the other, I like the comfort of heated seats and I work hard to be able to afford it. Do I care what others think or what they drive? No. My car is for me and outside of my home, it is where I spend the most time (I commute a lot and my offices are usually inside court rooms) and I want to love my time in my car, not merely 'pass' it as I drive from a - b.

IWorkAtTheCheescakeFactory · 27/10/2019 13:10

bought outright.

Original poster
minesadecaf · 27/10/2019 16:52

Over the years I've had various brands. Nissan was the worst - brand new car caught fire. The past few years I've had BMW's but although they're nice cars, I wouldn't say they're much better than others.

OP posts:
happinessischocolate · 27/10/2019 18:10

There are some “badges” I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. (Vauxhall!) but only because they’ve had loads of publicly known faults. (Cars going on fire??)

Pretty sure it was the Fords which were catching fire, or have Vauxhalls had that daily too?

IWorkAtTheCheescakeFactory · 27/10/2019 21:42

Vauxhall zafira’s. Two different recalls. (Possibly more- I’m aware of two) My friends one car was was one that went on fire after being assured it wasn’t one of the ones being recalled and checked at a Vauxhall dealership.

IWorkAtTheCheescakeFactory · 27/10/2019 21:43

one car was was

Confused

Car was!

Sarahlou63 · 27/10/2019 21:45

I have a 'badge' car - 15 year old Porsche. Always wanted one and it's my pride and joy. And love being a middle aged woman who can out accelerate the boy racers!!

WalkAwaySugarbear · 27/10/2019 21:52

I think prestige of certain makes are important to some people. We prefer reliability and have been fairly lucky with our 2nd hand cars but we only get German or Japanese cars, never French or Italian.

WaxOnFeckOff · 27/10/2019 22:00

Each to their own I guess, but it's not something I prioritise. As long as it's safe, well maintained, drives nicely and I can afford it then that'll do for me. I personally wouldn't have a car on one of these finance agreements, but again, that's just me and what other want to do is up to them.

We all have skoda's in my house, that probably tells you everything. It's not that I wouldn't have a "badge" but I wouldn't be paying more for one just to have the badge. For some people it's important, just as I possibly deem some things important to me that others couldn't give a shit about.

Original poster
minesadecaf · 28/10/2019 06:10

@DM1209 heated seats are available on most brands not just badged ones Smile

OP posts:
Beebumble2 · 28/10/2019 20:40

My 18 year old car, has never cost more than usual maintenance, but is the go to car for the family to borrow when their badged cars fail.
PS it’s got heated seats 😊

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