The absurdity of chasing the "latest and greatest" car on the market

[10"]

The frequent vehicle swapping behavior of 'modern' car enthusiasts is very unbecoming. Whatever happened to traditional car ownership where people saved up for the car they really wanted, bought it, and then maintained it, drove it endlessly, repaired it, drove it more, passed it down to their kid, etc.? What happened to the enthusiasts who weren't swayed by marketing and hype? What happened to the ones who knew what they wanted and knew that a car is just an object that serves as a companion to their lives? These days, I see people ordering custom paints and options, even European deliveries, and then watch them trade their car in 20 months later for sometimes a lightly face-lifted counterpart. Or, even worse, they switch to an 'upgraded' model that has a 'Ring time that is six seconds faster.

What caused this fleeting attention deficit to happen? My guess is some of this has been caused by the rising popularity of leasing but i don't think that's the primary reason. I think people are far more naive to marketing and online publicity these days than ever. They're also pushed by the shallow pursuit of social media introductions and exhibitionism. And people are attracted to 'tech' more than ever, so the constant addition of new tech has been like a fishing hook attracting everybody's money.

I'd like to propose that people think about being more old school. Before I bought the 1M, I used to daydream about buying other cars and play that 'imaginary' car shopping game with myself on eBay all the time. It felt toxic and empty and shallow, to be honest. I ended up buying my modern 'dream car' and in my 5 years of ownership I have never wanted anything else. It has 90k miles on it, and I am looking forward to the next 90k miles and then handing it down to my kid afterwards.

Yes, it's ok to own cars out of warranty. No, it's not more expensive than buying a new car every 50k miles. Yes, it's actually more satisfying to learn and bond with a car over many miles and years. No, a new car smell is not more satisfying than a distinctive older car smell! Latest is not greatest. It's just the latest. Greatest is when man/woman and machine form a bond and trust that allows the machine to become a part of a person's life. I know there are BMW and other car owners on here who have owned the same cars for a long, long time. To all of them I salute you! In my opinion, you are true motoring enthusiasts! Feel free to share your story!

[nyalpine90]

simply its not easy and expensive to keep cars running for years like it was a decade.
even the trained professionals cant fix the car first time around lol

[10"]

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

simply its not easy and expensive to keep cars running for years like it was a decade.
even the trained professionals cant fix the car first time around lol

That's not true at all. Cars if anything are waaaaaay more reliable than they used to be with way more access to repairs than ever. Even parts availability is so easy these days. Older cars literally broke all the time and usually were done by 100k miles. These days 100k miles is considered nothing...

[The0pportunist]

I agree to an extent.

I keep my cars for 4-5 years, i would love to keep it longer but circumstances change and it's difficult to find a car that does it all.

Example: My 2 door coupe which is my dream car will soon need to be replaced by a 4 door when the baby pops out or as my parents get older and less mobile they won't be able to climb into my low slung coupe (already struggling).

Maybe when i can justify a 2nd car i can keep hold for much much longer.

[KingOfJericho]

#carwoke ?

It made sense until you said you have a 1M. It's been touted as the best BMW of our generation -- of course you're not looking for something new. I loved my 2010 135i but the fucking thing was broken all the time. Many people make incremental steps up in their vehicles as they do with their careers. It's only logical. If you had a Toyota Yaris, I doubt your post would read the same and expecting people to drive nothing until they buy their dream car is incredibly unrealistic.

[chicagob5]

Guess its time to sell my F80 and get an E36 325is! Wish me luck!

[10"]

Originally Posted by chicagob5

Guess its time to sell my F80 and get an E36 325is! Wish me luck!

It's not what I'm referring to. It's great that you have an F80 M3. But will you keep it past it's warranty or succumb to the notion that it's "outdated"?

[10"]

Originally Posted by The0pportunist

I agree to an extent.

I keep my cars for 4-5 years, i would love to keep it longer but circumstances change and it's difficult to find a car that does it all.

Example: My 2 door coupe which is my dream car will soon need to be replaced by a 4 door when the baby pops out or as my parents get older and less mobile they won't be able to climb into my low slung coupe (already struggling).

Maybe when i can justify a 2nd car i can keep hold for much much longer.

I hear you. Life changes and circumstances change. I kept my car when the baby was born and it has been great. The kid is now 4 and he loves it! Which brings me to another point; why does society expect people to buy 'big' cars when they are having a kid? It wasn't always like this...

[10"]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

#carwoke ?

It made sense until you said you have a 1M. It's been touted as the best BMW of our generation -- of course you're not looking for something new. I loved my 2010 135i but the fucking thing was broken all the time. Many people make incremental steps up in their vehicles as they do with their careers. It's only logical. If you had a Toyota Yaris, I doubt your post would read the same and expecting people to drive nothing until they buy their dream car is incredibly unrealistic.

Definitely not saying that people should ONLY buy their dream cars, but I've seen people take delivery of their "dream cars" only to flip it 2 years later for their next "adventure". I fail to see the adventure in that at all...

If someone buys a Yaris - and there's nothing wrong with that; it's a good car - maybe they keep it for some years to save some money and buy what they really want down the road. We all start somewhere...

[nyalpine90]

Originally Posted by 10"

That's not true at all. Cars if anything are waaaaaay more reliable than they used to be with way more access to repairs than ever. Even parts availability is so easy these days. Older cars literally broke all the time and usually were done by 100k miles. These days 100k miles is considered nothing...

really do you have access to software updates that are require on these cars??

my first new car i purchase back in 2000 was civic vp it had power locks that was all. In 4yrs I put 100k, only replaced alternator at 85k. I did oil change every 3k miles. After that I drove e83 that had minor issues with transfer case, E90 was solid car no issues except for mirrors dipping all the times. i drove it for 4yrs without issues. F25, F26 had software issues that need 4hr-8hr of reprogramming.

[10"]

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

really do you have access to software updates that are require on these cars??

my first new car i purchase back in 2000 was civic vp it had power locks that was all. In 4yrs I put 100k, only replaced alternator at 85k. I did oil change every 3k miles. After that I drove e83 that had minor issues with transfer case, E90 was solid car no issues except for mirrors dipping all the times. i drove it for 4yrs without issues. F25, F26 had software issues that need 4hr-8hr of reprogramming.

Software updates are not 'required' on most cars as far as I know. I don't really know about the F series cars as with electric steering and suspension and all that jazz they might be.

For the most part most modern cars are easier to maintain with abundance of parts, service manuals, and online guides and forums. In the 70s people had only a physical official service manual and had to call places to find parts...just imagine.

I agree electrical issues might be real issues in long term ownership; time will tell. Someone will buy these cars used after they are older and they will deal with them I'm sure.

[chicagob5]

Originally Posted by 10"

It's not what I'm referring to. It's great that you have an F80 M3. But will you keep it past it's warranty or succumb to the notion that it's "outdated"?

Depends on whats out there and what I can afford.

I will say I'm just going to do whatever I want and not concern myself with what random people on the internet think. I'd like to suggest more people do that.

[Redd]

Is that your Stepnose or did you just Google a pic?

[10"]

Originally Posted by chicagob5

Depends on whats out there and what I can afford.

I will say I'm just going to do whatever I want and not concern myself with what random people on the internet think. I'd like to suggest more people do that.

That is the kind of mindset I definitely agree with. Unfortunately I see many people overly influenced by internet consensus about not just this but a wide array of things. There is a mob-like judgement that seemingly occurs.

I see the word "outdated" used on this forum and other car sites ALL the time. Overused even on things 6 months or 1 year old. It's absurd.

[10"]

Originally Posted by Redd

Is that your Stepnose or did you just Google a pic?

Haha I wish! What a car! Prices have been on the up constantly. One day I hope...

[KingOfJericho]

Technology is advancing at a rapid clip. A 2005 car with navigation now seems like a dinosaur. I would rather drive a no-tech 1990s vehicle. It's the same thing happening with cell phones. Tech has definitely made cars age MUCH more rapidly.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by The0pportunist

I agree to an extent.

I keep my cars for 4-5 years, i would love to keep it longer but circumstances change and it's difficult to find a car that does it all.

Example: My 2 door coupe which is my dream car will soon need to be replaced by a 4 door when the baby pops out or as my parents get older and less mobile they won't be able to climb into my low slung coupe (already struggling).

Maybe when i can justify a 2nd car i can keep hold for much much longer.

Meh - with respect to the OP and your comments, you kind of prove his point.

I've had three cars since my daughter was born: A 2013 BMW E93, a 2002 Ferrari 360 Spider, and a 2016 MINI Cooper S. None have had more than two doors and I've managed just fine. She is now almost 5 years old. In addition, my 76yo mother in law and 70yo mother get in and out of these cars just fine.

Not saying it is bad for you to go and buy a 4 door, but don't think it is a must just because you have a kid. Many folks, including me, have only had 2 door cars and get along just fine.

On this side of the pond, I see so many people say "oh no, I had a kid, need to sell my Honda Accord and go by a massive 3 row Chevy Suburban because I need the room". What the fuck.

[10"]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Technology is advancing at a rapid clip. A 2005 car with navigation now seems like a dinosaur. I would rather drive a no-tech 1990s vehicle. It's the same thing happening with cell phones. Tech has definitely made cars age MUCH more rapidly.

Any car can have navigation now...even a "no tech" car from the 80s had tech from its own time. It's ok to have old tech around. It's a product from the time when it was produced more than the necessity of its relevance.

[Grumpy Old Man]

So my DD is pretty new and has an extended warranty, I hope to keep it well past warranty but that will be based on how reliable it continues to be and how many issues it has. I have always had a toy, currently 993 and suspect I'll have it for years to come as it is something special. All of my toys have been older, and special in my view.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by 10"

Any car can have navigation now...even a "no tech" car from the 80s had tech from its own time. It's ok to have old tech around. It's a product from the time when it was produced more than the necessity of its relevance.

Completely disagree. Take an early iDrive car (I'm talking like 2002 7er) and tell me that's at all livable.

Car technology before ~2000 was essentially forms of traction control and maybe some driver aids but none of the screens and molasses-slow operating systems that permeated the car market in the early 2000s.

[chicagob5]

Originally Posted by 10"

That is the kind of mindset I definitely agree with. Unfortunately I see many people overly influenced by internet consensus about not just this but a wide array of things. There is a mob-like judgement that seemingly occurs.

I see the word "outdated" used on this forum and other car sites ALL the time. Overused even on things 6 months or 1 year old. It's absurd.

I agree with your point in general. With social media it's very easy to fall into the trap of consumerism. Especially when it comes to things such as smartphones where the differences between models is becoming more and more negligible while the prices are higher than never.

This is a problem I have. I justify it by saying its something I use everyday and can afford to buy the newest model for something I use so often. Will I really notice a ~20% increase in processing power going from a X to XS iPhone? No not really - but its makes you feel better about spending $1000 doesn't it?

That being said, everything is subjective. Some people put more value on being social and they would rather spend $150 at the bars than spend $150 more on a car payment to drive a nicer car. I believe in spending money on things that make you happy. I spend more on cars/motorcycles and some tech while not really spending much on shit I dont care about. I'm the guy who wears a ton of vendor t shirts because they're free at work conferences. I'm fine with a $40 pair of Addidas from Marshalls. I only really eat out once a week or so and mostly cook meals at home.

[10"]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Completely disagree. Take an early iDrive car (I'm talking like 2002 7er) and tell me that's at all livable.

Car technology before ~2000 was essentially forms of traction control and maybe some driver aids but none of the screens and molasses-slow operating systems that permeated the car market in the early 2000s.

I briefly used an older idrive system and it was ok but agree nothing good really. My car has 2011 tech but it doesn't bother me. It still functions well for things like settings and displaying artwork for my music! The important stuff

I guess it depends how much importance one puts on 'tech'. For me it was never really important.