Are you a badge snob?

EPM

Firstly this is all in jest so I hope any fan boys don't get their noses put out:)

The question is simple. Are you a badge snob? Are there marques you simply wouldn't buy? And more importantly, why?

I've had a couple of Fords, a Seat and now a Skoda. Badge doesn't bother me at all. I'll judge anything on it's merits and how it compares to my priorities at the time of purchase. I'm happy with all my decisions so far (although the last one cost me a few bob).

Fire away ladies:D

CharlieCroker

nope, had vw and bmws and now on an Alfa.

My nect car will be the one that suits me best, be that Audi or Hyundai. Resale doesnt bother me though cos it'll be high mileage by the time i'm finished. More interested in spec, comfort and performance.

wiger toods

Im not a snob in any way, shape or form, but for private use i just love the oul mercedes, would never drive anything else. Have no problems with other car makes at all. its all down to personal choice in the end i think.
My older brother wont touch anything that doesnt have a lexus badge on it.
For work though, its a different story. wouldnt touch the star badge, so i use a vw caddy!:D

doOh

I wouldnt buy a thing which start on F or is French xD or Italian. Jap cars are the best xD

doh ;p

JerCotter7

Kinda. I only like to drive RWD. So that cuts out a lot of manufacturers for me Maybe when I'm old enough to get a second insurance policy without selling an organ I might have FWD as my main car and RWD as a weekend "fun" car.

.Longshanks.

doOh wrote: »

I would buy a thing which start on F or is French xD or Italian. Jap cars are the best xD

1st - I wouldn't buy a thing

2nd - which start on F......=

GarH

I've had a Ford, two Hondas and a Saab.
Badges don't bother me although the only one I wouldn't buy would be a Fiat.

SpannerMonkey

not a brand snob , but i like what i like and its only recently the divide between the premium and lesser brands has been closed i mean i have always had bmws and audi, i like the power luxury and way they drive. , but i would have no problem owning a top spec skoda superb , alfa 159, mazda 6 ford mondeo , even like the new citroen C5 . but never as long as i live will i own a toyota , i despise them and think they are a horrible, boring, souless car :mad:

vectra

NO..!!
I drive any car that is good and realiable
So far so good

-Corkie-

I am not a badge snob not now anyway...:) but I hate Nissans and the interior of the new Toyotas. Fcuk me they couldnt be blander.

wiger toods

kev_Longshanks100 wrote: »

1st - I wouldn't buy a thing

2nd - which start on F......=

I could drop the mercedes if i could afford one of those, i think!:D

Mr. Presentable

I'd like to be able to afford to be a badge snob...

mickdw

I like nice things. If Skoda were to come out with a stunning looking model, then I would buy it however, my current opinion of skoda drivers is similar to that of people who wear really cheap jeans..... Sure they do the job, might even last longer than the dearer one but they look like crap and mark you out to some degree as a cheap bast**d.

SpannerMonkey

mickdw wrote: »

I like nice things. If Skoda were to come out with a stunning looking model, then I would buy it however, my current opinion of skoda drivers is similar to that of people who wear really cheap jeans..... Sure they do the job, might even last longer than the dearer one but they look like crap and mark you out to some degree as a cheap bast**d.

to be fair i dont think there is anything cheap looking about this skoda

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/ELEGANCE/201040199807923/advert?channel=CARS

Mr Benevolent

Not really, I'll like whatever I buy once I'm happy with the research and test drive.

maddness

mickdw wrote: »

I like nice things. If Skoda were to come out with a stunning looking model, then I would buy it however, my current opinion of skoda drivers is similar to that of people who wear really cheap jeans..... Sure they do the job, might even last longer than the dearer one but they look like crap and mark you out to some degree as a cheap bast**d.

I only wear expensive jeans, expensive suits and wear a Tag heuer watch etc......but I still drive a skoda

murphyebass

What does badge snobbery involve though? Which badges? Merc, Bmw obviously, after that?

Personally I buy a car depending on what I want at the time.

Right now I drive an Alfa GT because they are stunning looking cars first off. Its 150bhp which was the power I wanted at least, coupe and it was Diesel as I do a bit of milage.

When the kids come the GT will go and I'll see what I want then. It'll be a saloon obviously but I'll still want power, luxury, extras and diesel so the it'll most likely be one of these.

1. Alfa 159
2. Honda Accord
3. Lexus IS220
4. Jaguar X Type

They're all diesel, have tons of extras, leather, cruise, A/C, etc..

I could get a Passat or Mondeo or Avensis but they're always bog standard with **** all extra's and I find the boring as hell to be honest...

I dont think I'm a badge snob but do know what I like.

EPM

maddness wrote: »

I only wear expensive jeans, expensive suits and wear a Tag heuer watch etc......but I still drive a skoda

I'd be similar...bar the Tag...can always dream:D

bladespin

Not really a badge snob but there are some brands I doubt I could ever drive; VW, Renault and Skoda, there's just something about them that I can't stand. Most other brands have something to redeem themselves IMO.

JerCotter7

bladespin wrote: »

Not really a badge snob but there are some brands I doubt I could ever drive; VW, Renault and Skoda, there's just something about them that I can't stand. Most other brands have something to redeem themselves IMO.

What about Audi? Since you mentioned VW and Skoda?

wiger toods

JerCotter7 wrote: »

What about Audi? Since you mentioned VW and Skoda?

Arent the lambo's owned/made by audi too? which in turn are owned/made by that nasty vw crowd?:D

Anan1

Genuinely, no. If anything, it heightens the pleasure for me when a good car comes from an unexpected place. I do like my fast cars to look muted though, so all other things being equal a Renault badge is better than a BMW one.

link8r

I am a badge snob but based on either performance or reliability.

I think KIAs, Chevrolets, Nissans, Mazada's, Hyundai's are all horrible looking though and I wouldn't ever buy one.

I think Alfa's, Fiats, Citroens, Peugeots look great - but totally unreliable. Wouldn't touch Rover.

I love Mercs and SAAB's but even more unreliable.

I'm neutral on Toyota's looks but their reliability and MPG can be brilliant.

So Ford, BMW, VW, Audi (although reliability...)

Would rather an Audi to a Skoda but no Skoda/VW/Seat- same thing. Still would prefer the VW badge...odd that

doOh

kev_Longshanks100 wrote: »

1st - I wouldn't buy a thing

2nd - which start on F......=

Oh right sorry xD My bad :P


I think we are actly talking about cars for people ...

Matt Simis

No, while my buying history suggests a German marque fanboy, thats more to do with their emphasis on technical function and love of displacement and power. Aside from the US, no other region has this combination.

But no, not a badge snob. A good could from anyone, even Nissan (GTR)...

Pulsating Star

Not necessarily badge but model image would be an issue for me ie the demographics for Micra/Skyline wouldn't have much crossover

At my stage in life I could get away with an Accord but would look silly in a Civic, any version Scirocco is good/ any Passat, no thanks etc..

R.O.R

Have owned (in order):
Toyota
Austin/MG
Dutton
Ford
Ford
Subaru
Mercedes
Ford
Ford
Skoda
Honda

Regulaly drive herself's cars which have been:
Renault
Renault
Seat
Volvo

There are cars out there that I wouldn't buy, but it's absolutley nothing to do with the badge. More to do with the fact I just don't find them nice to drive.

Matt Simis

R.O.R wrote: »

Have owned (in order):
Toyota
Austin/MG
Dutton
Ford
Ford
Subaru
Mercedes
Ford
Ford
Skoda
Honda

Regulaly drive herself's cars which have been:
Renault
Renault
Seat
Volvo

Where is Audi and BMW?

no1beemerfan

Nope not at all. If I like it and its in good nick (and easy enough to work on) I'll buy it. We've had citroens, fords, peugeots, bmws, renaults, toyotas, nissans, opels, alfas and even rovers!

R.O.R

Matt Simis wrote: »

Where is Audi and BMW?

An Audi is unlikely when you can get it all for less in a Skoda. Not as pretty to look at, but it's the driving that counts.

BMW may be on the horizon at some point..................

vectra

mickdw wrote: »

I like nice things. If Skoda were to come out with a stunning looking model, then I would buy it however, my current opinion of skoda drivers is similar to that of people who wear really cheap jeans..... Sure they do the job, might even last longer than the dearer one but they look like crap and mark you out to some degree as a cheap bast**d.

Nothing to do with the fact that I own/Drive a Skoda

Reminds me of My earlier years when I drove a BMW 520
I got some razzing for driving around in a "Poor mans Merc"

Wonder what it will be in 20 years time.

Matt Simis

R.O.R wrote: »

An Audi is unlikely when you can get it all for less in a Skoda. Not as pretty to look at, but it's the driving that counts.

Well now Audi in my mind is big power V engines with quattro, thats not quite Skoda no matter how they dress up for the party. For regular A:B cars I agree.

vectra

Matt Simis wrote: »

Well now Audi in my mind is big power V engines with quattro, thats not quite Skoda no matter how they dress up for the party. For regular A:B cars I agree.

Don't some Superbs have a 3.6 V6 engine and 4x4 drive??

Sounds good enough for me

R.O.R

Matt Simis wrote: »

Well now Audi in my mind is big power V engines with quattro, thats not quite Skoda no matter how they dress up for the party. For regular A:B cars I agree.

Pretty positive I'll never own anything as nice as that

Ah well, just have to continue driving other peoples fancy new cars instead

Matt Simis

vectra wrote: »

Done some Superbs have a 3.6 V6 engine and 4x4 drive??
Sounds good enough for me

Well, as I said before I do really like the sound of the big Superb, I was referring to S spec Audis with Torsen quattro. While a brand new 2011 Superb 3.6FSI is a refined and modern V6 petrol engine with fancy high pressure stratified fuel injection and drive by wire, a 13year old, cable throttle Audi S8 buries its mere 260bhp with 340bhp of old school V8 power. Now imagine what a brand new V10 toting S8 does!?

Thats Audi, a FWD 2.0TDI is not. Superb hands down no question in that scenario (or price range).

Almaviva

I am glad to say I am.

Anyone with any self respect should be one as well.

Its the competitive instinct at play and no need to be ashamed or try to hide it. The heirarchy of car badges is well established and we all know the rules. I know my place - who is above me ( I give them the respect they are due), and who is below me (I look down on them with contempt at their mediocrity).

I know that I am a superior, more successful, and fundamentally better human being than those driving inferior marques to mine. They look up to me and aspire to my car. I respect and aspire to the car of those superior to mine.

I will drive up behind, blow the horn, flash the lights at anyone beneath me holding up my road - but equally, I will pull into the hard shoulder if a superior pulls up behind me. Its just the way the world works.

Your car is a facet of you that projects your worth and status as a person. Embrace it. Be a snob.

Matt Simis

Almaviva wrote: »

I will drive up behind, blow the horn, flash the lights at anyone beneath me holding up my road - but equally, I will pull into the hard shoulder if a superior pulls up behind me. Its just the way the world works.

Your car is only one facet of you that projects your worth and status as a person. Embrace it. Be a snob.

Love it! :pac: What do you drive out of interest?

VolvoMan

-Corkie- wrote: »

Fcuk me they couldnt be blander.

What, and a Passat is interesting?? Pffftttt....

I consider myself quite neutral when it comes to brands of cars, but one that I would probably struggle to buy would be Hyundai.

vectra

Almaviva wrote: »

I am glad to say I am.

Anyone with any self respect should be one as well.


I will drive up behind, blow the horn, flash the lights at anyone beneath me holding up my road - but equally, I will pull into the hard shoulder if a superior pulls up behind me. Its just the way the world works.

LOL
Once i am on the speed limit on ANY road and some knob comes up behind me blowing the horn and flashing their light will sit there for a long long time I am afraid,
I hope you never come behind me when you are in a hurry with your overpriced badge :pac:

robtri

wouldnt consider myself a badge snob....
but wouldnt buy a 3 series or 1 series or 520D....

Most VW's..... just dont like them at all

robtri

Almaviva wrote: »

I am glad to say I am.

Anyone with any self respect should be one as well.

Its the competitive instinct at play and no need to be ashamed or try to hide it. The heirarchy of car badges is well established and we all know the rules. I know my place - who is above me ( I give them the respect they are due), and who is below me (I look down on them with contempt at their mediocrity).

I know that I am a superior, more successful, and fundamentally better human being than those driving inferior marques to mine. They look up to me and aspire to my car. I respect and aspire to the car of those superior to mine.

I will drive up behind, blow the horn, flash the lights at anyone beneath me holding up my road - but equally, I will pull into the hard shoulder if a superior pulls up behind me. Its just the way the world works.

Your car is a facet of you that projects your worth and status as a person. Embrace it. Be a snob.

Go on what are you driving

"superior car" what defines superior ????? i am guessing price

sollar

Irish people are big badge snobs. Look at the amount of VW's, BMW's, Audi's, Toyota's etc on the roads.

Here you have people who know nothing about cars telling you - "stay away from peugeots" or "citroens, aw bad car", or "wouldn't drive french cars heep o' dung they are" etc. Its been passed down to them by someone else who was prob just regurgitating what they heard imo.

Also, why is it that when you go to spain on hols there are french cars everywhere and they all look great.

Matt Simis

vectra wrote: »

LOL
Once i am on the speed limit on ANY road and some knob comes up behind me blowing the horn and flashing their light will sit there for a long long time I am afraid,
I hope you never come behind me when you are in a hurry with your overpriced badge :pac:

So whats the most effective way of getting you out of the way then cos I wouldnt be pleased with that carry on one bit!?

vectra

robtri wrote: »

"superior car" what defines superior ????? i am guessing price

I would say more likely to be "What my friends look up to" :P

Victor Meldrew

I'm a snob about everything BUT cars.

I like nice clothes, nice shoes, watch, good food and living in an area free from skangers.

However, because of the above, and having two kids in creche, we have downgraded the cars.

Until I can afford a reasonably new "nice" car, I'll stick with a reasonably new, mint nick, Japanese car.

I don't get driving a dog-eared, dented and creaking ex-smokers BMW or AUDI and saying that it is "better" than a mint "jap box".

However, Hyundai, Kia, seat, Fiat, Peugot, "Chevrolet" (nee- Dawoo), Chrysler, Saab, Nissan, Lexus, are all verboten

link8r

@sollar agree with you re: Irish people being car snobs - and the types of cars but Toyota isn't a snobby-worth badge is it????

Could go as far to say that Irish drivers are more Reg snobby than car snobby - like people would spend more on a new car than a 3yo with better safety/comfort/reliability.

Also, a lot of my family and friends are car dealers - Peugeots and Citroens as second hand cars can be a real nightmare if you're doing more than 30k miles a year

@vectra if you're doing the speed limit on your car's speedometer (120km/h) - doesn't mean that you're actually doing that speed - it get's more innaccurate the faster you go and errs on the side of caution. You're obliged to move if a car comes faster behind you. I know it sounds funny but I have to drive the M7 in/out of Dublin every week and you can only do about 80 km/h between Naas and Loais because people won't move from the overtaking lane to the slow lane.

@Almaviva totally agree - If you drive a Ford/Toyota/Opel/any normal car, people won't let you out - its a little power trip they get. But drive a porsche or an SL500 - and people are only too happy to move out the way..

Stinicker

If it doesn't come from the state of Bavaria then I am not really interested. I actively look down up people driving Asian cars and other non German cars. American cars I have good time for though, as they manifest the true freedoms of the open road in Manifest Destiny. German Cars are made the Autobahn and there is nothing better than sinking the shoe and powering down the Autobahn at over 200mph and not a Nissan Micra to be seen.

wiger toods

vectra wrote: »

LOL
Once i am on the speed limit on ANY road and some knob comes up behind me blowing the horn and flashing their light will sit there for a long long time I am afraid,
I hope you never come behind me when you are in a hurry with your overpriced badge :pac:

Ha Ha! i do this too! they are very annoying, i have actually almost on more than one occasion, went to get out of the car with the intention of putting my fist into said face, but then i simply calm down.

Forgot to mention, this is only when im stopped at traffic lights or a roundabout, when there clearly isnt any opening to move into the roundabout or when the lights in front of me are clearly red. People still beep to try and get you to move on!

Almaviva

robtri wrote: »

Go on what are you driving

"superior car" what defines superior ????? i am guessing price

Golf Td(red)i (metallic, Vienna leather, Seattle R17 alloys, footwell illumination and headlamp washers) .

Price is a big factor but not exclusively. At the end of the day, nothing trumps a given badge other than a higher ranking badge. Clearly a Golf is superior to even a more expensive Focus, or any Citroen for example.

SV

Almaviva wrote: »

Golf Td(red)i (metallic, Vienna leather, Seattle R17 alloys, footwell illumination and headlamp washers) .

Price is a big factor but not exclusively. At the end of the day, nothing trumps a given badge other than a higher ranking badge. Clearly a Golf is superior to even a more expensive Focus, or any Citroen for example.

You drive a golf.
I'm sorry, but I'd be happier in a Daewoo matiz.

W.Shakes-Beer

Nope, I love Opels!

Couldn't be bothered with the the snobs choice: Audi