27th Mar 2015, 10:52
Is a Caprice such a significant difference? At any rate, for purpose of discussion, it is more likely middle America drives a more mainstream model. More affluent individuals buy new Cadillacs or Lincolns. It's been that way in the past as well as the present. Purchased new at a specific moment in the nameplate's history. We can split hairs in a discussion. For all intents and purposes, the message is clarified again.
27th Mar 2015, 21:24
People that own a expensive new Lincoln or Cadillac can likely afford another fun brand new weekend car. And often do. Some may buy a high performance Cadillac. So let's go generic with a new Hemi Challenger, Shelby Mustang, Dodge Viper, or Mercedes Roadster etc. The middle class typically cannot afford new Cadillacs or Lincolns. It wasn't a new Corvette specific topic. It's the affordability of new luxury oriented vehicles, performance or otherwise
27th Mar 2015, 21:50
How many times are you going to repeat the same comment that is not necessarily true?
We were a "middle America" family when I was younger back in the early '80s, and my father would purchase brand new top of the line Buick Electras and LeSabres that cost over $15,000. Not too far off from the price of Fleetwood/DeVilles, or Town Cars from that era.
And there is a bit of a difference from an '80s Impala to a Caprice. The Impala was more of a stripped model. Some even had rubber floors instead of carpet.
Kind of like comparing a '55 Chevy 150 model to a '55 Bel Air.
27th Mar 2015, 23:55
Well all I can say is that, I as a new luxury car buyer, do not have any sports models (muscle, GT, or otherwise on my radar). None of the many elderly seniors that I know that buy American luxury brands by and large, have them on theirs either. It seems to me you think everyone that buys American luxury cars new is in the same boat as you, and I think you are quite mistaken. The majority of people 55 and over (the largest age group for this demographic) that buy Cadillacs, Lincolns, and whatever new don't have a Corvette or Viper sitting in the 3rd car garage stall. You my friend are in the lucky minority if we are to believe your comments at all.
28th Mar 2015, 08:33
I just found a 1988 Lincoln Town Car tagged and running well for only 800.00! Which means not only could middle America own one, but also a minimum wage high school student. May not be able to afford the gas to drive far however. Cosmetics needed, but safe and roadworthy. This car drinks a lot of gas.
I know a guy that recently bought one of these as a work vehicle. Removed the back seat and used to carry tools and parts to fix central air systems for homes. A very cheap used car buy with a strong air conditioner to ride around with in south Florida. Lot of room, and with the humidity here, it's a great car to own. I am sure there is a totally different type of buyer today for these vs new in 1988. The biggest enemy in this area is not rust, but sun damage to paint and interior. Unless you find one that was under a carport.
28th Mar 2015, 13:35
Usually a comment such as a new Corvette on a review is when an import Toyota owner for example bashes all GM models. Meaning every single one is bad. The broad sweep of a brush doesn't apply. That's what happens. You could dislike a Lincoln. Does not mean that all Ford or Mercury models are bad as well. That's how other brands come up luxury or otherwise on many reviews. I think most get this clarification when comparing manufacturer's quality within a brand.
28th Mar 2015, 15:36
The average demographic on a brand new Corvette is a 55 year old male. I am in a large Corvette club with close to 200 members. There typically is a second luxury car for inclement weather driving, trips to the crowded mall etc. Most are married with a spouse that drives a pretty decent car. Lastly, many have lifts in their garage and park cars above. Doesn't mean we are all dead either. We have quite a few Harley Davidson riders, with the new Street Glide as a very popular pick. Cadillac, Lincoln and Audi are popular as car 2. I call it as I see it. A lot do have 3 car garages by the way. We raised our ceiling on one side and added a lift, which really are inexpensive in kit form. $2500 with choice of drive on or side lift on average. Pretty common with car enthusiasts. Just because a family owns a Lincoln or Cadillac, don't assume they are a part of the geriatric crowd. Even if they are a baby boomer!
28th Mar 2015, 19:07
"I am sure there is a totally different type of buyer today for these vs new in 1988."
You mean, someone who would buy an $800 car is different from someone who buys a new car? Incredible.
29th Mar 2015, 05:23
We had a new 1988 Town Car, nearly 30k new, so an average middle buyer would not likely buy this model. Doesn't sound like a lot of money today, but it was in 1988. So a bit more than a Buick.
29th Mar 2015, 11:38
Haha, yes I should say that's a pretty different demographic - I don't think many new Lincoln buyers in 1988 were removing the back seat to carry their tools. But these are great cars for the impecunious second hand buyer, especially if you're someone who doesn't drive a lot of miles. If you just drive a little bit, the gas mileage isn't much of a factor.
29th Mar 2015, 12:28
Sure, I doubt a 800 dollar shopper would buy more than one, like a brand new luxury car shopper would likely do. A totally different market. So it's not rocket science here. Good point.
29th Mar 2015, 14:45
Pretty cool idea using one of these as a HVAC technician, working on central air systems. Imagine riding in ice cool comfort in a hot climate, sitting on leather seats. And removal of the back seat would be cavernous. And smoking a big cigar on the way, relaxing in comfort to the next service call. Would beat riding around in an old service van, likely with no A/C for the same purchase price. Pick one up cheap and don't worry about even scratching the paint or getting the seats dirty. Make an old 1988 Lincoln into a fun ride while you work! Drive a couple years or so and pick up another!
30th Mar 2015, 03:11
MSRP for brand new in 1988 topped out at around $25,000 for fully loaded models, which probably had every option possible. I have my doubts that they would have been priced at $30,000 like you said you paid. Even my current '96 TC Signature was a little over $33,000 new, and that's 8 years newer with a better engine.
If I had my choice as a "middle class" person in 1988, I would rather pay a couple thousand less for a brand new Cadillac Brougham. IMO back then the Brougham had better looks and more luxury amenities. The Town Car's advantage was Ford's 5.0 was more powerful than the Olds 5.0 used in the Brougham.
26th Mar 2015, 18:58
The "Corvette" thing gets stuck in a lot of really unrelated posts. Like ones about Camrys and this review. Keep the reviews on point and about that car. Not a Vette.