30th Nov 2012, 07:26

I live in a very expensive area as well. But many are actually maxed out with mortgages and the private schools etc. The business climate has been a challenge the past few years. We have a lot of nice cars. I see a lot of nice SUVs however. Navigators, Suburbans, Escalades. Given a preference, I would much rather ride in a very luxury car vs a Corolla. The nice floaty ride... never saw that in a dealer brochure. Sounds great. I imagine the congested freeways are ideal for the commuter beaters however. I am afraid to expose my nice cars too much in crazy traffic conditions every day, and the parking lot dents in the city. It's actually nice to have a car you care little about to call to malls with the shopping carts and banging car doors. It's less about any fuel concerns here.

30th Nov 2012, 08:54

Oh - you live in one of the most wealthy parts of the country, that's just great.

I happen to live in Palm Beach County; not necessarily a poor-mans land, but I enjoy the middle-class life and have no need to make comparisons.

Really, enough is enough, if you don't like big cars, go enjoy your me too Prius, and please lay off this thread.

30th Nov 2012, 15:24

Just because things change, that doesn't necessarily make it better. Times are changing in every way, but definitely not for the better.

And again, people don't want to buy the big cars because Ford and GM didn't pump any money into making them actually competitive and cutting edge. Their styling became more bulbous, and they lacked new, more advanced features that other foreign brands were introducing. There was no incentive to buy a new full-sized car, when you could buy a used one for tens of thousands less, and still wind up with the exact same product.

Not to mention, a massive recession isn't making things any better for most buyers of all cars.

It's rumored that Ford and Lincoln are preparing a new full-sized, rear wheel drive successor to the Town Car, but at the moment we have no details on how that's going to play out. I only hope that it's the full-size car we've all been waiting for since 1998. Ford and Lincoln have a chance to finally get things right, so I hope they don't blow this one.

30th Nov 2012, 19:05

Drive through Beverly Hills and ask the same question. Rolls Royce, Bentleys, limos with the floaty rides that are the choice with those that can well afford them. I suspect people drive what their financial means allow. If you are financially secure, meaning you invested wisely and are fully debt free, it's a different transportation scenario. Splurge if you wish; you earned it. Drive a great car to some charity events and relax.