What car could you not own due to the stigma/idea of it?

"Somethingwittyer likes noisy" (Somethingwittyer) 08/28/2013 at 17:16 • Filed to: Ask Oppo, Muscle cars, V6

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Ownership stigma. It’s the thing that for a long time stopped Clarkson from ever considering buying any BMW. It’s why everyone (unfairly) hates the Civic. It can make you not consider ever buying what is in reality a perfectly fine car. I’m wondering Oppo, is there any stigma that makes you never want to own a certain car?

Me? Any V6 Muscle car. Yes, I know, V6 Mustangs and Camaros are pretty much the fastest new cars you can get for under 25,000$. But to me, I just can’t stand the thought that the only reason I bought one is because I couldn’t afford the V8 model (which I feel makes it a muscle car).

But it’s not just that. Almost all V6 muscle cars seem to find their way into the hands of aging baby boomers who want to relive the glory days, dudebros (who unlike WRX owners) know nothing about cars, posers, girls who’s dad got it for their birthday, or of course, end up becoming dreaded rental cars. I know, it’s pretty shallow for me to not want a car because of it’s reputation. But hey, I know a ton of you guys hate Civics because of the ricer culture around it, so you can’t hold this against me.

Anyway, over to you Oppo.

Casper > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:17

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Miata, everything Honda except the S2000, and all SUVs.

dogisbadob > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:18

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No such thing :)

HammerheadFistpunch > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:19

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Yeah, stigma doesn't really matter to me, if someone thinks this or that of me because of the car I drive its their problem, not mine. EDIT: thinking more on it, you are talking about two different things:

1. what will people think of me?

2. What will I think of me?

Different concepts entirely. As far as the first...see above.

For the second, I would make sure I get what I want and not settle, thats about it.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Casper 08/28/2013 at 17:19

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For the Miata, is it because it's a girl's car :)

twinturbobmw > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:19

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I completely agree with the muscle car thing. I couldn't stand a V6 Mustang. Also, I wouldn't be able to buy a Kia Cadenza or Optima. They are both fantastic cars but I don't think I could stand a Kia badge, even though they're much better than before.

ddavidn > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:20

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Ricers, like the RX-7 or BRZ or something cool like that. I didn't want a Civic anyway. My own car, being an M3. I manage to push away the stigma every time I jump in.

For Sweden > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:20

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Charles Manson's VW Type II

Anon > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:21

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Maybe a prius?

Forgetful > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:21

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Just bought a FR-S over a month ago. Didn't even bother driving the Mustangs, and it would have been the new V6, which is supposed to be pretty good. But it wasn't the cylinder count that kept me away, because 300hp is 300hp. No, I stayed away from the Mustang because they just sell too damn many of them.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > For Sweden 08/28/2013 at 17:21

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Couldn't think of any other answer from you.

. . > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:22

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Any BMW. Around here new ones are driven by douchebags and old ones are driven by teenage (early 20's tops) idiots, bros and boy racers.

Milky > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:22

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ANY version of this car, sorry but not really.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Milky 08/28/2013 at 17:24

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Fine then, one less person jack Boss 302 prices up.

delete-me-please123 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:25

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Its not a girls car in certain parts of San Diego and LA. Then again, the drivers aren't interested in girls either..

delete-me-please123 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:28

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Anything from Asia.

Anything American besides a Viper or Vette.

Chairman Kaga > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:28

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I have to go with the obvious answer.. Mustang.

I know once the kids are a little older and are capable of getting in and out of the back seat on their own, I could live with one. But there's something so predictable and suburban about them. It's a great car. It's an icon. It's a hoot to drive fast, but is a totally reasonable daily driver. The new one is probably going to be amazing. I just... can't. Even when I was single and fancy free.

My brother has a Camaro SS. I have no desire to own one. Same for the Challenger.

Something like an M3 is a different story. Yes, it has an evil stigma. But I could get over it.

Milky > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:30

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The Boss 302 is just about the only one I ... *tugs at shirt collar* .... like. But if memory serves me correctly they're just about done making that anyways.

BeMark > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:30

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Stigma is something you believe the majority of others believe and at the end of the day you can't control what others think. So IMO if you cant control it than it shouldn't factor into a purchasing decision.

With that said I used to think Mustang owners were kind of douchetastic but I purchased one and I love the car. So either I don't care or I turned into a douche, probably the latter. Also I find myself becoming less brand loyal in terms of the cars I used to like and dislike.

Does that mean I would buy a Kia? No, but I admire what they are doing and wouldn't fault anyone for liking their Kia.

delete-me-please123 > Milky 08/28/2013 at 17:30

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I cant click the recommend star enough for your comment.

Gamecat235 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:31

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A Bugatti. It's so pedestrian.

(in reality... uh... nothing. my current DD speaks to that).

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Chairman Kaga 08/28/2013 at 17:31

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You could always go on the used market and buy something a little less predicable and... dead.

Chairman Kaga > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:33

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I have this instead.

MIATAAAA > delete-me-please123 08/28/2013 at 17:34

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MIATA

MIATAAAA > Anon 08/28/2013 at 17:35

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Except are you not buying the car because of the stigma or because you actually don't want to drive one?

J. Walter Weatherman > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:36

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I asked a similar question here . And my answer there was M3.

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Somethingwittyer likes noisy > BeMark 08/28/2013 at 17:36

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I wouldn't ether. People are forgetting that I also said idea in my title. Even though they sell like hotcakes and make up most of the sales, I just don't like the idea of a muscle car not being powered by a V8. That said, I'm more open to the SVO variants of the Mustang because of it's stigma (and for the Jalopness of it).

J. Walter Weatherman > Gamecat235 08/28/2013 at 17:38

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False. You would not drive a Canyonero.

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PS9 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:38

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I've no answer to this question, because it requires me to give more than two flying flaming fluorescent mosquito's twats worth of consideration to the opinions of others concerning a car I paid for with MY money. Every car I'll ever own is the tS edition. Oh, you don't like my car? Tough Shit.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Chairman Kaga 08/28/2013 at 17:39

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Anon > MIATAAAA 08/28/2013 at 17:39

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That too

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:39

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I just couldn't see myself wearing a Mustang or Camaro "jacket", but it's not based on perception, it's based on their design.

I've only recently come around on Corvette. I could do a C6 Z06 in black.

Still not sure about the design of the C7.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > J. Walter Weatherman 08/28/2013 at 17:41

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With my earlier response:

Actually, that's the exact car I bought a year ago (an '08 and yes, three pedals).

I could care less what people think. I bought it because of the way it feels and sounds, the grin it puts on my face, and how it performs on the back roads of Arkansas and at the track (was at Hallett yesterday, heading to MSR in a few weeks).

If you deprive yourself of life's joys based on others' perceptions, you're doing it wrong. Would you decide not to go on an incredible vacation (that you could afford) because someone else might think it's too much to spend on a trip?

Victorious Secret > Milky 08/28/2013 at 17:42

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Only 2 years for this body style, the 302 comes back within 2 years for the next one.

Victorious Secret > Gamecat235 08/28/2013 at 17:43

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Bugattis are for poor people sir, I don't throw my hat into that ring.

Gamecat235 > J. Walter Weatherman 08/28/2013 at 17:43

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Goddamn you and your memory (says the incredibly hypocritical** Gamecat who recalls online conversations from two years ago on a regular basis).

**(At least I'm consistently hypocritical?)

Gamecat235 > Victorious Secret 08/28/2013 at 17:47

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Agreed. After all, porcelain as a material for a car? They use porcelain for toilets (well, not my toilets, but you know, I hear they do for others). I don't want a car made of spare toilet parts.

If my vehicle is not made from endangered or extinct animal or plants or from materials of extraworldly origin, it simply is unacceptable. Where is the pride in craftsmanship these days?

J. Walter Weatherman > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/28/2013 at 17:49

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Ha. Yep. What can I say? I guess I am a little vain. If it was something that was important enough for me, then I wouldn't let others' opinions deter me, but I can't say that it doesn't have an impact on things that I am less dead-set on.

Milky > Victorious Secret 08/28/2013 at 17:55

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Ahh so its a "limited" run model, I see.

Victorious Secret > Gamecat235 08/28/2013 at 17:57

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Whale penis or bust kiddo

Gamecat235 > Victorious Secret 08/28/2013 at 17:58

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Verily.

BeMark > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 17:58

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I 100% get your point and I'm sure as heck not on any high horse. I purchased a GT/manual and I wouldn't have it any other way but I can understand why someone might go with a V6/auto. I think the problem with the stigma/idea thing is that it causes one group to question how much of an "enthusiast" someone might be.

I've had to experience this nonsense myself. I had a 4 cylinder TJ Wrangler back in the day and some did look down their noses at my little 4. That jeep was great! The little 4 was damn near bulletproof and never failed me.

JasonStern911 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 19:00

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Any non-BRZ 90s+ Subaru. Too many of them in Reno, and every owner seems obsessed with trying to rationalize owning one. "They're super reliable! ...except for the head gaskets. And the all-wheel drive is so handy! ...all four days it snows. And it's turbocharged so it's fast, but not all flashy show-off douchey like your Porsche."

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 19:26

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I can't do anything with a foreign badge. Aside from the land cruiser that was forced on me when I was 16 by my parents (they wouldn't let me trade it for a suburban) I don't want another foreign car. Love my cruiser to death as its how I learned to drive wheel and many other firsts but the rest of my cars will be Murica.

There are probably a few exceptions, G wagon maybe or vintage defender, but not many.

Slave2anMG > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/28/2013 at 19:28

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A Camry or Corolla. Too notorious for being driven by dullards and non-driving sorts. I want to get my non-driving rep the right way - by being a crap driver.

Burrito de EJ25 > ddavidn 08/28/2013 at 21:26

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How have you managed that when you're being smug about owning an M3 over a "ricer".

ddavidn > Burrito de EJ25 08/28/2013 at 21:42

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I suppose I forgot to put "ricers" in quotes, maybe the tone got lost over the internet? I would trade my M3 in for an RX-7 or BRZ today as they would be faster, have less problems, and make me feel like slightly less of a tool. I just live in an area where too many highschool kids hoon the Japanese cars, so with all things being equal I wouldn't buy one that associated me with them.

Need to stop making posts from work when I'm all jacked up on coffee and think faster than I type.

Giles007 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/29/2013 at 00:40

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I've recently got over my BMW stigma (pretentious ass hats) and I think I might have to do the same when the new Mustang comes out. I consider myself a Ford Guy but I've always despised the Mustang for some reason. We'll see...

Burrito de EJ25 > ddavidn 08/29/2013 at 00:50

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S'all good.

A misunderstanding was had and rectified.

ddavidn > Burrito de EJ25 08/29/2013 at 01:00

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Great! Next time I'll brag about my 1982 Tercel instead. That'll be clearer.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/29/2013 at 13:50

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Actually, nothing. I don't care if I'm stigmatized for the car I own.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > ddavidn 08/29/2013 at 13:50

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...wow

kaj750 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 09/01/2013 at 14:58

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i've owned lots of unpopular vehicles. my friends and i were some of the first in our town to show up at the drag strip in 11-sec Hondas (2001ish). this was after i sold my Mustang GT for something that was faster and cheaper. i now own a 1986 Toyota Initial D.. er.. i mean Corolla. i also own a 2006 Evolution MR that i regularly HPDE. we got my girlfriend an '03 VW GTI VR6. none of our cars get us "props" from anyone we'd probably want to associate with, but we have more fun driving ANY of them than i've had with any other vehicle i've ever owned. my '71 VW bus comes close.. but only because i used to jump it at the lake.

dmtactical > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 09/01/2013 at 17:21

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I have a V6 Mustang and it doesn't bother me that there are faster versions available. What bothers me is that its a total POS and feels like driving a slammed Ford Ranger on low profile tires. All the clunkiness of a truck with none of the capacity. However it is definitely true that almost nobody buys a V6 pony car because they want one. They just can't afford the real engine. I didn't even want one that much, but I don't know how else to get a simple RWD car that isn't 20 years old.

I'm willing to own just about any car but I stay away from Hondas and don't usually recommend them, only because they seem to get stolen at an alarming rate. I know Corollas are statistically stolen more, but I wouldn't really miss a Corolla if it was taken from me.

smittykid1 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 09/01/2013 at 22:36

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Simple, a Hummer. Nothing good can come of that thing outside a combat zone.