Re: No Aftermarket? Sure! It's because of you...
Such strong stereotyping, at least you sound like a republican when you are politely classing people.
I understand your home owners analogy and with the slick sales of variable rate and interest only home loans I can see how easy it would be for someone to be trapped in an attempt improve their life. However, we are talking about basic transportation not a home. With the reduced pricing available, this vehicle was not a stretch for any but the most impoverished new car owner. At under $20 for a base model and $25k for an SRT-6 any kid with a job at McDonalds can afford a Crossfire, that’s the same rough price range of a new Hyundai Tiburon or Toyota Celica.
TCO, good acronym! I except the higher regular maintenance cost of this vehicle. However, an oil change does not cost $185 on a Crossfire do to hand build craftsmanship or expertise required during basic maintenance. It cost more because of 8.5 quarts of synthetic oil, most kids with a $10,000 Scion use synthetics these days and I have used synthetic oils in all of my vehicles for over 15 years. I do not use the dealer for basic maintenance for several reasons. I prefer to know my way around my vehicle and as a Nuclear Engineer I still enjoy getting my hands dirty. I refuse to pay the dealership $100 an hour for the same quality labor I can get from jiffy lube for $10 and I prefer the quality of my own maintenance over either of the wage grade mechanics who does the least possible to complete the task.
Regardless of Hyundai or Mercedes, $50,000 or $500,000 annual incomes! In my opinion anyone, who pays $3,000 for parts that should cost $1,000 is foolishly with their funds. Advertisers must love you and your impulse gratification name brand must have purchases. Your attempt to justify frivolous spending with the terms exotic, exclusive and high end are exceptional, you believe the hype of the sales brochure and expect the status response from your purchase. I put anyone who would pay $300 for $20 worth of metal stamped Renntech fender badges in the same mental category as those who put 22" rims on a 1990 Cutlass. For some reason they all think that the quality of the purchase reflects who they are.
The quality of your actions and choices you make in life, specifically those made when you think no one is watching define who you are. What you drive and how much it costs has nothing to do with it.
Last edited by BLACKSRT-6; Sep 11, 2007 at 03:21 PM.