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Snob Appeal Vs. Practicality or Common Sense Purchasing ThoughtsApr 25 '00 Write an essay on this topic.The decision on whether or not you buy an automobile from the domestic shores or foreign often rests on what type of statement you are attempting to make. Many people tend to feel that those who drive a foreign make are well off and the opposite applies to those who drive domestic automobiles. Oftentimes nothing could be further from the truth. However, we all know that you will not buy a car that does not fit the image you are looking to portray and does not fit your needs. So, what are the big differences between domestic and foreign makes that are not simply cosmetic? Well, for one, you should understand that the make of the car may well be the only thing you are buying that is foreign. Yes, that is true and it can work the other way as well. What I mean is that so many of the smaller automobile companies (Jaguar, Fiat, Porsche, etc.) are now owned by much larger companies. Therefore, your Jaguar may virtually be a domestic automobile. However, you will still pay for the name. On the other hand, your American car may very well consist of many parts that are made in foreign lands and you are left with little more than a name that says "American". The other differences between domestic and foreign makes are more subtle. Here are my views on some wildly quoted thoughts regarding the differences between where an automobile originates: 1. Foreign cars handle better: Could be, but who is to say whether or not it is true. There are so many makes and models on the road that it is impossible to break it down to foreign versus domestic. There are domestic cars that handle better than better than foreign and vice versa. 2. Domestic cars have more trunk room: On the whole, I find this to be a true statement since domestic autos tend to be larger. 3. Foreign cars are more sporty: Again, in my opinion this is true. However, the reason I say this is true is that there are more foreign makes that are sporty. In other words, the foreign companies tend to make more models and more models that have a sporty feel to them. 4. Foreign autos get better mileage: Usually true, but when you are looking at the numbers it usually comes down to two facts. First, many models tend to skew the averages. Secondly, foreign cars tend to be smaller and, therefore, lighter. 5. Domestic makes are more practical: I would say yes. The foreign makes tend to be more sporty and sporty often does not equate to practical. 6. Domestic autos are better in inclement weather: Domestic makes do tend to be better in poor driving conditions since they are heavier. Additionally, very few domestic makes have rear wheel drive- a killer if you are attempting to drive in slippery conditions. 7. Foreign autos are safer: Tough one here. I have heard nothing but wonderful safety reports when it comes to Saab and Volvo, but I also find that most of the SUV's on the road tend to be domestic makes. I do not know about you, but I prefer to be in the larger vehicle if I am going to be in an accident. Therefore, I will reserve judgement on this one because of the fact that there are so many variables involved. 8. Last, but most importantly, foreign makes tend to be more expensive: Unfortunately, if you are looking above the lower end models, foreign makes usually are more expensive. You will pay for the name and for the transportation- despite the fact that your Mercedes may have been built in Alabama. Keep in mind that part of what you are paying for are the options and foreign cars tend to have more in the way of "bells and whistles" as I described earlier. Therefore, foreign cars are usually more expensive when you get above the entry level models. Which type of automobile is the better fit for you? I cannot answer that one, but I can give you some guidelines to think about. First of all, if you have kids I would lean toward the domestic makes. We all know how kids can be unruly and spill things with amazing frequency. Hence, the need to not have all the "bells and whistles" that often come with foreign automobiles. Secondly, if you will be driving in bad weather, I would suggest looking toward the domestic makes since they are easier to handle in inclement weather. Finally, if it is luxury that you after, go with the foreign auto. You will find that most of the better luxury makes are foreign and they offer a product that is superior to what is domestically produced when it comes to the upper end.  |
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