Friday, October 18, 2013

ARE AMERICANS TOO DUMB TO LIVE? EPISODE FIVE

Americans are so obsessed with showing off how wonderful they are, and there's nowhere they like to show it more than on their cars.

With their vanity plates and bumper stickers about honor students and championship team license plate frames, Americans are screaming "LOOK AT ME!"

An acquaintance of mine has been talking up his new "Limited Edition" Ford F-150 truck like he's got something really exclusive.




Limited to what? As many as they could produce?

Are there all of a sudden F-150 collectors out there?

Sorry folks, if it comes off of a production line, it isn't all that special.

Every car is a limited edition-they only make a limited amount each year.

So you're bragging about a plastic piece of trim that say "Limited." Get over yourself!

That said, every rule has an exception.





The 2012 Aston Martin One-77 listed for $1.87 million, and there were only 77 produced. While I could make the argument that due to the size of the market for cars costing $1.87 million, that's not that limited, either, but I am willing to concede this one.

I am curious how that car buying experience goes?

Is the buyer arguing about the inclusion of the rustproofing?

And how much wiggle room does a dealer have on a $1.87 million dollar car? How many trips back to the manager do you think it takes to knock a hundred thousand off?


6 comments:

  1. I have a 1989 Toyota pickup truck, but the huge hole in the side of the seat and the massive dent near the tailpipe, where someone backed into my truck in a parking lot and then left without a word or a note makes my 1989 Toyota truck a one-of-a-kind. And I'm very proud of that fact.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Stephen-there are probably fewer of your year and model truck than the limited edition F-150 on the road today....so yours is TRULY a limited edition!

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  2. Someday I really want to ride in (dare I say drive?) an Aston Martin. LOVE that car. And, yeah, I think 77 made in a year does make it exclusive. Exclusive to rich people... but, hey that is how the world turns. A Ford F-150 isn't remotely exclusive. Some people just like to brag about their vehicle. It could be a Prius and it would be THE BEST EVER.

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    1. Robin-

      I guess it has always mystified me why people are always trying to impress me?

      I don't even care what I think!

      If people would spend less time worrying about what other people think, they'd be a lot happier. It seems to me that if your self-worth and happiness are dependent on feedback from others, it's a recipe for unhappiness.

      LC

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  3. I think it's just the "Look at my new toy!" syndrome. I'd love to impress you.... but that takes new stuff. Strike one!

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    1. I don't really value stuff all that much, CW...especially other people's!

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