materialism & porsche

materialism & porsche

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Irish

Original Poster:

3,991 posts

239 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
http://www.jonahlehrer.com

Interesting blog. Which type of owner are you?

First, a brief taxonomy. It’s generally recognized that there are three subtypes of materialism. The first is material measure, which is the tendency to see possessions as a status signal or sign of success. (You buy the Porsche because it shows you can afford it.) The second is material medicine, in which purchases are seen as a quick way to elevate levels of future happiness. (You buy the Porsche because you believe the car will make your future self content.) Lastly, there’s material mirth, a world-view in which material possessions are believed to be part of the good life. (You buy the Porsche because it’s a beautiful car.)

I need another beautiful car in my life.


kitesurfer2

186 posts

173 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
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This is very interesting reading, though nothing new.
There is lots of greed in our modern world with a growing gap between the haves and have nots but it is every man's right (Or woman's) to drive the car of his/her choice.

Personally, as a (Porsche-only) collector of many years, for sure,there is definitely an element of materialism in the sense of desire for an object costing capital.
However, to me owning a 911 is more as an enthusiast for the early cars, being part of a movement who appreciate this particular car as almost a living thing with character and personality.
To me it is a no brainer to keep some capital, hard built over the years, in a beautiful device that basically costs little or nothing in depreciation.

Of course materialistically,it is harder to justify going out and buying a new model. Porsche or anything else, a huge chunk of money is immediately lost, some would argue stolen from the proletariat as corporate profit!


heightswitch

6,318 posts

250 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
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Strange… i bought mine because i need to tow a caravan !!
N.

schaeffs

324 posts

142 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
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Not your normal Thursday evening Porsche post!

For me - spending money on a night out at the theatre comes a close second self value wise as sticking pins in my eyes but hey each to their own!

Quite simply I love cars and couldn't give a rats ass what anyone else thinks - the fact that I bought a Porsche was:
- it can fit more than two people in it at a pinch
- it goes, stops and handles brilliantly
- it doesn't cost too much to run
- it's done pretty much on the depreciation front (early 997)
- and shock horror it's a fantastically reliable car that you can use every day and it brings a smile to my face each and every time i drive it

and in the end if you love cars and enjoy driving - and i mean really enjoy the driving experience there are few cars out there that can match the overall package.

My only regret and it's a small one - is that I didn't buy one sooner.

On the above - the 991 being a tax on the proletariat - I think rather it's Porsche AG's tax on the wealthy... the only issue is that's just giving it back to the even more wealthy...



mollytherocker

14,366 posts

209 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
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I have loved cars since I was a small boy standing behind my fathers mk1 escort so I could smell the fumes.

I have no interest in status. Or I really hope I don't.

I buy what I love that is within my budget. I really make an effort to ensure that there are no erroneous influences.

But I cannot be 100% sure. We are human and there are multiple and complex influences to our behaviour.

delays

786 posts

215 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
Agreed.

It is interesting that being seen as "materialistic" is almost 100% negative.

I think there's a distinction between those who buy Porsches because of what they say about them (which I would call a materialist) - and those who buy them because they just like the car (ie. an enthusiast).

alexisn

248 posts

135 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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Argument applies to all possessions. Who cares, to much analysis, guilt, equality etc. When we all live in the socialist ideal state then we can all enjoy a Trabant.

AndyBrew

2,774 posts

219 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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I buy cars because I like them, I can't stop myself, I think it's a disease, and like Molly I have always bought what I like that is within my budget and sometimes out of my budget!!

Love the caravan comment, brilliant!


mollytherocker

14,366 posts

209 months

Friday 18th April 2014
quotequote all
alexisn said:
Argument applies to all possessions. Who cares, to much analysis, guilt, equality etc. When we all live in the socialist ideal state then we can all enjoy a Trabant.
I would like a Trabant!

marky911

4,417 posts

219 months

Friday 18th April 2014
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I buy whatever makes me look proper rich when I drive past Gregg's and JD Sports.
People think I look mint in me Porker!

Anyone seen those new model copy Rolex's? I'm due a new one soon. Gotta be worth a look.
Anyway I have to go. My 70 inch plasma's getting delivered soon. Gotta figure out how to fit it to my 30 inch chimney breast.

Laterz scruff-bags!

wink

charge

537 posts

236 months

Saturday 19th April 2014
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Reminds me of a joke I read last week, pardon the grammer, I am a nuckle dragger!

Guy pulls up in his new Porsche, opens the door and a lorry swerves and smashes into the side of the car and rips the door off.
A police officer attends the scene, and Porsche man is going nuts 'look at it, bloody ruined, it doesnt matter how good they repair it, it will never be the same'.
The officer looks disgusted. You Porsche owners, all the same. So grabbing and materialistic, you haven't even realised your arm is missing,'
Porsche man looks down 'arrhhh, my Rolex, that cost me ten grand, a one off'

To be fair, the joke was aimed at a Porsche driving City trader, but seemed soooo good for this thread, made me laugh first tIme round!

Mutt

1,115 posts

191 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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Cheap, for a unique Rolex. Was it a fake? hehe

SEE YA

3,522 posts

245 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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As for me it took me years, before I got my dream 911 kids family life come first.

I feel lucky, just to have the car in the first place.
I take nothing for granted, in life every day for me is bonus.

You drive a Porsche and you are judged on face value?

Edited by SEE YA on Sunday 20th April 09:50

paralla

3,535 posts

135 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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I live on a lovely garden square of Victorian terrace houses in London that happens to be about 80% social housing. I don't really care what my neighbours or anyone else thinks of me and my new Porsxhe but I do worry that they might vandalise it one day.

Hilux2400

231 posts

136 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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I drive an 11 year old 996, but also a few other newer cars and an old Hilux truck. The only one that causes any reaction is the Porsche. I have a Porsche because I like it. I can do many repairs myself. It's a pleasure to drive and it's a handsome vehicle. If I give someone a lift they are always disappointed when I don't turn up in the Porsche.

nsm3

2,831 posts

196 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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paralla said:
I live on a lovely garden square of Victorian terrace houses in London that happens to be about 80% social housing. I don't really care what my neighbours or anyone else thinks of me and my new Porsxhe but I do worry that they might vandalise it one day.
Thought about moving?

paralla

3,535 posts

135 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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I just moved here it's a £900K two bedroom flat. The square is nice, it's just that it has poor people living on it.

paralla

3,535 posts

135 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
quotequote all
I just moved here it's a £900K two bedroom flat. The square is nice, it's just that it has poor people living on it.

SEE YA

3,522 posts

245 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
quotequote all
paralla said:
I just moved here it's a £900K two bedroom flat. The square is nice, it's just that it has poor people living on it.
Never judge a book by its cover. Anyone can drive a Porsche, it does not make them rich or a better person just because they have money or not.

People so often pre-judge Porsche owners and life in general.

Edited by SEE YA on Sunday 20th April 14:33

ilduce

485 posts

127 months

Tuesday 22nd April 2014
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paralla said:
I just moved here it's a £900K two bedroom flat. The square is nice, it's just that it has poor people living on it.
I expect the people who own houses on that square feel the same about you.