RE: C8 Corvette Stringray convertible breaks cover

[unsprung]

If you're going to examine costs of living...

It's worth mentioning the first two thoughts -- imo -- that most Americans have when they first visit Europe:

. . . 1. "How beautiful, this inheritance of magnificent buildings and grand public places."

. . . 2. "Holy s***! Did you see those prices? How does anybody afford to live here?"

The OECD says that a UK household has a net-adjusted disposable income that is 64 percent of that in the US.

Regarding income, the OECD assigns the US a value of 9 points (of a total 10 possible); the UK earns a 6. On health, the US is ranked at 8.9 points and the UK at 7.7.

Full details here:
http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/

[z06tim]

unsprung said:

The OECD says that a UK household has a net-adjusted disposable income that is 64 percent of that in the US.

Regarding income, the OECD assigns the US a value of 9 points (of a total 10 possible); the UK earns a 6. On health, the US is ranked at 8.9 points and the UK at 7.7.

Full details here:
http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/

This reflects exactly my experience of living and working in both countries for a number of years.

It's not just the higher salary, lower taxes, etc. Rents are cheaper, houses are cheaper, food, petrol, restaurants, clothes, electronics, etc.

So when it comes to that $60,000 Vette, it is a much more attainable proportion for someone in the US.

Even if you could get the same car for £60,000 in the UK (which you can't because of taxes, and we will get more standard options), it is much more of a stretch financially for the same average someone based in the UK.

[Mr Cerbera]

Love the fact that you can operate the roof whilst motoring.

Well done Chev !

[unsprung]

Mr Cerbera said:

Love the fact that you can operate the roof whilst motoring.

Well done Chev !

Thunderbirds Are Go !

[ADDLED]

"Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry..."

Solid evidence that even Don McLean hated them: he'd planned to dump his dog of a car in the swamp, but was hampered by low rainfall. This car is a Jeremy Clarkson beergut on 4 wheels.

[ADDLED]

z06tim said:

Even if you could get the same car for £60,000 in the UK (which you can't because of taxes, and we will get more standard options), it is much more of a stretch financially for the same average someone based in the UK.

You forget the fact that nobody would want one: its a Corvette: not the nexus but the Lexus of performance motoring.