Pistonheads is living in the dark ages!
Discussion
Now, I know this will be controversial, but its a viewpoint to debate. With the announcement of Jaguar Landrovers record sales numbers driven by huge numbers of 4x4's, it got me thinking that many on here who are car enthusiasts are actually really out of touch with the car market. Are we too blinkered and longing for times and types of cars that are long gone and will likely never return. White Audis are oft hated yet are bought in huge numbers, Mercs are rubbished as not being as good as they were yet sell in ever larger numbers. Porsche sell more Cayennes than 911's and are decried for it. The general public seem to lap up the cars that "experts" on a car forum run down. Are we actually standing still as the car world moves on ?
The sales numbers are simply because most cars are bought by people who view them as an appliance and have zero interest in them or in driving. Hence they buy what looks nice (to them), that has a badge that they think means quality or to get one "better" than next door. I work with a number of people that think a brand new Korean hatch is a better car just because it's new.
stemll said:
The sales numbers are simply because most cars are bought by people who view them as an appliance and have zero interest in them or in driving. Hence they buy what looks nice (to them), that has a badge that they think means quality or to get one "better" than next door. I work with a number of people that think a brand new Korean hatch is a better car just because it's new.
Close thread! 
The OPer is confusing "popular" with "good" or "correct".
Most people are only interested in the ability to get to work, do shopping and occasionally drive to a hotel on the other side of the country, all in as comfortable and stress-free way as possible. 99% of the time I am in agreement with them
However, I view myself as part of the (probably) <1% of the population who wants something different 1% of the time. When that happens, only a car that is outside of the norm will do. I'm happy to be an outsider in this regard
However, I view myself as part of the (probably) <1% of the population who wants something different 1% of the time. When that happens, only a car that is outside of the norm will do. I'm happy to be an outsider in this regard
Leins said:
Most people are only interested in the ability to get to work, do shopping and occasionally drive to a hotel on the other side of the country, all in as comfortable and stress-free way as possible. 99% of the time I am in agreement with them
However, I view myself as part of the (probably) <1% of the population who wants something different 1% of the time. When that happens, only a car that is outside of the norm will do. I'm happy to be an outsider in this regard
Agreed.However, I view myself as part of the (probably) <1% of the population who wants something different 1% of the time. When that happens, only a car that is outside of the norm will do. I'm happy to be an outsider in this regard
Petrol Heads are very much in the minority, they always have been.
Thankyou4calling said:
Now, I know this will be controversial, but its a viewpoint to debate. With the announcement of Jaguar Landrovers record sales numbers driven by huge numbers of 4x4's, it got me thinking that many on here who are car enthusiasts are actually really out of touch with the car market. Are we too blinkered and longing for times and types of cars that are long gone and will likely never return. White Audis are oft hated yet are bought in huge numbers, Mercs are rubbished as not being as good as they were yet sell in ever larger numbers. Porsche sell more Cayennes than 911's and are decried for it. The general public seem to lap up the cars that "experts" on a car forum run down. Are we actually standing still as the car world moves on ?
Isn't is fairly obvious?! The majority of the population are not car people.
just people buying what they want, like or fits in with their lifestyle. Pretty much the same as car enthusiasts just different reasons.
What I have noticed is as pistonheads has got more popular its not as much about the cars anymore. More about the people, having a laugh and something to read to pass time. Which is perfectly fine, I enjoy it. But on the car side of things I'd put my money on Wikipedia for an answer / facts than trust some of stuff here.
What I have noticed is as pistonheads has got more popular its not as much about the cars anymore. More about the people, having a laugh and something to read to pass time. Which is perfectly fine, I enjoy it. But on the car side of things I'd put my money on Wikipedia for an answer / facts than trust some of stuff here.
In response to the OP I think it's quite the opposite. Enthusiasts know their stuff and the mass buying brigade do not represent knowledge to the degree that we like to.
Suggesting an MX5 to someone who's hankering after a white 2.0 tdi isn't ever going to fly yet we know which is the most fun
the i30 I've had for about 6 months is absolutely fine for what it does and has plenty of kit. I also think the Kia Optima (s**t name) looks fantastic but needs a bigger 330i-esque engine to be PH-worthy...
On another note we are going to have to accept EVs into PH land. Have you seen the upcoming Tesla Model S
Suggesting an MX5 to someone who's hankering after a white 2.0 tdi isn't ever going to fly yet we know which is the most fun
deadtom said:
it does seem that hyundai, kia et al have really stepped up their game in recent years and now make legitimately good cars
the i30 I've had for about 6 months is absolutely fine for what it does and has plenty of kit. I also think the Kia Optima (s**t name) looks fantastic but needs a bigger 330i-esque engine to be PH-worthy...On another note we are going to have to accept EVs into PH land. Have you seen the upcoming Tesla Model S
I'm not a music enthusiast - I'll admit to quite liking pop and can name all of the members of Girls Aloud! I know it's mass marketed to appeal to a low denominator but I fit into that group and don't care that I do. Most of my friends take a greater interest and listen to miserable men with guitars and no mass market appeal. They claim that it's much better. I lack the musical sensitivity to either tell the difference or to particularly care. It doesn't offer me much more.
Now cars, cars are totally different. Hang on, they aren't. In normal land most people want a reliable car that carries enough stuff and passengers, with the option of tacking on some bling.
The whole business of gapping points and setting up carburettors is a bit extreme for them - and offers nothing of interest.
Now cars, cars are totally different. Hang on, they aren't. In normal land most people want a reliable car that carries enough stuff and passengers, with the option of tacking on some bling.
The whole business of gapping points and setting up carburettors is a bit extreme for them - and offers nothing of interest.
LeoSayer said:
I've been on PH for 10 years yet have owned numerous Audis, now own a BMW X5 diesel, and about to order a new white Audi A3 automatic.
Should I leave?
Should I leave?
It's horses for courses though. I don't use a car for commuting or have any kids so would never consider a 2.0 TDI or a 4x4. But I do see why people would buy those cars though.
Futuramic said:
I'm not a music enthusiast - I'll admit to quite liking pop and can name all of the members of Girls Aloud! I know it's mass marketed to appeal to a low denominator but I fit into that group and don't care that I do. Most of my friends take a greater interest and listen to miserable men with guitars and no mass market appeal. They claim that it's much better. I lack the musical sensitivity to either tell the difference or to particularly care. It doesn't offer me much more.
Now cars, cars are totally different. Hang on, they aren't. In normal land most people want a reliable car that carries enough stuff and passengers, with the option of tacking on some bling.
The whole business of gapping points and setting up carburettors is a bit extreme for them - and offers nothing of interest.
O/T, but that's an Interesting analogy. I am one of those people that likes miserable men with guitars, and it's interesting to hear somebody's point of view from the other side of the fence. Now cars, cars are totally different. Hang on, they aren't. In normal land most people want a reliable car that carries enough stuff and passengers, with the option of tacking on some bling.
The whole business of gapping points and setting up carburettors is a bit extreme for them - and offers nothing of interest.
Anyway, as you were.
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