As someone who's been riding in luxury vehicles a lot (other people drive me), I can definitely tell the difference in ride quality between a Toyota Highlander and an Acura RDX or Mercedes GLS. It adds another layer of insulation between you and the elements, so to speak. You also get all the nifty little things that's "shit this is nice" but not "my life depends on having this!" (panoramic roof is magical in the Model 3 and some other brands).

Now whether that is worth it is up to each person. I personally am not at the income level to feel comfortable dropping more than $30k on a vehicle, so I don't. But I don't fault people who make 5x what I do to drop 3x what I do on their cars.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I drive my 90k car because it was a gift and I don’t have car payments. I also have a 35k car and the ride is different, but I’m happy with both. When it’s time to replace the 90k car, I won’t spend that much, but now I am loyal to the ride of the brand.

Who the heck "gifted" you a $90k car?

Professional school gift from my parents.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same reason women pay $500 for shoes or 3k for a handbag.

Yeah, bad with money.

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I buy luxury cars after they come off their first lease. They are certified pre-owned and still under warranty but way less expensive than if you buy new. Luxury cars are usually made better and reliability is important to me.

Are they really better made?

My understanding is that there is virtually no difference under the hood of a Lexus versus the equivalent Toyota, and all of the differences are all in terms of finishes and features. Is this not correct?

And Land Rover and Jaguar have consistently poor reliability ratings.

For reference, I'm not sure I've ever been in a luxury vehicle, so I don't have any idea what I'm missing.

I had a family member that was in a bad car accident and he drove a luxury car--all the EMTs said the car saved his life. That is part of why I spend a little more on luxury brand b/c of their safety features.

Anonymous wrote:I drive my 90k car because it was a gift and I don’t have car payments. I also have a 35k car and the ride is different, but I’m happy with both. When it’s time to replace the 90k car, I won’t spend that much, but now I am loyal to the ride of the brand.

Who the heck "gifted" you a $90k car?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I buy luxury cars after they come off their first lease. They are certified pre-owned and still under warranty but way less expensive than if you buy new. Luxury cars are usually made better and reliability is important to me.

Are they really better made?

My understanding is that there is virtually no difference under the hood of a Lexus versus the equivalent Toyota, and all of the differences are all in terms of finishes and features. Is this not correct?

And Land Rover and Jaguar have consistently poor reliability ratings.

For reference, I'm not sure I've ever been in a luxury vehicle, so I don't have any idea what I'm missing.

The Lexus will have more sound deadening materiel and a suspension more tuned for comfort than the Toyota. It's finishes and features, but really small detail that make the difference. Ex pulling the gear stick back and not having to worry about hitting the cup in the cupholder, being able to manipulate the seat in multiple ways so that you can be comfortable all the time. I could go on and on.

Anonymous wrote:Why would someone buy a 70-150k car when a 35k car gets you around just fine? Seems like a waste to me. I have a friend who just bought a Mercedes and I don't think k I could bring myself to do it. I know everyone's values are different but if I got a raise, I would go on vacation and save some.

For the same reason you buy a $90 dress when a $15 dress would be just fine.

Anonymous wrote:I buy luxury cars after they come off their first lease. They are certified pre-owned and still under warranty but way less expensive than if you buy new. Luxury cars are usually made better and reliability is important to me.

Jeez, did I write this!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I buy luxury cars after they come off their first lease. They are certified pre-owned and still under warranty but way less expensive than if you buy new. Luxury cars are usually made better and reliability is important to me.

Are they really better made?

My understanding is that there is virtually no difference under the hood of a Lexus versus the equivalent Toyota, and all of the differences are all in terms of finishes and features. Is this not correct?

And Land Rover and Jaguar have consistently poor reliability ratings.

For reference, I'm not sure I've ever been in a luxury vehicle, so I don't have any idea what I'm missing.

Well I have Toyota and I have driven a Lexus before, and I can tell you there is a big ‘ol difference in how they drive.

Anonymous wrote:We just bought a luxury car, a Tesla S P100D. Paid cash. We don’t have a mortgage, education is fully funded, etc. Retired.

Can’t take the money with you when you are dead so why not?!? Love our new car! Worth the money.

Great choice!

I drive my 90k car because it was a gift and I don’t have car payments. I also have a 35k car and the ride is different, but I’m happy with both. When it’s time to replace the 90k car, I won’t spend that much, but now I am loyal to the ride of the brand.

Same reason people but nice shoes, bags, watches, etc. I personally like to stay in nice hotels when I travel. I used to have a Mercedes but now drive a Volvo XC90. Some may consider it luxury. Some may not. It is a good family car.

Anonymous wrote:I buy luxury cars after they come off their first lease. They are certified pre-owned and still under warranty but way less expensive than if you buy new. Luxury cars are usually made better and reliability is important to me.

Are they really better made?

My understanding is that there is virtually no difference under the hood of a Lexus versus the equivalent Toyota, and all of the differences are all in terms of finishes and features. Is this not correct?

And Land Rover and Jaguar have consistently poor reliability ratings.

For reference, I'm not sure I've ever been in a luxury vehicle, so I don't have any idea what I'm missing.

If you have enough money where the cost of a luxury car will make no impact on your finances, why not? There are plenty of people who can easily write a check for a new car and will still save more than most people earn in a year.

Anonymous wrote:I genuinely don’t understand it either. I have a family member who recently got a new Mercedes. I myself recently got a new Nissan. In complete seriousness, I love my Nissan much more and I think the inside feels richer.

On the technology side, now that technology (cameras, sensors) are a lot cheaper, then even "average" cars will have some of the safety features that used to exist only on high-end models. For example, just about all Toyotas now have front collision avoidance (will hit the brakes if someone jumps out in front of you).