Conspicuous Consumption
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Conspicuous Consumption
First let me say I've been lusting after this car for quite awhile - I see them everywhere and its safe to say I want one. The interior is just so damn elegant compared to the plasticy american and japanese cars. I also admire the A4's lines, especially in back, and the smooth power of the 2.8. I can afford the payments, but it will be the difference of running out of $$$ at the end of the month as opposed to saving or blowing money on lesser things.<p>SO, I know you all have run across people who (like my girlfriend) are very much against spending that much money on a car --- and therfore tend to be critical of their owners. Phrases like "conspicuous consumption" come to mind. Other phrases are impolite so I won't repeat them.<p>What I'm wondering is, do you percieve that you are treated differently - on the road or off - because of the car you drive? Differently in a positive or negative way? <p>Until then, on the lookout for a loaded silver/black 98+ 2.8Q.<p>-A
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Conspicuous? conspicuous to whom?
I find that Audis are elegant and competent without obvious attitude or glamour. Everyone else seems to have heard of Audi, but they never agree on what it is because none of them really know what an Audi is. People that drive Hondas and Saturns think that Audis are glamorous because they are much more expensive, while people with the really expensive cars think that they are somewhere below an Acura. Most people look at the price of a car, not the value.<p>Prepare to be misunderstood. People tend to criticize what they don't understand.<p>Todd W<br>15 yrs of suffering fools and still going 
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Re: Conspicuous Consumption
Regardless of what car or truck you drive people may have a different opion of you because of your vehicle........BUT do you care!?.<br>The important things is if it's worth it to you and how you feel about it. May people (like my father) don't think the car is worth it "because it's just a car used for transportation". Well after owning a 4000CS Q, I feel very different about it. It may have to do with the 3+hours/day I spent in my "transportation" or maybe it's the little things in the car that put a smile on your face (see link below) . Either way the decision should be for the car and I don't think you'd be disappointed. I was looking at the A4 2.8Q for a while but couldn't afford them. I now have a 99.5 A4 1.8TQMS on order. I could afford that and I think I'll be a lot happier. <br>Good Luck,<p>Alex M<ul><li><a href="http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/chicane/175/features/a4features.htm">http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/chicane/175/features/a4features.htm</a></li></ul>
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Re: Conspicuous Consumption
<br>Rest easy, lay your misplaced guilt aside. A Ferrari is conspicuous. So is a Rolls Royce, or any other $200,000 plus automobile. A $30K A4 is not conspicuous ... it's just a fun, safe, well-made, great-looking automobile. If you can afford one, chances are you have worked hard and deserve it! What does an A4 say about you? Who cares! (Yes, people look at the car because it's a great looking car). One more thing: If you and your girlfriend ever get into a serious accident, she WILL be glad you bought an A4 instead of a 15-18K econobox.<p>BDW '99 1.8Tqms (laser red)
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Re: Conspicuous Consumption
If it's any consolation, I had similar feelings. I started out looking at thePassat wagon, but always kept my eye on the A4 Avant, whichquickly won my heart. But there was always a little question of whether it was too outrageous to spend >$30K on a car. In the end, I justified it on two grounds<br>1. Hey, I deserve it. :-)<br>2. If you only buy a new car every 10 years or so, may as well get what you really want. Paying a little extra every 10 years is not conspicious consumption.
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Audi = "Subtle and understated elegance"
Here in the UK, Audi has made it clear through their advertising that Audi's should be driven by people who are confident enough in themselves that they do not need to be ostentatious. They believe in a subtle understated elegance that has real vealue but doesn't make a fuss over itself.<p>Audi UK even goes as far as to alienate, make fun of flashy, in your face, show-offs. Their adverts show all the people they DON'T want driving their cars.<p>All this is quite clever considering the "near luxury" status of the A4 and similar cars. It performs well and is feature-rich but doesn't make its owners look "flashy". <p>End of marketing case study...<p>As for your girlfriend, do as I did; tell here that you were considering a BMW 328 convertible or a Mercedes SLK, but you decided an Audi was more your speed. After hearing that, my girlfriend was thankful that I wasn't completely financially irresponsible as well as a snob.<p>--Ian Wood.<br>(3 weeks to go until I am the proud owner of an Audi A4 1.8Ts)
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Forgive the tone of this response, I just saw "Analyze This".
Prior to the purchase of my A4, I did feel conflicted about whether I was spending more than I needed to for my transportation needs (yes) or that I was being too ostentatious for my born-to-<br>be-mild personality.<p>In the end it came down to the fact that: (1) I could afford it without giving up other important parts of my lifestyle; (2) I loved the look & feel of the car and I couldn't imagine myself in anything else; and (3) my wife saw (2) and was very encouraging. This last point is important because she could be chief of the P.C. Police.<p>I've received no negative responses about the car from anyone; and my friends all lean to the green.<p>I personally think your girlfriend's concerns are good ones to have. But I don't think they are,<br>necessarily, incompatible with buying an A4.<p>(Don't know if this helped any, but I think I'm feeling a little better.)<p>Good Luck.<p>John<br>99.5 1.8tqms