Let's Talk Aesthetics of Luxury Vehicles

Pumpkin_rrr on 05/03/2019 - 21:46

I have my current car for nearly 7 years now and my life has changed so much that I need a new car.
So car-hunting we go!
Must confess I am a novice in this area, although I can name some names and recognise the logos.
Hence Hubby takes care of the technical part, I do the visual aspects.
Have to say I am rather shocked with what I've seen so far.

First we checked out the MB GLA & GLC.
I find there's just too much chrome: the criss-cross aircon vent:they are small and hideous. All the controls below the dashboard and the volume and memory buttons just have chrome randomly. The inside of the doors too copped some chrome for the memory and others. The stitching of the leather/PVC although it was not a Sports model.
Also dislike the way the GPS Monitor sits (Head Up Display?) ; I keep having the urge to push or flip it down.
As for the GPS, I am a little concerned as to whether I can get use to using the joystick.
Sunroof - it is compulsory and cannot be removed.

Then the Lexus NX300.
Here I need to mention that I must have cream interior, or any light color for that matter. This is non-negotiable due to my imperfect eyesight.
I was horrified to find they they all have the "split-color" tone! They must be joking! The Sales guy was very sure they couldnt get it changed, although I can choose between a black-front white-back, or white-front black-back. Sorry if I cant explain properly. Please google images: lexus nx leather seats"
The dashboard is fine and the AirCon vent is not as bad as GLA. But they too have the same GPS Monitor which looks like an after-thought.
Grille- I am not sure whether I like it yet.

I came home and did some quick search, and suspect all these must be new trend.
Just saw a 2014 GLA has all cream colour throughout.

Both of them makes me feel clunky.

Not sure whether I will be brave to visit the Beemer… Kidney grille?

Automotive

Comments

                • Milk tea on 07/03/2019 - 22:27

                  @King Tightarse: Why do you think I would be rich by me stating that people can like cheeseburgers and high end cars? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not but I'm sure there are plenty of ozbargainers that make a lot of money who also like bargains.

                  • King Tightarse on 07/03/2019 - 22:35

                    @Milk tea: OK I was only mucking around but truth be known, I think new high end cars are fine if your employer or company is paying but you would need your head read to own and pay for one yourself. The reason: service costs and depreciation. They are simply put outrageous in both cases.
                    I have met more than one young person who bought German for a first or second car and found out the hard way. Sometime it seems half the millenials are on the path to finding this lesson out.
                    So basically a high end car is a pretty bad choice if you want to get rich: the ongoings will make you weep: fine if others are paying.
                    If I wanted a prestige car, I would get myself an appreciating classic and drive a Toyota weekdays. My 2c

    • rave75 on 08/03/2019 - 13:42
      +1

      bargain doesn't mean it has to be cheap? bargain on luxury stuff is still a bargain.

  • Bid Sniper on 06/03/2019 - 09:06
    -3

    Been shopping at Benz for a family member, agreed, to me aimed at the Chinese market.

    Lexus is for old people.

  • Gronk on 06/03/2019 - 09:35
    +7

    Pretentious post is pretentious.

    Light coloured interiors are generally less popular, dealers are hesitant to hold them in stock because they're difficult to sell without discounting heavily.

    Aside from that, if you don't like the look of a car, don't buy it..

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:11

      For our other car, we were willing to wait 3 months and pay extra for the light color interior.
      That was 9 years ago.
      But this time, both MB and Lexus wont even entertain that.

      Dont worry, I wont buy any car that I dont like.

      • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:53

        I was looking for C class beige interior back in 2016 and yes it is harder to find it but my dealer helped me.

  • abb on 06/03/2019 - 09:36
    +8

    Buy a cheap car with the monitor mounted lower.
    Buy some white seat covers at SCA.

  • railspider on 06/03/2019 - 10:20
    +5

    There was a bargain on Tesla's for <$200K posted here just a few days ago. Take a look at one of those OP.

  • tsunamisurfer on 06/03/2019 - 11:44
    +5

    First. World. Problems.

    • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:10

      Which is what happens when you live in a first world country. Come back when you have some third world problems I guess?

  • HardlyCharly on 06/03/2019 - 13:38
    -2

    Everyone giving a hard time about the light coloured interior are just sheep who take what they are fed by the dealerships. I also will only accept a brown/cream interior, because black is just straight up ugly, doesn't matter if it's a 200k car or 20k, if it's black it all looks like the same bland crap. But that's what dealers stock so that's what people buy. Very hard to find second hand even if it was an option for that model in the first place because it would have had to be a custom order. And no, unless you're getting into your luxury vehicle covered in mud etc it won't 'get dirtier' or 'age quicker' than black, just take care of it you lazy sods, the full cream leather interior I have now is 12 years old and shows no more than the expected wear for that age.

    • spackbace on 06/03/2019 - 14:30
      +5

      But that's what dealers stock so that's what people buy.

      Other way around… Customers are very much able to factory order different coloured interiors but guess what…they don't. Light coloured interiors are known for becoming old stock in the yard, because you know what… customers don't buy light coloured interiors!

      • brendanm on 06/03/2019 - 14:51
        +2

        This. Light coloured interiors are rubbish. And I have a car with light coloured interior, only thing I hate about the car.

      • Daabido on 06/03/2019 - 22:41
        +1

        Wouldn't you love to be the dealer dealing with this?

        • spackbace on 06/03/2019 - 23:23
          +3

          silence

          😂

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 06/03/2019 - 21:04
      -3

      Thank you so much @HardlyCharly. You made my day! I guess we all fall into the category of minority.
      I have sat in many many cars with cream interiors, and it looks like none of them are on this form!

      This is where I dont understand: half the household owns a light colour lounge; just check Jimmy, King's, Harvey Norman, Freedom and many more.
      If a household doesnt mind light color lounge, I would think the risk is lower for cars?
      When you are strapped in your seat, there wont be much damage to be done, unlike in a home situation.

      Our other car has sandstone colour, I adore it! Granted, we have to wait 3 months but it's worth it. Nine years on and it's still looking really good. It's real leather, and honestly, no effort in looking after it. We have no young kids or pets but I dont think that's the reason. It's so easy to clean because it's leather, not fabric.

    • DiscoJango on 07/03/2019 - 09:02

      I specifically only go for all black interiors

      Cream coloured leather seats look horrible after a few years, especially if the owner happened to own denim jeans

      • pegaxs on 07/03/2019 - 09:38
        +1

        Oh, something gives me the impression that OP would be a “slacks” type of person…

        • abb on 07/03/2019 - 10:26
          +2

          my guess is cocktail dress

      • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:55
        +1

        Everything looks horrible if you don't take care of it, cream colour just need an extra care, that's it.

        • DiscoJango on 07/03/2019 - 13:19

          And what percentage of owners take "extra care" of their cars. Not many.

          • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:12

            @DiscoJango: So we've established that people's preferences are down to laziness.

  • Briefcase Mong on 06/03/2019 - 22:00

    Here we go another car discussion

  • Daabido on 06/03/2019 - 22:34
    +11

    Falcon on gas - discussion done.

    • thetrain on 06/03/2019 - 23:40
      +2

      Wrong forums. Think you should be on whirlpool mate =P

  • esq on 06/03/2019 - 22:42
    +1

    I recommend checking out brown interior (seating and panel cutouts) with black and woodgrain dash in an Audi A7 or S7.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2019 - 14:11

      Thanks. That's what I was thinking too… "tan" color.

  • itsdougie on 07/03/2019 - 00:16

    $15.99 SupercheapAuto will fix your interior colour problems

    https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/duplicolor-dupli-color-v…

    works a treat!

  • OzzyOzbourne on 07/03/2019 - 00:26
    +2

    How is a light interior related to imperfect eyesight?

  • activ8newbs on 07/03/2019 - 05:06
    +3

    Kia Stinger

    • Bid Sniper on 07/03/2019 - 12:13

      Honestly a few years ago suggesting a Kia would be a joke. nowadays, not so much. I rather a top of the line Stinger over a pov pack benz, Pov pack C class is a 1.5L…

      • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 12:44

        smallest C class engine is 2L though

        • Bid Sniper on 07/03/2019 - 12:46

          2018 C200 is now a 1.5

          • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:13

            @Bid Sniper: They should stick to their naming convention and call it the C150.

            • maybeamacy on 07/03/2019 - 20:34

              @smartazz104: But then they'd have to call the C63 a C62 AMG and that sounds weird!

            • brendanm on 08/03/2019 - 11:20
              +1

              @smartazz104: They haven't stuck to that for a very long time.

            • Bid Sniper on 08/03/2019 - 13:15

              @smartazz104: LOL pretty much, entire range naming convention is out the window, C300 is the 2L petrol.

              BMW is the same, their 330 is now a 2L 4banger

  • Brick Tamland on 07/03/2019 - 07:30
    +2

    Alfa Romeo's have beautiful interiors, maybe check out the the Guilia…

  • dlakers3peat on 07/03/2019 - 08:15
    +3

    This is why being is sales is hard

    • foolsgold on 07/03/2019 - 16:40
      +3

      I can see why being married is harder.

  • DiscoJango on 07/03/2019 - 09:00
    +7

    Op: all ozbargain humble brag threads require you to state that you are a $300k + annual household.

  • Milk tea on 07/03/2019 - 09:21
    -2

    Lol if you must have cream leather due to your imperfect eyesight, how about just cleaning the whole car if you find one with black leather seats instead of bits and pieces? anywho, with cream leather, denim colour transfer will occur or just look dirty much quicker.

  • Fobsessive on 07/03/2019 - 09:57
    +1

    WRX in blue

  • aussieolfaction on 07/03/2019 - 10:50
    +2

    Such a long post, and no question asked. Are you just sharing your opinions or just thinking loud?

  • pformag on 07/03/2019 - 11:09

    Tesla?

    • rave75 on 07/03/2019 - 11:56

      Tesla X 100D is 33% off!

  • abuch47 on 07/03/2019 - 11:26

    (profanity) wealth disparity. get some perspective.

    • Bid Sniper on 07/03/2019 - 12:11
      +3

      anyone can get a crippling car lease!

      • kevsta on 07/03/2019 - 12:14
        +1

        Agreed. Whenever I see anyone in driving in an expensive euro I immediately think, under finance or novated lease car.

        • crentist on 07/03/2019 - 12:27
          +2

          I’ve heard from Mercedes or similar dealers that every now and then they’ll have to repossess a car that someone couldn’t afford, and they’ll go to their place and find them living in an almost empty apartment because they can’t even afford stuff. But they want to project success and hope it comes later

          • Bid Sniper on 07/03/2019 - 12:46
            +3

            @crentist: I see pov pack euros in "aspirational" neighbourhood all the time. Brand new base model C or 3 Class parked in front of a ghetto apartment.

            Most people don't understand that Novated lease = rent, they don't own the car, they are driving a rental. For $600-1200 a month for a mediocre car, please pay insurance on a expensive car, ridiculous servicing costs, then also rent an apartment.

            = Poverty trap, no wealth disparity, wealth stupidity

            • crentist on 07/03/2019 - 13:53
              +2

              @Bid Sniper: Funny you mention ghetto aspirational cars. I visited India a few years back and noticed that while they didn’t have quite as many euro cars around, they were almost always 7-series or S classes. And there were a fair number around.

              And so the cars on the road went straight from cheap little boxes that people could probably barely afford, to top model luxury cars driven by super rich. Seems like people either stretched to pay for what they needed, or comfortably paid for whatever they wanted. None of this middle ground where people should be living comfortably but instead choose to make their own lives difficult

              • Bid Sniper on 08/03/2019 - 13:33

                @crentist: India is a fast growing economy, much like China who have millions of millionaires, if its new 7 series and S classes, then Id say that's actual wealth disparity.

                • crentist on 08/03/2019 - 16:23

                  @Bid Sniper: Oh absolutely. But that's my point. The nice cars are probably afforded very easily without the buyers feeling any impact on their wallet. Because of the horrific wealth disparity. But it's harder to say that about all the C-classes everywhere because if people weren't feeling the pinch they would get a higher model.

                  When I lived in a very wealthy suburb of Sydney (in a cheap crappy apartment) it was the same. RRs and supercars were seen every week, $100k cars seemed to be the norm. But not as many 3 series or C classes in the rich area, as there were in the surrounding regular middle class suburbs

              • greatlamp on 09/03/2019 - 08:02

                @crentist: There is no such thing as the average Indian

                They are either far poorer or far wealthier

                Europe wasn't much different 100 years ago

            • 2ndeffort on 08/03/2019 - 12:52
              -1

              @Bid Sniper: You can save a fortune leasing a car, you just need to learn when it best applies to you and how to do it properly. Trusting the people that the HR department sends you to and then getting a car beyond what you can afford is insanity. look at the opposite scenario where a high income earner buys a cheaper house in an outer, less fashionable suburb rather than renting. To manage the now lengthy commute they need a reliable car which will do a lot of kms. Instead of buyin a car and paying out of post income tax $$ they lease a Toyota or Kia for the daily commute, pay and all of the running costs out of pre-income tax money.

              • Bid Sniper on 08/03/2019 - 13:31
                +2

                @2ndeffort: Yes there are some cases where it can be cheaper but overall I don't see how to most people. How are you saving a fortune? I did the numbers several times and honestly I could not make it work. Co workers the same, its marginal decrease in tax (fuel saving) but you're still paying for a new car, insurance and servicing on a more expensive car.

                Cheaper to buy outright a car you can afford that's 1-2 years old low kays, can be exactly the same car but you own it. If you're doing huge miles better to cop depreciation on a cheaper car. Why do you need a Benz or BMW thats a daily beater? You mentioned reliable, sorry but German are not. Better off with Japanese or Korean car, which is more reliable and cheaper overall. Any saving on lease will be cheaper overall on a cheaper car. Honestly these day Korean cars offer more than base model German cars.

                My account always said never spend $1 to save 30c.

                • 2ndeffort on 08/03/2019 - 13:52
                  +4

                  @Bid Sniper: Not sure where you are getting a German reference, I suggested Toyota or Kia which are Japanese or Korean respectively last time I checked. You also seem stuck on the 'ownership' angle. Cars are a depreciating asset, the longer you 'own' them the more you loose. They are however handy for getting you around so often the running costs + depreciation adds up to the cost of ownership. Leases use the tax office formula for calculating expected depreciation and most leases are based on this. All cars depreciate at a different rate. if you are clever on which car you buy, when you buy it, what you pay for it and are also clever to get a good price when you sell you can easily beat the depreciation estimates from the lease. If you sell the car for more than the residual payment you get to keep the excess tax free. Few people keep a car for life so by 'ownership' all you are really talking about is the length of time that we keep the thing.

                  Leasing works for me personally, I've done the sums. I tend to put a lot of effort into making sure it works however and I am sure that if i just signed up for a lease blindly with whoever the HR department aimed me at I know I would be ripped off blind. I dont accept the price of the car the lease company sources for me, I haggle separately for my car. I often lease a 1 or 2 year old car, even leased a 15 year old Porsche once and actually sold it for a profit at the end of the lease (walking away with thousands). I never take all of the insurances the lease company hides in the lease agreement, particularly the insurance they want me to pay for to cover them in case they reposses my car and they cant recover what they are owed. I refuse all those insurance policies, normally hidden in the lease. I literally was offered a lease once with 4 of these types of insurance policies bundled in it.

                  I dont use the standard finance for the lease. Most of the leasing companies are owned by finance companies and use the owners finance arm by default. Some of their default rates are laughable. Most leases will allow you to shop around for finance if you ask and there aer much better deals to be had. Most of the bundled insurance is a group insurance across the vehicle fleet. I once multiplied the offered monthly insurance premium by 12 and compared it to the online quotes i got of the internet. Internet quotes were literally 1/3 of the group scheme. I refused the group insurance and arranged my own insurance!!!

                  Most leases expect you to get the car serviced but they rarely specify where. i dont use dealerships, I go to independents, i just find independents that accept a Motorpass card or i claim the money back from the leasing company. Same with Tyres, windscreens etc. When i selel the car i claim all the advertising, roadworthy, maintenance etc out of the lease money. If I get the car washed or detailed i claim that from the lease.

                  Like so many things in life, the slick advertised 'leave it to the experts' advertising for leasing is a red flag. if somebody is too lazy to find out how it works and wants to 'leave it to the experts' they are asking to be robbed. Understand how it works and make it work for you and depending on some key things like your taxable income and the car you buy (depreciation rate) you can do very well.

                  Leasing can work BUT most people dont understand how it works. As we've seen with the banking royal commission many people rely upon an 'expert' from the organisation that stands to benefit for their advice. If you are using leasing to buy something you cant otherwise afford and if you need to trust an 'expert' from the leasing company to show you how it works then you are fertile ground for being ripped off. I once had directors of a leasing company ringing me to challenge me over my refusal to use their default finance, literally contracts at 20 paces stuff. In the end I won (because it was all written in the contract in fine print that nobody ever looked at), in fact they even said that to me and i laughed because I wondered how many suckers fell for their hollow insurance policies in the fine print that they were happy to keep but got real upset when i pointed out to them that I was entitled to source my own finance.

                  • Bid Sniper on 08/03/2019 - 14:35
                    +1

                    @2ndeffort: Thanks for the detailed reply!

                    I saw a lot of those pitfalls when I considered it, since it was all bundled together in a nice package, I did sums on the actual car and saw it as a total rip off. But its fascinating the intricacies off all this which I never looked further in. Guess need a economics degree to make it work, from what they offered, to me was a rip off on a mediocre car.

                    From my POV, I buy cars through auctions and own outright. For example, my current car, 2017 WRX STI premium, 6000km bought it for $40K last year, sold my old WRX for $14K (2003 model bought in 2004 for $29k), so ended up with a the new STI for $25K, RRP was $63K, car valued at mid $50ks now. Deprecation on these model cars probably one of the best, well my last one 50% in 15 years. I did all my own serving past the warranty on my old car. So no repayments, interest, balloon payments or any other admin fees, forced dealer servicing or rubbish like that.

                    I admit then and now, I still don’t fully understand it all, so I avoid it. I’m waiting to see the American subprime car loan market implode.

                    PS I wash my own car, ceramic coating; blast with hose, then leaf blower, done.

                    • 2ndeffort on 08/03/2019 - 15:14

                      @Bid Sniper: Before I buy a car I normally use this website http://www.howmuchwillmycardepreciate.glassguide.com.au/Defa… to research different car models and predict the expected depreciation. WRXs normally do quite well and I've had a couple as a result. I have bought cars that I wasnt 'in love' with because they had good depreciation and the numbers added up. I've never really had a bad car, I tend to lease for 3 years and then move them on.

                      The worst depreciation is in years 1-3 so if you can get a good one after 12-24 months then somebody else had already paid the worst of the depreciation. The other thing to remember is that the deperciation model is based on the RRP. I've never paid RRP for a car, even when I've bought brand new. As a true Ozbargainer, if I cant get a killer deal that no other dealer will match then I wont buy the car. I never get emotional about a car to the point that I would pay overs. If i save $7K off the starting price then I am already part way into the depreciation (normally).

                      Also I pay tax in the highest bracket if I take all my money as income. Concessional FBT rates and paying out of pre-tax money makes a big difference for me compared to somebody on a low tax bracket.

        • Bid Sniper on 07/03/2019 - 12:39
          -1

          Most are, same with Tesla 85% leased.

          That why they depreciated like a rock, most you'll see dumped at auctions when they reach 40,000km at less than half price.

          • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2019 - 12:47
            +1

            @Bid Sniper: Umm Tesla’s are way ahead of the average depreciation curve, they have strong resale. I’ve got no idea where you also get the 85% leased figure from. For a start Tesla don’t even offer leases in the USA on their biggest selling model, the Model 3.

            In Australia most Tesla’s are owned by wealthy people because of the $150k entry level price (dropped to $130k last week), and many are owned outright.

            • Bid Sniper on 07/03/2019 - 13:51

              @[Deactivated]: My bad, 80% of EVs excluding Tesla
              https://insideevs.com/nearly-80-of-electric-cars-minus-tesla…

              Depends which model, seems to the top of line models cop the worse. I test drove a P85+ in 2015 RRP $180K, 3 years later being sold mid $90k mark. Now $80K off P100D. 90 models people avoid due to bad batteries, pre 2017 have AP1 HW, so depreciate more. Since its evolving so much at this stage depreciation is bad depending on innovation and build number.

              Funny enough see a lot of Benz owners trading in for Teslas at the dealership.

              • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2019 - 19:04

                @Bid Sniper: All of what you have said is true, but you’ve selected a much of niche variants that have suffered from worse than brand depreciation for a variety of reasons. That being said the brand in itself is extremely valuable and even AP1 cars have strong resale. Any AP2+ cars are tracking well ahead of the equivalent Mercedes in resale. With the exception of the P100D likely because of the drastic price cut.

                • Bid Sniper on 08/03/2019 - 13:19

                  @[Deactivated]: Compare to Benz, yeah absolutely better resale.

                  I love Teslas, I want one but to me its at Iphone 2 stage, there is still massive amounts of innovations still to come which affects resale on current models. Model Y unveil on the 14th of this month for example.

  • crentist on 07/03/2019 - 13:28

    Cars are an expensive tool. If you aren’t swimming in money, the idea of priming up a tool that will be by far your largest purchase other than shelter seems like a massive scam I can’t believe so many people fall for.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love cars and driving and appreciate a nice vehicle, whether it’s something sporty or luxury. But at the same time, it doesn’t really matter. You can get a very good car for half the price of a luxury car. And with those savings you could luxury the crap out of so many other purchases.

    You could be the dude with a golden Hermes baseball cap, LV monogrammed jeans, and that ridiculous $3k folding Samsung phone, and you’d still have spent less. And all you’d have to do is downgrade from an overpriced VW (Audi) to an underpriced Audi (VW)

    • Skramit on 07/03/2019 - 15:50

      But at the same time, it doesn’t really matter.

      Some people (like me) actually enjoy driving. So spending money on a nicer car is an easy decision. Having said that my car is worth about $15k. But I can totally understand people spending more on a car purely for the driving pleasure.

      You can get a very good car for half the price of a luxury car.

      That's missing the point of a luxury car entirely.

      • crentist on 07/03/2019 - 17:25

        No I enjoy driving very much. I'm renting a Porsche soon because I'm going on a trip with some good twisty roads around in a place where rentals are fairly cheap. After that I'll probably get a few other nice cars to try, because I've been living in Tokyo and been missing having a car to just cruise around in. I'm especially interested to see how the Porsche drives after owning an mx-5 for a few years, which was impractical and super fun.

        But to clarify, the next time I'm car shopping, if for some reason I end up with something less sporty than a Porsche, or less comfortable than an S-class, it doesn't really matter because there are so many good options around for almost any budget that I won't suffer.
        eg You would have had to choose really badly for your $15k car not to be decently enjoyable and suited to your tastes, even if you have your eyes on a $50k car in future.

        That's missing the point of a luxury car entirely.

        What I meant about a good car vs luxury car isn't that you don't get more nice stuff for your money, but that it seems to be one of the first things people expect luxury from. And that it's a bit weird simply due to the expense of ANY car. A $30k car isn't luxury at all, but it's still a decent chunk of money. To luxe that number up just a little bit you have to spend more than the average annual salary.
        And so you end up with people in regular jobs, regular apartments, financially crippling themselves for this one luxury thing in their lives. When they could have lowered expectations for the car, and raised the luxury of everything else in their lives.

        If people are rich and can afford it all comfortably it's different, I would absolutely buy an awesome car if I had the money to spare.

  • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 07/03/2019 - 14:22
    +1

    I don't really know why people fork out so much for luxury SUVs…sure, they're high end, but they don't look particularly impressive.

    • DiscoJango on 07/03/2019 - 16:37

      The current model audi q7. Yuck!

    • smartazz104 on 07/03/2019 - 19:15
      +2

      Most people don't have good taste when it comes to cars, hence why SUVs sell so well. And if you can't afford a great big luxury SUV, you can buy many of the lower priced softroaders instead for that coveted "high riding position".

      • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 07/03/2019 - 20:31
        +1

        They don't look much different from their cheaper coutnerparts…just have a badge indicating they cost 3 times as much.

    • p1 ama on 07/03/2019 - 22:52
      +1

      Same reason why people fork out so much for designer goods that just look obnoxious and lack any taste to anyone not looking at the brand. Sometimes I feel that people are obnoxious on purpose to get attention for their expensive goods.

      • King Tightarse on 07/03/2019 - 23:01
        +1

        You got it right 100% - Pure wankery.
        People are posers

  • digitalbargain on 07/03/2019 - 19:21
    +4

    Post makes for an interesting insight in to the types of people on ozbargain.. I'm generalising myself, but this is not one of the types of people I expected.. (which highlights why of course I shouldn't generalise.. )

    My comment also serves no purpose but itself..

  • Doey21 on 07/03/2019 - 19:48

    Out of curiousity, what is this eye condition that you have where you cannot tolerate dark colours?

    Also…I don't think ive ever seen a car where there wasn't contrasting black on the doors or on the centre console…I guess maybe if you bought a car that had a wooden trim, but then you're entering another class of cars of which i suspect the price range would be far higher than a GLA…

  • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2019 - 21:21
    +4

    Let's Talk Aesthetics of Luxury Vehicles

    Actually, let's not.
    zzzzzzzzzz….

  • djmm on 08/03/2019 - 08:24
    -1

    Why post so much just goddamn buy the car

    • EnALup on 08/03/2019 - 09:43
      +2

      Its not a $10 item and it make sense to do research and ask suggestions. Not sure though if OP is trying to ask something or just sharing their thoughts.

  • bighead on 08/03/2019 - 10:50

    Volvo XC40 has optional bright orange interior.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2019 - 14:19

      Just checked, and wow!
      Will have a closer look later.
      Not sure what hubby thinks :-)

  • georgev on 08/03/2019 - 12:32

    I own nx300h. No issues at all. Perfect car

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 10/03/2019 - 22:41

      Yes. We have a Presara and really can’t complain. It’s ahead of its time!

  • OpayuOnam on 08/03/2019 - 14:00

    I know you've said you want to downsize but have you considered the RX range? They are more of a luxury range and come in lighter interior options. You will have to wait for the lighter colour option to be built though as dealers don't carry them and tend to not want to sell them for some bizarre reason. My personal favorite is the brown interior which mixes up 2 shades of brown, it looks very nice.
    Also you are right on point with most of your comments, I UTTERLY despise the hanging tablet (you have to thank European car manufacturers for starting that trend!). Not only it looks like an after thought but it is very hard to use under harsh sun!

    Have you considered going 1 generation older? you could save a bit of money and the looks will be less polarising eg. 2014 RX450h in sports luxury…

    Another thing to consider when getting a "luxury" car is to remember it is not all about bells and whistles, a very big factor in the luxury experience is (at least for me) the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness). Most of these tiny engine big cars will simply do not have enough power to provide a luxurious and relaxed drive, imagine having to take over at 100kmh with a 2.0L turbo, you will end up having to rev the engine really hard! Just some food for thought… Try test driving an early model S class or LS to get an idea of what I mean by quiet and comfortable drive.

    Another option to consider is Infinity QX30/50 (the luxury brand of nissan, sort of like lexus to toyota).

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 10/03/2019 - 22:39
      +1

      Thank you so much! Everything you said makes complete sense and it further enhance my thoughts.
      Yes did looked at RX, first it’s a tad too big, and second, I really can’t stand the split-color!
      So,yeah, secondhand suddenly become an option!
      Oh the joy of shopping! Not!

      • OpayuOnam on 10/03/2019 - 22:56
        +1

        Unfortunately in today's market you cannot win everything (for many consumer items, not just cars)…
        Going older to get more is unfortunately becoming a thing and I feel like an old dog, just going through updating my 2016 flagship phone LG V20 to a 2017 one Huawei mate 10 lol, and both were compromises.

        Good luck with your car shopping

        • Pumpkin_rrr on 13/03/2019 - 14:21
          +1

          Thanks for the well wishes, I really need that now.
          Indeed, looking at all the options so far, and we are not even half-way through yet, I wonder why dont we just get a 2-year old and pay much less, and happier?
          I have been hibernating for a while and woke-up shocked.

          I heard the flipphone is coming back. Keep an eye out!

          • OpayuOnam on 14/03/2019 - 10:52

            @Pumpkin_rrr: Given you are cross shopping across brands and different vehicle styles, one advice I can give you is to take your time when making the decision, more often than not many people fall into the trap of "let's-just-buy-something-and-get-it-over-and-done-with" I have seen to many victims of this!
            So how do you go about taking your time?
            Eventually there comes a point where you have this feeling:
            —— Ah, this is the vehicle I want to buy! I know this is it, it is the right balance of pros/cons.
            And that's a great first step. So what do you do next?
            —— Is it new?
            Go to 2/3 DIFFERENT dealers and test drive the same vehicle, often you are unable to objectively look at the car when under pressure from dealer, being unfamiliar with this different vehicle controls etc…
            Once you try two of them then you start getting a feel of THAT particular make and model of the vehicle, worth noting that you should also make sure the new vehicle you are testing is the same as what you will end up buying, specially with euro models where BMW x3!=BMW x3, I have seen dodgy dealers show customers top of the range car then proceed to sell them base model it is not nice!

            —- Is it second hand?
            Make sure to test drive at least 3 different vehicles of the same model and range (eg. RX last gen will be 2009-2013/4, bar minor tech features like bluetooth streaming, the drive train and other stuff are consistent. Also make sure it is the same mode, eg,. don't compare RX350 vs RX450h… and lastly make sure they are of similar features, Sports Luxury, or Luxury/Prestige with EPV1/2). Do this even if you hated the first test drive. WHY? because specially in second hand you could have and example that hasn't been looked after.
            This is particularly important for second hand cars because you will start to understand how the car should drive and feel then you can immediately tell the good from bad…

            —- So what's next?
            NEW? start making offers and negotiate your way
            Second hand?
            - Did any of the first 3 catch your eye?
            — yes, make offer.
            — no, seat on the fence and create car alerts on carsales,carguide,gumtree once you get a newly listed car be quick to go and test drive; with new knowledge and feel you have acquired about that make/model of the vehicle you will be able to make the decision immediately and buy what you want.

            Will this consume a big sum of time? YES, but then a car purchase is a big enough decision (you are spending a big chunk of money. you will spend a lot of time in the car) so it is worth spending the initial time and getting the long term satisfaction (you don't marry the first person you date, on the first date!)

  • MementoMori on 08/03/2019 - 14:18
    +1

    I find the Infiniti's amazing build quality, luxury and value

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 10/03/2019 - 22:35

      A friend in Seattle drove us around in an Infiniti late last year. Probably too big for me but will run this pass the Boss. Thanks for Sharing.

  • Pratty on 08/03/2019 - 16:11

    I think you need to do some more car research. Many things you’ve mentioned are incorrect.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 10/03/2019 - 22:33

      Which one is incorrect?

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2019 - 17:23
    +1

    Could sell you my 1999 Subaru - special price only $78,989 for you.

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