Car advertising

[glatt]

Ever since I was a child, I have had a hard time understanding the idea of car ads.

It has always seemed to me that when you are spending thousands of dollars on a purchase, you are going to actually take stock of your needs, and make a decision based on sound financial principles. Research plays a heavy role in this process.

I still don't understand why people buy things like SUVs, when they so clearly don't need them. I have heard all sorts of theories and mumbo jumbo like "people identify with a car" or a "car is a statement about who an idividual is." That may be true, but it bothers me that Madison Avenue has such a hold on people.

When I bought a new car back in 1995, I looked for a car that fit my needs, was not very expensive, was reliable, and easy to maintain. I chose a Geo Prizm, because it was basically the same car as a Toyota Corolla. It was cheaper than the Toyota, and had the same expected reliability. I could have bought a cheaper car from Korea, but they didn't have the expected reliability. I got one with fold down rear seats. I can stick about a dozen 2x4 studs in there, passing them through the trunk. With a rooftop rack on it, I have carried sheets of plywood home.

There are times that it would be convenient to have a minivan, but only a handful of times a year. When I look at how much they cost, and divide that cost by the number of times I wish I had a minivan, it's cheaper to rent one for those times.

I'm curious, why did YOU, fellow Dwellarites, buy the car you did? Do you think the ads have a hold on you?