Which car is the most prestigious

[nicolodeon]

Cool down boys. Like what Theveed says, all our opinions are just that, opinions since we are not experts. Keep in mind that even experts view what they say as that, just opinions. No right, no wrong. Opinions are based on personal belief, bias and knowledge in the matter at hand.

'Wag masyadong seryso, 'wag masyadong mapusok. Tatanda kayo agad at magkakasakit sa puso.

[squala]

I still can't find logic in buying a certain car just because its rivals are more common on the road. Take for instance the Altis and Exalta. Obviously, there are much more Toyotas, but still, no prize for guessing the better car overall.

As for the 3-Series opposed to the X-Type, one of the reasons why there are more BMWs is that there are more model choices, and cheaper. The brand is also better known to us than Jaguar. Perhaps the buyers also considered casa locations. Just because there are less X-Types around doesn't mean they're better cars. It's not the case at all.

Going to the 1000hp Civic, only the Civic-faithful would want that. A thinking enthusiast would go for an Evo, WRX, Supram Skyline and the like, the chassis of which are tuned to handle nearly that much power unlike the economy Honda car, while one to whom money is no object will get a European supercar without question.

[Usting]

pare-pareho lang sila, it's up to someones personal taste. wala itong katapusan, para kayong nagtalo ng subject na "saan nanggaling ang itlog".

[OTO]

squala read these instead and let us get on with the poll.

BMW buyers are... http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_wanna_buy_bmwbrand/

General topics on brand equity
http://www.dssresearch.com/toolkit/r...apers/SR02.asp
http://www.s-m-a-r-t.com/Exp_brandequity.htm
http://www.dobney.com/Research/Brand...y_research.htm

Each Class in Mercedes-Benz stands for... http://www.igorinternational.com/pro...and-equity.php

[speedy]

Oto I think you see my point. MB is a marque brand and should stick to doing what they do best and brand does matter. With reference to "old", I meant customers of "old",like the ones on the "mercedes and me" ad campaign. From a customers stand point, yes the quality of work has improved. I have yet to have any major issues with my car. I did have a recall, but that was to check the ECU of the on board computer to make sure it knows how to redirect the power to maintain the ABS system, easy fix. I did buy a MB for its heritage but also for its value and performance, I don't think theres a better GT in its class. Would I buy a tempermental, high maintenance, gas guzzling car with prestige (ferrari), of course! Would I buy an eco friendly car, like the Smart cars, that has a company like MB behind it, of course not. Prestige has something to do with it but not all. Personal preference! Great country ain't it!

[OTO]

Writeups on the image the 3 Series projects

http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-te...-01-image.html
http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-te...05--image.html

Mercedes-Benz during my grandparents time would never have to experience a recall. It is alarming that one was even issued. That is how Benz could survive this long because of the brand equity it has earned through the decades.

I'd buy a Smart. I've test driven one around Manila and it is a pretty chicky car. People might think I'm crazy and a lot of people I've talked too said I'd be better off with an AUV but I dont want one. I like the Smart because it's a coupe, really easy to park, easily customizeable, has great and very unique auto design and not a lot of people know about it. It's a pint sized head turner. Has very great fuel economy. In essense a great city car.

Those who question its safety should check out the NCAP rating it got and the crash test done by Fifth Gear. MB made it safe by way of very clever design. Remember that MB created a lot of safety technologies found in most of your cars today. They even featured a BMW in their ad to highlight the fact that even their direct rivals use their know-how to improve their cars. I felt odd that the nose of the car was so short and I could actually have a close look at the rear bumper of the car ahead of me but you get used to it.

I'd guess it is easy to carnap too as half a dozen men could lift it up and place it on a truck.

[Dinxx]

If you compare the brand, mahirap pumili jan, dahil lahat yan prestigious in its own identity. Iba iba talaga opinion ng mga tao. depende from what generation you are from.

Pero I think pinag tapat na yang mga cars na yan. yung 2004 models nila.
they compared the power, handling, design, etc..
I think the X-type came out the winner.

[Hero33]

I've driven and ridden in all the cars above. I sure as hell cannot afford any of them even if they were third hand and totalled, but in my opinion...

The Audi has the most luxurious interior with better quality materials inside. Followed by the Lexus and then the BMW. The Benz felt cheap, some plastics were hard compared to the BMW which has softer plastics and, well they did not look like my Honda. The Jaguar seemed to have the most plastic feeling interior. It seemed very... "fake" even if it was real.

The Volkwagen was nice inside, something like the BMW. This could all be because of the trims, all different, all local but highest trim available for each, but you know naman our dealers, the highest trim can still be low relative to our US counterparts.

Among all the cars, my friend with the C class seemed to have the most problems. Within the first Month of ownership he had returned the car to CATS thrice for electrical gremlins like warning ABS sensors, brakes etc.

The Jag's suspension broke after some spirited driving

The Volkswagen had some problems which I do not know of

The BMW, by chance I guess had no problems as well as the Lexus (ToyoDUH)

Not all people are as enthusiastic about cars as we are, so it is not suprising that many choose their vehicles on a purely emotional standpoint. What feels good? What is worth my hard earned money? Which do I believe makes me standout ABOVE the others?

I would choose the BMW or the Lexus cause I love spirited driving and reliability respectfully.

On the other hand someone might say that there are a lot of 3 series here and I don't want to be a "commoner" if you could call owning a minimum 2million peso car being a "commoner".

hehe Hope it was worth a read :D

[speedy]

Hero you raised good points and it does help actually driving or experiencing these cars for yourself. My sister in law drove, yes "drove" (sold it back!), a C class and she has had quality issues from day 1. Door sills falling, door panels falling, really obvious quality issues! The C class was one of MB's attempt to expand its customer base. I am not saying that they are bad cars but "mass production" may not be MB's fort'e. As for the recalls, cars back then were luxurious and high tech when they offered power steering and fuel injection. You could literally bring your old MB to any dealer and they did'nt have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the problem or flash a lap top to diagnose what the problem is. The cars back then were much simple machines compared to the high tech engine management systems we enjoy today. So I would assume that on the occation, gliches do happen. Lately, ever since the Firestone fiasco, car co. are more vigilant for overt mechanical and structural failures that could cause loss of life. If that were not the case, we would see lawyers driving around in the cars we pine after.. As complex as these cars are, one or two minor recall really is not so bad

[luckytruck]

buti na lang di ako bumili ng C class....... as if

andy

[OTO]

I dont see mass production as the problem. Cutting corners is. Very few companies have limited run cars. If they do say it is a limited run the figures were generated based on the number of people they think can actually afford it. It is amazing how the image of MB can withstand quality issues. If it was a fledgling brand they'd probably shutdown by now.

AFAIK and from what I've read in our local papers BMW Phil has half or a bit over half of the luxury market. While half or a bit over half of BMWs sold are the 3 Series. This gives the 3 a full quarter or more of all luxury cars being driven on the road to date. Having such a ubiquitous car can be a turn off for those who want a prestigious car.

[theveed]

One more big factor sa poll na to... how much money do you have....

If you're mega rich and this is just to add another daily driver for your stable, then iba ang usapan vs "your first high end car if youre in the phil." situation.

[BlueBimmer]

yeah for some people. even the 2M+ 3 series remains a dream cos of average income. so they resort to 2nd or even 3rd hand luxury cars.

[OTO]

Hence the poll. If anyone's curious on how Fifth Gear interpreted the ranking of each car grab a copy off http://www.finalgear.com/downloads/fifthgear/7/9/

The rankings and percentage of votes was very similar to those that was done in the UK. Only difference is the Jag got top marks while the C was second. Those who participated probably went with Mercedes-Benz as it has been a staple in the Philippines for so long and the Jag is a newcomer.

Most people I know who are getting their first entry level executive sedan go for the 3 Series because of the top marks they get in the car mags and it is a youthful brand. Yung mga iba nga they get the M-Sport package because it has "M". Ilang pogi points kaya kung naka 3 Series ka o naka 3 Series M-Sport?

[van_wilder]

BMW!!!!!!! and mercedes!!!!! its in the spirit wala sa numbers...

[airshaq20]

Hence the poll. If anyone's curious on how Fifth Gear interpreted the ranking of each car grab a copy off http://www.finalgear.com/downloads/fifthgear/7/9/

The rankings and percentage of votes was very similar to those that was done in the UK. Only difference is the Jag got top marks while the C was second. Those who participated probably went with Mercedes-Benz as it has been a staple in the Philippines for so long and the Jag is a newcomer.

Most people I know who are getting their first entry level executive sedan go for the 3 Series because of the top marks they get in the car mags and it is a youthful brand. Yung mga iba nga they get the M-Sport package because it has "M". Ilang pogi points kaya kung naka 3 Series ka o naka 3 Series M-Sport?

The Philippine M-version is NOT A REAL M. That trim only exist in the Philippines. M stands for motorsports and its the top-of-the-line for each series. FYI, the top of the line M3 is 333hp with a 3.2L V6 (BMW likes to call it 3.3L), and the upcoming M will have a 440-450hp engine.

Also, you cant compare the European market vs US market vs Philippine market. Filipinos buy these cars you listed as a status symbol. In the US, they are merely just entry level luxury sedans. Did you know that Honda sells about 350,000 Honda Accords in the US annually? And did you know that BMW sold more 3-series in the world than Acoord sales in the US?

About jags...if you look at consumer guide rating on this brand, they have the lowest quality of the luxury euro brands - i hope you're aware of that. Thats why they have such a bad resale value.

Here's some informative links for you:

2003 Jag X type, rated 3 out of 10

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...x.cfm/id/23253

2004 Jag X type, same rating as above

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n....cfm/id/37609/

Some interesting links:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...+jaguar+x+type

Check how Jags depreciate:

2002 X-type
http://cars.com/go/search/fs_search_...l&aff=national

2000 various models
http://cars.com/go/search/fs_search_...0&aff=national

Now, tell me, how do you measure prestige?

[paulopel]

Mercedes Benz

[airshaq20]

Here's some good reading:

http://www.modernracer.com/history/j...25history.html

2002-2004 Jaguar X-Type 2.5


Pros :
- Elegant looks.
- Confidence of all-wheel-drive.
- Broad torque band.
- Stylish interior.
- Tons of available options.

Cons :
- Sluggish acceleration, especially with an automatic tranny.
- Needs Sport package for acceptable handling.
- Some cheap interior materials from cost-cutting.
- Some call it a tarted-up Ford.
- A little on the heavy side.
[/quote]

Press Coverage :
The Jaguar debuted in 2002 to become Jaguar's first ever entry into the compact luxo-sport sedan market dominated by the BMW 3-Series. It is also the first ever all-wheel-drive mass-production Jaguar, built on a modified version of the European-market front-wheel-drive Ford Mondeo midsize sedan - a product of cost-cutting and parts-sharing between Ford's various divisions. It is regarded as the car that will save Jaguar from its financial woes by doubling the company's total worldwide sales.

Ford Mondeo were flops and are discontinued because of poor sales. Have you seen a Mondeo before?

The 194 hp V6 engine is a highly-modified version of the pedestrian Ford Taurus Duratec V6.....

If you have any relatives or friends from the States, ask them - how cool a Ford Taurus is.......

This car is definitely NOT EUROPEAN, in my opinion.

Car and Driver long term test of the X-type

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=7073

But soon there were niggling complaints, reminding us of a time not that long ago when Jaguars seemed always to be riddled with little aggravating problems. With less than 1000 miles on the odo, the driver's seat came slightly loose at the bolt-on points, rocking back and forth in maybe a half-inch arc as the car stopped and accelerated. Talk about annoying. Everyone complained about the abrupt clutch engagement and the rubbery feel of the gearshift. Driving the car smoothly became real work.

For that 37-grand base price, Jaguar picks up the service costs over the first 40,000 miles. At our first stop, the dealer did the routine service and ordered parts to fix the loose seat and the left-side mirror, the cover of which had fallen off a few hundred miles earlier.

It should be noted that the wobbly driver's seat and the missing mirror cover didn't damage the Jaguar's popularity as much as the fact that it took the dealer two months to acquire the replacement parts. While we waited, our X-type developed a couple more maladies. The warning light telling us to service the engine came on several times for no apparent reason, and the fuel-filler-door latch was somehow broken. The dealer made the seat and filler-door repairs under warranty but charged us $146 for fixing the mirror housing.

We had to make an unscheduled visit to the dealer at 38,810 miles when the driver-side headlight burned out. The rearview mirror had come loose and begun flopping about, and the driver-side headlight-washer-jet cover and the center caps on the rear wheels had fallen off.

At 41,120 miles, a few days before the last scheduled service, the X-type's sunroof refused to close fully. After a half-hour of pulling and prodding, we got it shut. The dealer discovered the electric motor was faulty and the panel had veered off its tracks. The motor was replaced and the tracks realigned. The PCV valve was also replaced, and the restraint control module was reprogrammed under a factory recall.

[OTO]

The Philippine M-version is NOT A REAL M. That trim only exist in the Philippines. M stands for motorsports and its the top-of-the-line for each series. FYI, the top of the line M3 is 333hp with a 3.2L V6 (BMW likes to call it 3.3L), and the upcoming M will have a 440-450hp engine.

Thanks for making my point.

Also, you cant compare the European market vs US market vs Philippine market. Filipinos buy these cars you listed as a status symbol. In the US, they are merely just entry level luxury sedans. Did you know that Honda sells about 350,000 Honda Accords in the US annually? And did you know that BMW sold more 3-series in the world than Acoord sales in the US?

Not all local buyers buy it for status symbol. A few do buy because the car magazine benchmarks. I'm unsurprised that the 3 Series have higher sales figures worldwide than in the US. The world after all contains more people.

About jags...if you look at consumer guide rating on this brand, they have the lowest quality of the luxury euro brands - i hope you're aware of that. Thats why they have such a bad resale value.

Again the poll is about Tsikot member's perception and not what publication X thinks about car Y.

Now, tell me, how do you measure prestige?

Essentially brand equity. I think I posted a few links on this thread a few pages back.

Guys guys dont take this poll to heart. If the brand you're rooting for isnt leading does it matter? Car makers create profiles for potential car buyers before they even bother laying down the specs for a car. Each brand has a "personality" which tries to complement/attract each car buyer's personality.

[speedy]

Good discussion, nuff said. And by the way, OTO, I think MB did win