Do Hard Core Brand Loyalist's EVER Switch?

Enough with the badge/brand posts already...

— t_bone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 1:13:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Lexus owners "might" switch to a benz and would probably switch back to lexus again after a few (only a few if he's lucky) headaches with the benz. But Benz owners who are used to the cost and headaches would probably buy another benz.

— woood (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 1:15:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I think brand loyalists can change. I'm actually thinking about a 1-Series or 3-Series to replace my IS in about a year. I'll definitely keep going to Lexus for at least one of my vehicles, as for the other one...like I said, I like BMWs.

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 1:37:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I used to love Toyota trucks, but now for half ton I would hold out for the 2009 F-150 Rapture over the Tundra with absolutely no regrets!

— truckmen (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 4:50:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

unfortunately, yes.

I used to absolutely think the only good brand was BMW. But oh my god am I into Mercedes-Benz. I'm slowly switching over. 49% Mercedes 50% BMW 1% Lexus.

— nine (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 4:56:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I think they will if they have a really bad experience or have enough disposable income to experience multiple brands and dump others.

— 993Turbo (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 6:51:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

People sometimes need a little change of scenery. There is always going to be something one car manufacturer offers that another won't.

My brother and I both work for Lexus, but he drives a G37S because they don't have an IS350 in a coupe or a manual yet, and BMWs are too expensive.

He still tells his clients he drive an IS though lol.

Not to say, he won't get a GS350 or something else in the future, but he loves his car now.

We get people in all the time, that are just looking for change. They'll take the hit on the BMW or Mercedes to get a Lexus for a few years. On the flipside, we have people that like driving Lexus cars, but will get a GL550 because LX570s are in such short supply.

Depends on the buyer. Depends on how fickle they are. Depends on what's offered.

The answer to the question is YES!

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 8:38:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

If they are able to objectively open their eyes and realize that there can be better cars out there, then yes.

But most of the time I doubt a "hard-core" fan would be able to do that...

— 09CTSVforMe (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 9:41:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I was all about BMW for years, then I drove the Lexus . . . . SOLD!!!

— WayneDash (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 10:04:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

My next car will probably be a BMW, but IMO that doesn't mean I am "jumping ship." If I end up absolutely loving it and never wanting an Audi again, then yes, but what I think will happen is that I'll switch between the two in the future. I also just like to keep my options open--whatever strikes my fancy.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 10:40:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I get bored to easily and quickly to stick to one brand. I like a variety. Like to try new things out. I loved the current Lexus SC when it first came out and was a huge fan of Lexus. Now I throw up in my mouth a little everytime I see the thing. Still like the LS. Now I love Infiniti and BMW. Audi is also gaining some love from me. Never have been a fan of MB or Porsche. Dont know why, just havent. Jag is also gaining with the new XF. For me its about variety. I like to test the waters and see what everyone has to offer before I decide on a CAR, not a brand.

— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 10:53:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Yes, they do but rarely.

— hatepusss (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 11:38:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I guess for the BMW owner switching won't be as simple that... it will have to be a "lifestyle" change, or even a "paradigm" change. Apparently, according to BMW marketing, they sell you a "lifestyle" not just a piece of machinery :)

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 11:54:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Well that explains your mentality..
You still live in the 80's...
Hard Core Audi for myself but unlike some people who bash anything otherthan their brand, I also like BMW, Porsche, Renault and other brands.

— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 1:02:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

You can never get someone back who has crossed over to the "Dark Side".

— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 12:56:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i dont like a couple of automakers, but for the right price, i'll own 1,

— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 1:26:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Through my adult years I have owned a Civic which I traded in on an Accord, which I traded in on a Camry. I then bought a Tacoma as a second vehicle. Now that I am in my 30's and make more money I decided to buy a premium sport coupe/car. I drove the G35, the door rattled and when I asked the salesperson about it he said they would fix that if I bought it, I thought well hell its a brand new car why is it rattling in the first place.... Next... I drove the Vete, great car but only 2 seats.. I drove the 350Z, to small and only 2 seats. I drove the Lexus IS350, great car, very fast, kinda dull, and very small feeling inside.. I was on my way home thinking I might try out the MB, the Audi or the Acura when I drove past the BMW dealership. I never wanted a BMW because of the stereotypes that are associated with BMW but I decided what the hell. Before I left the dealership I gave the BMW sales man all the Business cards I had collected during the day and told him I wanted a BMW.. I ordered my 335 the next day.. Its the best car I have ever owned and never had a problem with it.

So yes we can change I was a loyal Japanese car customer now I will always own a BMW.. It has changed me in several ways.. I also owned a Harley FatBoy and a Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser.. I traded in the Vulcan on a Ninja last weekend.. I am getting to old to drive boring vehicles.

— lostsoul (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 3:44:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

As a BMW die hard fan I can say that one can change until one finds the brand that better suits his/her needs.In my case I grew up loving Mercedes Benz ( I fell in love with an SL 560 miniature when I was a kid).When my older sister bought a 1987 325 m/t I simply LOVED IT and since then I drive BMWs ( have owned three so far) I also admire and respect other brands like AUDI MB Infiniti Acura Lexus Jaguar to mention a few, but when it comes to Owning a car I just can´t think of another brand.

— 4wheelsnme (View Profile)

Posted on 5/23/2008 7:56:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

From Panther platform Fords to looking at the Infinity crossover, For 2 reasons only: V8 and Rear wheel 2WD. Although both can't be had together as the V8 is only AWD.

— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/24/2008 2:57:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

ageed, but the v8 is smother, quieter. every v6 I haver ever driven has been a comprimise to a v8 is vibration, sound level, performance, and durability.

The v6 could have more Horsepower than the v8, but I would dobt if it has mmore torque, wich is another spec to consider.

I do wish Infinity would make a v8 RWD, 2wd.

— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/24/2008 7:45:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ive personally switched from nissan to mazda to honda/acura to bmw...and now thinking about audi. I dont care about being a brand whore. I enjoy all cars and will buy what appeals to me. Why limit yourself to one company or one type of car?

— xlr8 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/25/2008 11:57:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I have owned a BMW ever since I could afford to buy my own vehicles. However, the Audi S5 is calling my name just by its shear appeal and beauty. Don't get me wrong the 335i coupe is still the better vehicle in terms of driving dynamics..but I have no plans to track my car.

— adamm3k (View Profile)

Posted on 5/26/2008 3:13:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I have 3 pre-Bangle BMWs in my garage, dating back to 1997. I love 'em all. They're all reliable, durable, good to look at, and a joy to drive.

Today, if I had to choose a new car, it would be the Audi A4 3.2 cab. I just don't like BMW's styling direction. Their defects issues are also well known (nor horrible, just notably worse than 10 years ago).

My option does not mean that BMW has gone south. It just means that I now like something else, a lot more.

So yeah, a rabid evangelist can become an ex-evangelist :-(

— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 5/29/2008 5:32:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1