My wife and I moved into a new neighborhood a little over a year ago. Our home was the first in the new phase, and for several months we were the only people living on our street. On one of our evening walks we met one of our neighbors whose house backed up to ours and we got talking cars. My neighbor had a 2007 Corvette Z06 parked in the garage, and this immediately formed a bond based on both of our love of cars. I got a chance to get hands on with his Z06, and he was able to check out the 911 Carrera S I was driving at the time.
A couple of months transpired and the Z06 was traded in for a new Cadillac Escalade. My neighbor explained to me that the Escalade simply made more sense for his growing family, and that he felt "selfish" for having the Z06 that only his wife could ride in.
Fast forward to this weekend, the Escalade is gone replaced with a brand new Silver Lexus IS-f. I stopped by the house to check out the new ride, and was impressed with the quality of the materials used in the interior, and the exhaust note is a fierce rumble from the V8.
What struck me as funny was the logic used to spur the trade of the Escalade for the IS-f. As reported by 001 earlier this week, SUV values are dropping like rocks as buyers turn from big heavy SUV's that guzzle gas to more efficient offerings. My neighbor stated he traded the Escalade to avoid losing even more value on it, he admits to losing big time on the trade. He also argued the gas mileage of the Escalade over that of the Lexus.
I had to chuckle as the Lexus is rated as 16 MPG for the city over the Cadillac’s 12 MPG (the stated EPA estimates are for city driving only). Yes, the Lexus has a 33% increase in EPA rated gas mileage over the Cadillac, but if the price of gas and efficiency is the stated reason for trading the Escalade, wouldn't the Lexus GS450h with an EPA rated 22 MPG be a much better choice at a similar price.
Automotive Justification. I would venture a guess and say that the trade of the Escalade for the IS-f was based more on want than need. The reason given for the trade, and incidentally the reason my neighbor gave his wife for buying the IS-f was based on the efficiency of the Lexus. I would argue he failed to mention that he just simply wanted it.
This makes me think of myself. When making the decision to trade the 911 and 330i for the M3, I used the power Automotive Justification to make the argument to my wife. Of course she bought the argument because we as men have learned the art of Automotive Justification.
I always find these stories funny; another friend of mine wanted an SL550. He gave the car to his wife for her birthday. What makes this tale funny is his wife doesn't drive anymore. Now granted she enjoys riding in the new Mercedes, but I can tell you my friend is certainly the winner here. Again, Automotive Justification at work.
What cars have you been able to "sell" to your significant other by using the power of Automotive Justification???