Agent001
Agent001
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Tags: BMW, Lexus, Mercedes

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Do Hard Core Brand Loyalist's EVER Switch?
We read about it all the time here at AutoSpies.com.

People fighting for their favorite brands and trying to justify/explain why their choice is smarter than the others.

And a lot of times their arguments are quite strong.

So strong you say to yourself this person could NEVER leave that brand for a competitor.

So the question I want answered is...

Is it possible to convert a hard core brand enthusiast over to the other side?

Are you or do you know of people who have say owned BMW's forever all of a sudden pull up in their driveway in say a Lexus?

Or does a Lexus lifer ever replace their baby with a Benz?

A Porsche die-hard buying a Vette?

You see where I'm going here...

I'm sure it happens on occasion but we would love to hear from people who have actually done the big switch or know of friends that they thought could never change, blow their minds and jump to the other side.

And if it is possible, what does a car company have to do to get that brand loyalist over to their side?

Can't wait to read the stories...And what vehicles were switched for what...
Do Hard Core Brand Loyalist's EVER Switch?



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t_bonet_bone - 5/23/2008 1:13:35 AM
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Enough with the badge/brand posts already...

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EnnNorakEnnNorak - 5/23/2008 9:37:29 AM
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This is not about brand/badge bullshit. It's about what pissed off customer do when the automaker does not deliver on the promise of the brand. The most burning question is: do disappointed customers ever come back?

I'm, still punishing Ford for building rust buckets 20 years ago that were so bad you could hear them rust on a really quiet night. You have to also punish dealers who try to charge you for equipment that is standard on the model you are buying, dealers who charge you unconventional fees and stuff normally covered by the overhead of running a business. dealers who try to rip you off for several hundred dollars for filling your tires with $5 worth of nitrogen etc. etc. One more recent dirty trick played on consumers these days by automakers is to make a front power seat available only on the driver's side, or to provide the front passenger with less versatility in adjustments.


91z4me91z4me - 5/23/2008 11:40:39 AM
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EnnNorak,

Why "punish" a brand for something that happened 20, almost 30, years ago? Seriously none of the designs are remotely the same. Most of the engineering and platforms are completely different (panther cars excluded). If it is dealer problems shouldn't that relate to the specific dealer vs the manufacturer of the vehicle?

And blaming Ford now for rust problems of the 80s is a little bit of a weak argument as many cars of the 80s rusted quite easily (and the 70s era Japanese models were pretty prone to rust).

Wouldn't it be more prudent to move on and actually judge the current vehicles based upon their merits instead of "punishing" a company for what people decades ago did?


wooodwoood - 5/23/2008 1:15:27 AM
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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.

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lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/23/2008 1:37:07 AM
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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.

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Agent001Agent001 - 5/23/2008 1:48:26 AMView My AgentSpace
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What's the key reason for the change?

001


Homer007Homer007 - 5/23/2008 2:28:49 AM
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I'm looking into a good ole 90's Audi to my addition but with a recession and Gas price jump..I might just stick w/my yugo.


Homer007Homer007 - 5/23/2008 2:35:47 AM
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Damn I love Audi Quattro and Weinnershnitzel!!! mmmmmmm


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 5/26/2008 8:14:00 AMView My AgentSpace
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See Lexusis350 is a real enthusiast. despite his name he is open minded. I am a BMW man, but there are alot of oter offerings that look just as attractive if no more so in some cases.


truckmentruckmen - 5/23/2008 4:50:47 AM
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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!

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ninenine - 5/23/2008 4:56:16 AMView My AgentSpace
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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.

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993Turbo993Turbo - 5/23/2008 6:51:32 AM
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I think they will if they have a really bad experience or have enough disposable income to experience multiple brands and dump others.

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adamsaf723adamsaf723 - 5/23/2008 8:38:59 AM
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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!

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09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 5/23/2008 9:41:39 AM
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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...

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WayneDashWayneDash - 5/23/2008 10:04:28 AM
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I was all about BMW for years, then I drove the Lexus . . . . SOLD!!!

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/23/2008 10:40:40 AMView My AgentSpace
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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.

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KZ258KZ258 - 5/23/2008 12:03:59 PM
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dont you mean your wife's next car, S4? lol


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/26/2008 3:34:59 PMView My AgentSpace
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?


0to600to60 - 5/23/2008 10:53:18 AM
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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.

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hatepussshatepusss - 5/23/2008 11:38:08 AM
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Yes, they do but rarely.

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auto001auto001 - 5/23/2008 11:54:53 AM
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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 :)

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amazinBimmeramazinBimmer - 5/23/2008 12:07:17 PM
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hard core bmw.. only because my 1985 audi 5000s was the biggest piece of shit EVER. i jumped ship then (20 years ago) and will never buy a VW again. BMWs are so much nicer!

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AlexTxAlexTx - 5/23/2008 1:02:54 PM
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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.



NeverfollowNeverfollow - 5/23/2008 12:56:15 PM
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You can never get someone back who has crossed over to the "Dark Side".

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auto001auto001 - 5/23/2008 1:06:12 PM
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no, last time I checked Anakin came back.

"... you were right, tell your sister you were right about me..." Anakin (Return of the Jedi)

It's true you may have sold you're soul to the devil.. I mean BMW :) , according to Luke, "there is still good in you..." :)


DenaliDenali - 5/23/2008 1:26:46 PM
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i dont like a couple of automakers, but for the right price, i'll own 1,

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lostsoullostsoul - 5/23/2008 3:44:59 PM
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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.

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auto001auto001 - 5/23/2008 4:46:06 PM
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Problems usually start after the warranty ends. You won't like those $120-200 oil changes either :)


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 5/23/2008 6:35:56 PMView My AgentSpace
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auto001? huh? In 1996 I had a Nissan altimaand my 30k mile service was $468. At that time BMW didnt have free scheduled maintenance. In 1998, traded the altima in and got my first BMW, 1998 BMW 328i. I am on my 6th one and love the cars. Since that time I have owned a Lexus and an Infiniti. I will never have another car aside from a BMW.

Lost soul - Is your Harley a 2007 or an older model? I had a 2007 in August of 2006 when they debuted at Sturgis with the new 95 cu in motor and the 200 mm rear tire. I have since got rid of the bike. Nice ride, just a little too vanilla for me. Next one will be the 2009 Ironhorse Texas Chopper ...


lostsoullostsoul - 5/24/2008 12:12:21 PM
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I dont mind paying that for an oil change.. If you own a premium car I expect to pay a premium price for some things.. Besides that price is not terrible when you consider that it takes synthetic oil.

My FatBoy is a 2003 Anniversary edition. My Ninja is a 2008 ZX-10R.. My girlfriend thinks I have a death wish.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 5/26/2008 8:20:58 AMView My AgentSpace
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To be honest I tried a BMW motorcycle based on alot of DIE hard harley davidson guys telling me that it was the best bike they rode and it lasted forever, but they were harley loyalist, and they wouldn't ride anything else whether it wa better or not. I rode one and I have to say it has to be the best riding bike I have ever ridden. And Die hard Herley davidson guys recommended me try the BMW.


4wheelsnme4wheelsnme - 5/23/2008 7:56:11 PM
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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.

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mercuryguymercuryguy - 5/24/2008 2:57:16 AM
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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.

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ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/24/2008 6:50:52 AM
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the infiniti v6 may well have more power than the ohv ford v8.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 5/24/2008 7:45:14 PM
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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.

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85bmw745i85bmw745i - 5/26/2008 8:25:50 AMView My AgentSpace
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The inline 6's from BMW offer great torque and un,atched smothness, but the BMW's I have seen lately aren't quite the stylist they were in the 80's and 90'. Nevertheless, I apprecate the engineering. BMWE inline 6 engines have to be the smoothest reving engines, and I hav enever driven any other 6 cylinder that is as smooth s the redline as BMW, plus the engine has 7 main bearings on the crank, compared to 5 on a v8 or 4 on a v6, which means less stress per bearing an much less stress on the bottom end. why do you think all of the 18 wheelers use inline 6 engines. the bottom end is stronger than that of any V engine.


xlr8xlr8 - 5/25/2008 11:57:32 AM
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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?

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adamm3kadamm3k - 5/26/2008 3:13:04 PM
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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.

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SteveSteve - 5/29/2008 5:32:10 PM
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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 :-(

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