January 30: Little luxuries

Dreaming about a Honda or possibly a Toyota or maybe even casting your eyes on a Hyundai? Wishing you could look more like Trump and less like a chump? Not to say that those other cars are for losers, as one might say that looking like the pres would make one more loser-like, but that is a whole other conversation. This blog is talking about how you spend your coin and what you might be able to buy. Think in your wildest dreams you might be able to conjure up an Audi or a Mercedes or be still my heart, a BMW?

Thank your lucky stars that you are dreaming in the early 21st century. All those companies and others are striving downwards in an effort to get you into their fold, so that when your ship comes in, you will hopefully move up the ranks of their fine automobile line.

Lovin' those suv's, but there are oh so many CR-V's roaming your hood? Patience my friends, as your Audi dreams are on the verge of being realized, as their little A1 hatch has morphed into a full on junior suv, the Q1........

As Audi extends their product line downward, your Hyundai, Toyota or Honda money may well get you into a prestige brand. When you pull into the parking lot at the gym, all those folks will see are those four rings in the Audi symbol and not the bill of sale. Life is good.

Audi not your bag? Too subtle for a luxury brand? Ok, then let's go whole hog and put a Benz in the driveway.......

We've seen this one before, as the nondescript little A Class hatch got all wheel drive, got raised up a bit and got wheel arch flares. Presto folks, as here's the suv for those with Honda coin, but with Mercedes aspirations. Once again, ain't no one looking at your bill of sale.

Audi and Mercedes are fine rides, but you picture yourself as a BMW driver, and why not, as those ubiquitous 3 Series sedans have been blanketing your 'hood for years. You know those people are no better than you. Easy there, little spender, your hopes are about to be realized, as the 2 Series is on the verge of receiving

a mini suv, that is just hankering to wrest you away from that Hyundai salesperson.......

 















And to top it off, this X2 just might be the best looking of all those Bimmer X series rides. Compact size and compact budget fitting price.

Two problems with these new additions to an already crowded market place. First off, one of these may not make its way to North America (Audi, I'm looking at you) and secondly, have you priced out luxury brand maintenance these days? That latter point may surprise a few of the luxury ride dreamers. Might take their breath away when they see that first oil change bill. But one step at a time, cause if there's a will, there's a way and those luxury car dreams are oh so sweet.

Until next time.........