Omg, in our masjid it has absolutely become a status symbol! There is a little roundabout where you can go to drop the elderly and women with children so they don't have to make the trek from the parking lot to the enterance. Over the years the cars have gone from havng names with letters to names with numbers.
On the other hand, the congregation has gotten wealthier and more stable. Most of the people can afford cars like these, so why not? In any case, buying an expensive car, much like buying an expensive bag, or expensive suit, is totally a status symbol. Why drive a Jaguar when a Kia can get you to your destination just as efficiently? For a lot people, it's all about the metal cat on the hood, kwim?
Nicer cars have comfort which cheap cars don't.
For example, I used to drive a Civic. The suspension isn't smooth, doesn't prevent outside noise from coming in while driving, weak AC, not so comfortable seats, no alarm system and small.
I bought a Camry, and I got nice comfy leather seats which are really good for long drives, smooth suspension, alarm system with remote entry, a great AC which is great on hot days, and lots of space. It's also very noiseless when driving, doesn't feel like I am in a plane.
I imagine if I lived up North, having all wheel drive, heated seats, heated side view mirrors and fog lights would be a necessity.
^ Agreed, one can drive a fully loaded Camry with all the bells and whistles for increased comfort and practicality. There are even higher model Kias with the same amenities. However, what about those that buy a designer car that lacks all the upgrades, and is simply purchased for the brand name...?
Now there is nothing wrong with driving an expensive car. My father is notorious for this amongst our family. And he likes to switch often. Its important to him, and we understand.
But I am pointing out that it is something that is usually done for vanity, and is absolutely a status symbol. And to think that people are simply driving these cars to Masjid because they have to is inaccurate in my opinion. They recognize that they have a social life and relatonships at their place of worship and part of that life is the kind of car they drive... A big, new, expensive car equates wealth and status, simple as that.
it may lack the upgrades but for example the ride quality, drive quality, of a base bmw 3 series is better than that of a fully loaded camry any day..
its not always done for vanity, people have personal preferences as well.
sure there are people who are only interested in showing off. and then there are those that are not. someone may like a car for its handling, shape, look and feel..
I mean same can be said about camry owners too, u can get a fully loaded corolla or civic or a base camry or accord..are they doing it for status and vanity or does vanity only kick in for lexus and bmw etc?
^ Agreed, one can drive a fully loaded Camry with all the bells and whistles for increased comfort and practicality. There are even higher model Kias with the same amenities. However, what about those that buy a designer car that lacks all the upgrades, and is simply purchased for the brand name...?
Now there is nothing wrong with driving an expensive car. My father is notorious for this amongst our family. And he likes to switch often. Its important to him, and we understand.
But I am pointing out that it is something that is usually done for vanity, and is absolutely a status symbol. And to think that people are simply driving these cars to Masjid because they have to is inaccurate in my opinion. They recognize that they have a social life and relatonships at their place of worship and part of that life is the kind of car they drive... A big, new, expensive car equates wealth and status, simple as that.
Yes, let us criticize cars and say that they are only purchased to show off. But a word about spending loads of money on weddings and the associate traditions, and out will come the Hadees and references from the Quran. At that point everyone will just nod their head, and the topic will be dead.
it may lack the upgrades but for example the ride quality, drive quality, of a base bmw 3 series is better than that of a fully loaded camry any day..
its not always done for vanity, people have personal preferences as well.
sure there are people who are only interested in showing off. and then there are those that are not. someone may like a car for its handling, shape, look and feel..
I mean same can be said about camry owners too, u can get a fully loaded corolla or civic or a base camry or accord..are they doing it for status and vanity or does vanity only kick in for lexus and bmw etc?
To some extent this is true. Even for those who mod cars or are car enthusiasts. But I tend to think those people are the exception versus the rule.
Yes, let us criticize cars and say that they are only purchased to show off. But a word about spending loads of money on weddings and the associate traditions, and out will come the Hadees and references from the Quran. At that point everyone will just nod their head, and the topic will be dead.
But anything else, critcize it.
Not sure what you're getting at, except for extensive sarcasm. Spending ridiculous amounts of money on weddings is showing off as well. And who brought the Quran into this?
My stance is that people at my Masjid buy fancy cars as status symbols. IMO, there's not much to be argued there. You're welcome to take it to next level and engage in full on debate about a non-issue, but its kinda stalemate, friend.
Let everybody buy the kind of car they can afford or even if they cannot afford it. It is none of mine or anybodys business. They bought the car they like. Should they ask around the community before buying a car ?
Why do we have to be judgmental about them being show off. Why would a show off come to the masjid,
Anybody comes to masjid is a namazi not a show off.
Let everybody buy the kind of car they can afford or even if they cannot afford it. It is none of mine or anybodys business. They bought the car they like. Should ask around the community before buying a car ?
Why do we have to be judgmental about them being show off. Why would a show off come to the masjid,
Anybody comes to masjid is a namazi not a show off.
I appreciate your views and concerns, and I think it's great that you took the time to post here. Same goes for TeenDabbyWala **and **X2. I typically agree with most of your posts and stances.
At the same time, Mirch being a "namazi" and being a show off are not mutually exclusive. And IMO, just attending Masjid does not necessarily make one a namazi, but then again, thats another thread for another time.
As far as judging people and getting into anyones business, we can't necessarily follow that rhetoric on these forums, can we? Gupshup is filled with healthy debate on everyone's personal opinions and feelings. Judgments, opinions, points of views - this is how the world goes round.
Moreover, I happen to think that people buy expensive cars as status symbols. I'm not sure why anyone would find the need to negate that... If I took a Mercedes CL and put a big H for Honda on it, very few would pay 100k+ for it. And without a doubt, the more expensive car comes with better quality, better handling, and better performance, but those are probably not the primary motivations for buying a designer car.
Furthermore, there was never any conversation about the means of those who can buy these cars. Not sure where you ever got that from, Mirch. Although, I think we would all agree that no one should be over extending themselves to buy a car that they can't afford..
Whenever you see a Honda or Toyota you can easily say its desi.And I think desis are smart people either they have german or Japenes cars which are reliable cars.
I appreciate your views and concerns, and I think it's great that you took the time to post here. Same goes for TeenDabbyWala **and **X2. I typically agree with most of your posts and stances.
At the same time, Mirch being a "namazi" and being a show off are not mutually exclusive. And IMO, just attending Masjid does not necessarily make one a namazi, but then again, thats another thread for another time.
As far as judging people and getting into anyones business, we can't necessarily follow that rhetoric on these forums, can we? Gupshup is filled with healthy debate on everyone's personal opinions and feelings. Judgments, opinions, points of views - this is how the world goes round.
Moreover, I happen to think that people buy expensive cars as status symbols. I'm not sure why anyone would find the need to negate that... If I took a Mercedes CL and put a big H for Honda on it, very few would pay 100k+ for it. And without a doubt, the more expensive car comes with better quality, better handling, and better performance, but those are probably not the primary motivations for buying a designer car.
Furthermore, there was never any conversation about the means of those who can buy these cars. Not sure where you ever got that from, Mirch. Although, I think we would all agree that no one should be over extending themselves to buy a car that they can't afford..
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. If you have your POV , I have my POV then you could just post your POV without using names and addressing anybody.
I could use name and criticize POV of other by naming names but I did not because You are free to express your opinion and I am free to express mine.
Peace.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. If you have your POV , I have my POV then you could just post your POV without using names and addressing anybody.
I could use name and criticize POV of other by naming names but I did not because You are free to express your opinion and I am free to express mine.
Peace.
No, no don't take it personal! I didn't mean for it to be that way. Even if I used names, it was because I was trying to address some of your concerns. I mean we could dance around it and act like I was being vague and addressing no one in particular, and you could do the same. But why do that when it is obvious who are our comments are being directed to? Even if I left your name out, its apparent that I was speaking to you. I feel like you're objective enough to appreciate my openness and ability to be direct. I also feel like you can reciprocate.
Like I said, for the most part, I agree with what you have to say in other areas of this forum. And its actually awesome that so many of us maintain our own perspectives and have the willingness to defend them in a fair and articulate way. I think we are both mature enough to share our opinions directly to one another without any hurt feelings or bruised egos.
Don't take it the wrong way. It was never intended to be a call out, or whatever. I will often refer to individuals and quote their messages and direct my comments to them particularly. It's apparent that you've worked hard to allow people on this forum to find a fair and objective context in which to share their thoughts and feelings. Just as you said, we are both free to express ourselves as long as we are doing so civilly. And I hope that you will continue to do so, as I certainly will :-)
I’ve heard that American made cars have met and often exceeded the same quality standards as their foreign competition. Is this propaganda for the American automotive industry or is this true?
I've heard that American made cars have met and often exceeded the same quality standards as their foreign competition. Is this propaganda for the American automotive industry or is this true?
Doesn't matter anymore, it's the perception that counts. If people perceive American cars to be unreliable, then no amount of facts will change that. It will take a long time for people to realize that.
Doesn't matter anymore, it's the perception that counts. If people perceive American cars to be unreliable, then no amount of facts will change that. It will take a long time for people to realize that.
Yep, that's true. This was actually the subject matter of a debate on NPR - the downfall of the American car industry and false perceptions.
But I still wonder, have they really improved their product significantly or is it all hot air?
