Do you consider the question 'how much?' rude?

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by kits135i

Exactly! But most people think those cars are 6 digits plus...

I had that same issue. It has supercar looks so people assumed supercar prices.

[Templar]

Originally Posted by MiddleAgedAl

Perception and ignorance can create a weird dynamic, that may work against you, especially when your boss (who decides your raise) sees you driving a car that he thinks is more expensive than it is.

When I got my first BMW, it was almost 4 yrs old, and hardly the most expensive car in the parking lot. At that time my boss was driving a loaded Eddie Bauer edition Excursion, which he just bought new. He almost certainly paid at least 10-15K more for his than I paid for mine, those were crazy expensive when loaded with options. Yet, not perceived by the average person as such an "extravagant" purchase as something with a roundel on the hood, even if it was used and cheaper.

But, I still heard the comments about how it must be nice to have an "expensive" car like that. He wasn't a gearhead, so it's possible he really thought mine was more costly; since he would trade in cars every couple years, I think the cumulative financial penalty of depreciation just didnt resonate with him.

Honestly, I think some ignorant/insecure bosses fear that if a subordinate drives a much more expensive car than their manager (or is perceived to do so), others might think that it challenges the entire premise that you should be motivated to work harder and move up the ladder so you can afford nicer things.

My truck with the additions I had put on before I took delivery of it at the dealership cost more than most BMW's here (except the M3's). Perception and ignorance can cause a lot of trouble sometimes. No one really expects my truck to be that expensive, so no one thinks much when I drive it.

[catherineanh]

I don't see how it's rude. Don't be so sensitive.

[will.c]

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

I guess when it's obvious that someone is asking how much because the car looks pretty and shiny; i don't assume it's my responsibility to make them feel like an insignificant peasant by demeaning them with my response.

Ignorance isn't an excuse for lacking tact, but it is a reason. And just because someone has never had the luxury of looking into purchasing a 135, 335, X5, M3, etc... doesn't give me the right to make them feel even more inferior than they may already feel.

The majority of people who ask those random questions will likely never drive a car worth more than $10k. In my mind that sucks and if that were my position in life, i'd rather not have to key the pretty, shiny, expensive car that belongs to that walking penis.

Just my opinion i guess.

I agree with this respectable mindset.

[BMW F22]

Eh I don't care if anyone asks. I just tell them exactly how much it costs. If it's cheap I will say it's cheap and vice versa. The only thing that I find annoying is when someone goes "oh man why did you buy? You could have bought this instead."

[ThEnder]

I agree that it varies very much with context. If someone is just asking for shits and giggles then it can be really annoying. If someone is asking because they are genuinely interested/looking for something similar and trying to gather information then I find it much more agreeable.

[Southjersey128]

I don't like it when it's a gift. I bought my nephew a Movado Bold for a graduation/eagle scout present and my aunt wouldn't stop asking how much I paid for it. Just let me give a gift, if I think he deserves it, it doesn't matter how much it was.

[turbolag]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I had that same issue. It has supercar looks so people assumed supercar prices.

Sigh.

I'm thinking about getting a new Exige/Elise. I wonder if I'll have to answer that ...and then I wonder if I'll get the same if I get a F80.

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by vastano

saw this coming... $15,124 apiece, not including tires. Carbon fiber with Titanium shell.

15K Wheels on a BMW?

That is laughable.

[vastano]

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

15K Wheels on a BMW?

That is laughable.

someone doesnt understand sarcasm...

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by vastano

someone doesnt understand sarcasm...

Wait until you tell him how much your muffler bearing cost you!!

[kits135i]

Originally Posted by turbolag

Sigh.

I'm thinking about getting a new Exige/Elise. I wonder if I'll have to answer that ...and then I wonder if I'll get the same if I get a F80.

Biggest question I got with the Elise is who makes that.
Here is the exact conversation I had a zillion times:
Stranger: How makes that?
You: Lotus
Stranger: Yea, but who make that?
You: A small British manufacture.
Stranger: Oh so its it own brand?
You: Yes.
Stranger: How much to they cost?
You: Say whatever you want...

With my Esprit I always got WOW nice lambo...

[KingOfJericho]

My biggest gripe with my Exige was everyone calling it an Elise, haha.

[chumley]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

I agree with OP. I think its strange/rude to ask how much something cost. I would NEVER ask this myself because 1. I have tact and 2. I can easily find out this information on my own without prying. I hate when random people ask how much my car cost me...wtf difference does it make?

But if its something custom with no market value (i.e. you had a certain repair/modification done or service performed) then I think its ok as most people are generally looking for a ballpark figure in order to compare.

Agree 100%!

And I'd add, though it might sound obnoxious, that in my experience the only people who ask are the insecure, underachieving type. No one who's confident in their abilities or achievements, material or otherwise, would ever care what you spent for a material item.

[Alpha_Zulu]

Originally Posted by Southjersey128

I don't like it when it's a gift. I bought my nephew a Movado Bold for a graduation/eagle scout present and my aunt wouldn't stop asking how much I paid for it. Just let me give a gift, if I think he deserves it, it doesn't matter how much it was.

Yeah seriously, if you're giving something to someone for whatever reason, does it really matter how much it cost? Whether the dollar amount is low or high, I don't think it really matters. Just because you spent more doesn't mean the gift means more the opposite is true as well, just because you spent little doesn't mean you care/love them any less.

[f10inSD]

Wouldn't it all be in context as others have stated... On the forums or at a car meet then perhaps the person admires your wheels and would like to get something similar.

When someone is jealous or trying to be a dick you can usually tell. Maybe some people aren't able to tell the difference... Just my two cents.

[kits135i]

Originally Posted by f10inSD

Wouldn't it all be in context as others have stated... On the forums or at a car meet then perhaps the person admires your wheels and would like to get something similar.

When someone is jealous or trying to be a dick you can usually tell. Maybe some people aren't able to tell the difference... Just my two cents.

I feel into that trap once too. Guy seems so legit, then soon as you tell him he calls your car an overprices piece of shit... no thanks. At a car meet sure I will say something, other than that. They can go pack sand.

[BBBluey]

Car meets are to meet people (other enthusiasts) yet I have found that it's difficult to make conversations with such "enthusiasts" at meets. When I get asked the same question, I break into a larger conversation such as "Are you looking into getting new wheels"? and take it from there. Don't ever judge anybody because you really don't know anything about them.
Also, when I find a great deal on something, I'm quick to let people know what, where and how much, because I share like that.

[platnumdesi01]

I find Indian people are the most curious LOL. No offense to my other Desi people, but people will straight up as how much are you making. They are the most secretive when it comes to financial standing but will ask personal questions after meeting you for the first time. Good Thread!

[kevinbahnz]

Originally Posted by platnumdesi01

I find Indian people are the most curious LOL. No offense to my other Desi people, but people will straight up as how much are you making. They are the most secretive when it comes to financial standing but will ask personal questions after meeting you for the first time. Good Thread!

Interesting because I had an Indian co-worker ask me the same thing and I just met this guy.

[NEFARIOUS]

J.P. Morgan said it best... "If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it."

In all seriousness, it depends on context of what I'm being asked about and whether it's a "buying question" or asking just to be a douchebag/troll. If they're genuinely interested, I'll give them a straightforward answer.

[DF]

Doesnt bother me in the least.