Discuss concept of positional goods as it relates to your shiny Porsche

[Poorshh]

Google the term if needed

[manbridge 74]

[COLB]

Like SPAM.

A lot of meat, but not a lot of money.

[christiandk]

How to Change Your Identity: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

[pors1968]

Curius question for first post

[COLB]

I think someone is in an economics class at their local community college.

"macro factors" and "positional goods" -- learn a new word and try to impress with it.

One may know a definition without understanding a concept, or how it applies in the real world.

Surely sock creation is a bannable offense.

[Sox Fan]

I own a handful of things that could be characterized as "positional goods" or something meant for "social signalling" by some people. Usually people who can't afford that sort of thing and are on some level unhappy with that.

You could of course say that about any luxury product. Criticizing people's motives for having expensive stuff gets not so logical real fast. Would the world be better if everyone drove a Ford Focus and wore a Timex watch?

I bought all my cool toys for cash and worked hard to get that cash. If someone thinks i have this stuff to impress others, that's fine with me. I enjoy my stuff regardless.

[KNS]

I've noticed a few times while watching Wheeler Dealers, Mike will mention walking into a bar and placing your car keys (to your Porsche, etc.) on the counter for all to see. Really? Do people actually do that? I don't like anyone - other than immediate family, friends and coworkers who can't help but see it - to know I own a Porsche. I've wanted one since I was a kid and drive it purely for the enjoyment it gives me. I hate that my neighbors see me driving a Porsche. Perhaps I'm weird that way.

I was buying motor oil for the Porsche the other day and the guy behind the parts counter asked "what kind of car?". I really didn't want to tell him, I wanted to say 'Honda' but then would have had to hear him tell me I was buying the wrong oil, blah, blah.

Edit: If 'Poorshh' is really a reborn PML - I wish you'd just buy a car already. That post is a dead giveaway.

[COLB]

Even a nice air-cooled Carrera can be had for less money than a new Honda Accord.

I couldn't have got into a new Civic for what I paid for my Cab in 2012.

But it is a cool car, and people like it. Getting "thumbs up" and "nice car" comments makes you grin when you drive it -- like the shared appreciation of a painting or a beautiful view.

The inability to distinguish this concept from envy and "keeping up with the Jones's" is an indicator that some folks don't "get" it.

Which is fine. One wishes they would just buy a Subie and go away.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Poorshh

Google the term if needed

A newish Honda Civic Si is about the performance equal (on paper) of a U.S.-spec 3.2. A Honda will probably be more reliable. Which is why folks who are smart would choose a Civic Si.

Smart people who know the value of an automobile will celebrate that choice.

[bhmkv]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

A newish Honda Civic Si is about the performance equal (on paper) of a U.S.-spec 3.2. A Honda will probably be more reliable. Which is why folks who are smart would choose a Civic Si.

Smart people who know the value of an automobile will celebrate that choice.

True. But in ten years the civic will be sitting in a salvage yard while the 3.2 if well kept will be worth the same or more then today.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by bhmkv

True. But in ten years the civic will be sitting in a salvage yard while the 3.2 if well kept will be worth the same or more then today.

Crazy talk! Which is exactly why, when folks talk about shopping for classic cars, they don't cross-shop modern cars. Because of rising resale values, purchasing a classic Porsche on performance (or ongoing cost) bases seems rather stupid and short-sighted. You don't cross-shop Subarus and Hondas at the same price point. I could see how you might buy a muscle car from the 60s, or some other classic like a 70s or 60s Alfa, but not a modern car. A modern car, even though it might best a classic Porsche at the track, will be worth essentially nothing in 15 years. Our classic Porsches will almost assuredly be worth more in 15 years, possibly much more. And they will be fun to drive for that entire time.

[christiandk]

[Matt Monson]

My goods are positioned left of center. My sack just hangs better to that side.

[christiandk]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

My goods are positioned left of center. My sack just hangs better to that side.

Still cold and snowey in Co I recon?

[Matt Monson]

Not to today. Just returned from a hike with the family. I was in a t-shirt.

[bhmkv]

Still cold in Ct

[PushingMyLuck]

I don't think the people here are buying their 911 as a positional good.
If you want a positional good, you'd buy a brand new 911 for $100k.
The classic 911 seems more of a functional collector's item and hobby lifestyle.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

My goods are positioned left of center. My sack just hangs better to that side.

So is the positioning consistent and predictable, or does it need constant realignment ? And before you ask, I am NOT offering realignment services!

[Matt Monson]

It's 100% dependent on the brand and cut of pants.