Know-How Exchange : Student Questions

Randall,

You are too kind. But thank you.

Gary B.

Thanks Gary for the answer, but one more question : based on this ad, can you describe target audience of this car?

Dear nguyenhoangduc12345,

Some of what follows is tongue in cheek, some of it is pretty accurate. I'll leave you to decide which is which. The following profile (for want of a better word) is based on an amalgam of a couple of guys I've known over the years, none of whom will
ever read this.

Beemer target "buyer":

Male, 30 - 45, probably earns no less than $150K p.a. (US). Possibly married with two kids, or involved in a steady relationship with someone he met at business school. Skilled or highly skilled professional (broker, lawyer, advertising, CPA), and holds an MBA.

"Coulda been a rockstar!" but wasn't. Owns a PlayStation and lots of computer games. Also owns three large, LCD flat screen TVs, one of which is in the bedroom.

Works in the city, loves the country, member of an exclusive health club. Buys Van Heusen shirts, wears a Rolex, has at least five credit cards, one of which is a gold Amex, and he's probably maxed out on at least two.

Fancies himself as a James Bond type. Owns his own dinner jacket. Bit of a ladies man. Drinks Diet Coke to impress the girls at happy hour and likes to brag to his buddies at the gym about the number of women he's slept with (it's fewer than he claims).

Dyes his hair. Affects a knowledge of art and sculpture but hasn't any. Likes to talk about his special forces training but it's all BS. Has never thrown a punch (or taken one) in his life.

Carries the latest digital toy. What ever's "hot" in the world of electronics, he's got to have it so he can flaunt it at work or in a restaurant but swiftly gets bored with it. Uses "something" out of a can to cover the bald patch. Often nods sagely when people are talking about something he has no understanding of. Wears expensive Italian suits but mars the look with tassel loafers.

And the Beemeer? It's leased. By his company.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

One addition to the typical Beemer driver profile (apologies if you drive a 3 Series and don't fit this profile):

If it's a 3 Series, he probably doesn't make anywhere near $150k. He makes just enough to qualify for the loan and buys the car because he wants people to know he drives a BMW.

He also walks around all day every day with a Bluetooth earpiece in his ear and wears flashy sunglasses.

He will have the car for a while until it gets repo'd - the 3 series has been at or near the top for repos for decades.

He badly wants to look like he belongs on the other side of the velvet rope.