Age bracket: Aussies only please

[Tj303]

wow, looking at the poll there is a nice spread of ages here... surprisingly, there are many under 30

[Guran]

So what do you reckon? Has BMW underestimated the affluence of the 26-30yo bracket? Or does this poll reflect Gen-Y dominance in web usage? Comments?

[Tj303]

Originally Posted by Guran

So what do you reckon? Has BMW underestimated the affluence of the 26-30yo bracket? Or does this poll reflect Gen-Y dominance in web usage? Comments?

well, it's not like everyone who buys a 1er will join the 1addicts community... perhaps a bit of both. However, it's the best indication we'll be able to get without looking at the official stats!

[Wraith]

Poll could be a little miss leading as to which age group can or can't afford these vehicles...because it all depends on other life style factors and individual decision/choices, for eg: a very young person say living at home with his/her folks on a moderate salary and no other expenses to worry about can go out there and purchase a 135i...

Usually (but not always) younger folk with these or other prestige/expensive cars, don't own or have their own house, but rent therefore it's easy to go out and get one of these cars on some sort of finance/repayment system...

Speaking for myself, if I wanted to, I could've purchased something like a 135i when I was 19, but decided to hold it off and get a home first and put most of my earnings into that instead, I'm now in my early 40's but can go out there and buy a 100k vehicle without finance at this stage of my life :smile:

[BBK]

Agreed Wraith. Also there may be parental help or inheritance, but I doubt there would be much in the whole scheme of things.

Personally speaking, the 135i is a small stretch in my current situation, but in 8 months or so it won't be, (getting married in Sept this year). I own my own home. My fiance` finishes a Law/Business degree this semester and will be working for a top tier law firm soon. She doesn't like to drive and we will be moving into the city so we won't have 2 cars and not much transportation costs.


Guran: I also think the high level of younger owners on 1addicts has to do with internet usage rather than good incomes.

[BMWDave]

Altho there are some of us under 30's that do have a mortgage to take care of, as well as our car financing costs, haven't had parental help or any inheritance and just have a decent job....

Agree with the internet vs age bracket thing tho.

[AussieRacer]

For what it is worth, all the 135 (and 1er Coupe and Vert) drivers I see on the road seem to be in the 40+ age bracket. And by their complete lack of interest in seeing another 135, I'd guess they weren't 1addict members. So I'd strongly suggest the internet audience influences the result. That said, if you are trying to build brand awareness/loyalty and word of mouth sales, having the sub-30 age group more active on the internet is a HUGE win for BMW. Now if only they view performance mods talked about on here in the same light....

[RadiuM]

Originally Posted by Guran

I'm smack bang in the middle of the target demographic, in all respects. But more importantly, I'm stunned by the number of under 30s who can afford a 1er AND the insurance premiums! I can tell you for sure that there wasn't a snowballs chance in hell that I could have swung it at the same age.

The insurance is cheaper for me (30) for a 135i than it is for my GTR which is 1/3 the price. But its a 'grey import' and modified so the price goes skyward!

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by BBK

but in 8 months or so it won't be, (getting married in Sept this year).

Err...permit me to give you a bit of marriage advice.:biggrin:

Be prepared to shell out double of what you expect to spend on your 135! I get all the toys I want but the missus gets her pound of flesh too.....holidays, jewellery, open slather at Country Road etc, and now the latest...a six-figure extension to the house! They ALWAYS get their's! :wink:

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by RadiuM

The insurance is cheaper for me (30) for a 135i than it is for my GTR which is 1/3 the price. But its a 'grey import' and modified so the price goes skyward!

Sorry to go off topic but how does the 135i stack up against your 33 GTR?

[Wraith]

Very good point raised by some guys above regarding internet usage...I agree alot of older folk don't really care or have any interest in online car forums, compared to younger people, so no surprises polls like this one will have a majority in the younger demographic.

I also note that for the most part, the 1ers I see on the roads are being driven by older rather than younger looking people...

[RadiuM]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Sorry to go off topic but how does the 135i stack up against your 33 GTR?

considering it is 11 years older it does quite well as its still a great car.
But, its modified with 500+ HP and god knows how much torque so it just hammers along and would leave the 135 for dead. And with the help of the ATESSA 4WD it manages to put all that power straight to the ground for a very fast launch no matter how high the revs are

The 135 isn't really a match for it in a straight line, handling though is most likely a completelty different matter. Its newer, smaller and lighter and from the short drives ive had of it (yet to receive my 135 yet ) it handled great and would easily beat the gtr around a small track or khana course.

The R id say it alot better suited for higher speeds as its a damn hardcore car. It's like a raw racecar with modern extra's like seats and aircon :P

It's sad to see it go, but im over looking after modified cars. It will be great to get into something fast I can use everyday and not worry about having to fix anything.

[BBK]

Originally Posted by amk2912

Err...permit me to give you a bit of marriage advice.:biggrin:

Be prepared to shell out double of what you expect to spend on your 135! I get all the toys I want but the missus gets her pound of flesh too.....holidays, jewellery, open slather at Country Road etc, and now the latest...a six-figure extension to the house! They ALWAYS get their's! :wink:

Haha thanks for the advice :smile:

But we already have an agreement. I have spent plenty of money on handbags for her, let's just say that when we go into Louis Vuitton, they ALL say hi and give her a hug So basically, if she can have what she wants, I am allowed to have what I want