-In commercials, most models are shown screeming
-through tight turns in a mountainous country side
GEE... don't ALL car ads do this? As you are an ad exec... I hope you don't work for Fallon...? Do ya?

-so it's image which tips the scales for these
-owners
Yeah... so what?

-They could have bought a less expensive vehicle,
-but they instead chose a car which enhances
-their image
I did buy a faster straight line car... the Mustang GT... but I am rarely in it. It is an OK car, but I do not get the felt satisfaction in my soul as when behind the wheel of a BMW. It just drives better, I can feel the road thru the steering wheel, control and braking are better and curves... all the rice cars and others brake thru curves... I just press on knowing my handling capabilities of the car will not fail me and never has. I usually brake for the 'other' cars that the driver must sense their car cannot handle it.

Hey why do people here in Chicago buy these fancy Jeeps, SUV's etc when all they do is drive from their heated garage 2 miles to their office building's heated garage and it never snows much here anyway. Then they go home and get their groceries delivered from Peapod!

I take trips on Americas Interstates and know my 5 Series (and older3 series) is a comfy, well balanced car with passing power built in.
I especially love the mountains in Tennessee.
Chicago-Florida once a year.

Once these wear out, then I get another new one. but a new car every 3 years is crazy for me. I am attacted to my BMW's... more so than any other car I have ever owned. I grin and feel happy.