Why do people buy Jap/Korean cars?

[FGX-351]

Originally Posted by 4.9 EF Futura

You're looking at the world through an enthusiasts set of eyes. You need to look at something from the perspective of a person who needs nothing more than a mode of transport and whose selection criteria porbably doesnt go beyond transmission type, air conditioning and colour.

My mother makes a fine example. She has a short drive to work each day and goes to see friends on the weekend. She lives alone and works in a hospital - with no need to carry materials to/from work. She knows very little about cars and pretty much follows the book that came with the car regarding service requirements.

Her choice in vehicle is made in korea. It has never let her down. Sure - the plastic panels on the door trim feel like eggshells. The interior trim is tacky. But it gets her to lunch on a sunday afternoon and she likes the colour. It costs about 50% of a similar sized car which is considered to have "style".

What is an extra 50kw/bunch of options/exterior styling/presence going to add to my mother's motoring experience? Very little.

Is it just me or is this all fairly straightforward?

is it a matiz?