Target Market for First Gen CL
07-25-2001, 12:42 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Target Market for First Gen CL
I've got a question for all you smarter-than-me folks out there. When I bought my CL, the salesman told me that Acura's strategy is a lot like GM's used to be. They want to start people on the Integra, which will convince them what a fine product Acura is and how great the service is. Then, in their mid-20s they would step up to the CL becuase they want something nicer than an Integra that's still sporty. Then, when they get married and have kids they'll step up to a TL, to maintain some sportiness but with four doors. Then, when they hit the big time or the kids move out, they'll step up to the RL (with an NSX in the garage to satisfy the midlife crisis).
That makes sense to me, so my question is: Why does it seem like most of the drivers of first gen CLs I see are LITTLE OLD LADIES??!!
That makes sense to me, so my question is: Why does it seem like most of the drivers of first gen CLs I see are LITTLE OLD LADIES??!!
07-25-2001, 12:45 PM
#2
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Originally posted by Iceman:
<STRONG>I've got a question for all you smarter-than-me folks out there. When I bought my CL, the salesman told me that Acura's strategy is a lot like GM's used to be. They want to start people on the Integra, which will convince them what a fine product Acura is and how great the service is. Then, in their mid-20s they would step up to the CL becuase they want something nicer than an Integra that's still sporty. Then, when they get married and have kids they'll step up to a TL, to maintain some sportiness but with four doors. Then, when they hit the big time or the kids move out, they'll step up to the RL (with an NSX in the garage to satisfy the midlife crisis).
That makes sense to me, so my question is: Why does it seem like most of the drivers of first gen CLs I see are LITTLE OLD LADIES??!!</STRONG>
<STRONG>I've got a question for all you smarter-than-me folks out there. When I bought my CL, the salesman told me that Acura's strategy is a lot like GM's used to be. They want to start people on the Integra, which will convince them what a fine product Acura is and how great the service is. Then, in their mid-20s they would step up to the CL becuase they want something nicer than an Integra that's still sporty. Then, when they get married and have kids they'll step up to a TL, to maintain some sportiness but with four doors. Then, when they hit the big time or the kids move out, they'll step up to the RL (with an NSX in the garage to satisfy the midlife crisis).
That makes sense to me, so my question is: Why does it seem like most of the drivers of first gen CLs I see are LITTLE OLD LADIES??!!
</STRONG>
That is a good question i also only see old people driving CL's?? I think that the price point discourges alot of buyers. Now us loyal customers will stay with acura no matter what the price......well maybie not
07-25-2001, 01:33 PM
#3
First Gen PRINCESS
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After reading numerous articles regarding our cars I was amazed to see that what the press said did NOT go along with what our salesmen told me/us. Although the salesmen had the right idea in telling us this, the critics had another point.
The following is taken from Car and Driver magazine, September 1999 issue, entitled "Empty Nesters' Rolling Roosts," written by Larry Webster:
"In 1997, Acura brought its two-door CL model to market. It was pure baby-boomer candy -- aimed directly at a wing of that pampered generation, those who happened to be unencumbered of another bothersome marketing nag, kids. These particular BB couples had either passed on the joy of child rearing or were "empty nesters," a term almost as ingratiating as "boomer," referring to adult parents whose kids have arrived at that age when it's leave or be shown the door.
"Acura research suggested these adults would no longer settle for the spiritless look of a cookie-cutter sedan and wanted something with the flourish and style of a coupe. And it had to be roomier and more comfortable than, say, a Honda Prelude.
"Only one other slick vehicle comes close to [this car] in intent, size, and price -- the BMW 3-series at nearly three grand more than a loaded CL... [This car is] amazingly refined for [its] sub-$30,000 price. So refined, in fact, it makes the purchase of a more expensive coupe look like an image buy rather than a functional one."
Some Links for more info:
1.) By Karl Brauer "Much More Than a Fancy Integra"
2.) He Drove, She Drove "Acura throws its 3.0CL coupe against tough luxury car competition "
3.) By Tony Swan, "Distinctive luxury and sneaky fast."
4.) Additional Reading
5.) Photo of CLX Concept Car
[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: MauiWowieCL ]
The following is taken from Car and Driver magazine, September 1999 issue, entitled "Empty Nesters' Rolling Roosts," written by Larry Webster:
"In 1997, Acura brought its two-door CL model to market. It was pure baby-boomer candy -- aimed directly at a wing of that pampered generation, those who happened to be unencumbered of another bothersome marketing nag, kids. These particular BB couples had either passed on the joy of child rearing or were "empty nesters," a term almost as ingratiating as "boomer," referring to adult parents whose kids have arrived at that age when it's leave or be shown the door.
"Acura research suggested these adults would no longer settle for the spiritless look of a cookie-cutter sedan and wanted something with the flourish and style of a coupe. And it had to be roomier and more comfortable than, say, a Honda Prelude.
"Only one other slick vehicle comes close to [this car] in intent, size, and price -- the BMW 3-series at nearly three grand more than a loaded CL... [This car is] amazingly refined for [its] sub-$30,000 price. So refined, in fact, it makes the purchase of a more expensive coupe look like an image buy rather than a functional one."
Some Links for more info:
1.) By Karl Brauer "Much More Than a Fancy Integra"
2.) He Drove, She Drove "Acura throws its 3.0CL coupe against tough luxury car competition "
3.) By Tony Swan, "Distinctive luxury and sneaky fast."
4.) Additional Reading
5.) Photo of CLX Concept Car
[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: MauiWowieCL ]
07-25-2001, 03:35 PM
#7
Midnight Marauder
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Now that is one dedicated CL fan ladies and gentlemen!
I saw my first RSX yesterday, black and shiny!
Guess who was driving it 55 in the fast lane?
An 80 year old guy with his mouth hanging open in one of those glazed over looks. And it wasn't glazed cause he was marveling at the performance qualities either.
I haven't seen one since...
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07-25-2001, 03:42 PM
#8
First Gen PRINCESS
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Who is "one dedicated CL fan," Nomad?
BTW, that must've been a sight to see. I wish my grandparents were as hip as that guy. Yeah, that'll be the day grams and gramps get outta their cushy Fords and into a kickass Acura. Ah, a girl can dream, can't she?
BTW, that must've been a sight to see. I wish my grandparents were as hip as that guy. Yeah, that'll be the day grams and gramps get outta their cushy Fords and into a kickass Acura. Ah, a girl can dream, can't she?
07-25-2001, 04:04 PM
#10
I got mine new b/c I wanted more of an "adult" car for both business and pleasure. It seems that now the 1st Gen CL is owned by younger people, but when I bought mine, the target was definately older people. I'd have to agree with you all that everytime I see a 1st Gen. CL it's an older lady driving it... makes me laugh...
07-25-2001, 04:24 PM
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Originally posted by MauiWowieCL:
Some Links for more info:
1.) By Karl Brauer "Much More Than a Fancy Integra"
2.) He Drove, She Drove "Acura throws its 3.0CL coupe against tough luxury car competition "
3.) By Tony Swan, "Distinctive luxury and sneaky fast."
4.) Additional Reading
5.) Photo of CLX Concept Car
[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: MauiWowieCL ][/QB]
Some Links for more info:
1.) By Karl Brauer "Much More Than a Fancy Integra"
2.) He Drove, She Drove "Acura throws its 3.0CL coupe against tough luxury car competition "
3.) By Tony Swan, "Distinctive luxury and sneaky fast."
4.) Additional Reading
5.) Photo of CLX Concept Car
[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: MauiWowieCL ][/QB]
You even provide links to articles on it.
You really did your homework.
I went to the lot looking for an Accord and ended up falling for this CL that I saw as I walked to the Accord. Granted, I did a little research etc. but I have a ton of confidence in Honda after pulling nearly 300k out of my old '85 Accord. I just couldn't bring myself to settle for the "lemming" status of the Accord.
07-25-2001, 04:40 PM
#12
First Gen PRINCESS
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Hahaha Thanks, Nomad. Um... at first I didn't like the car. I wasn't sold on the styling and thought the rear looked like a Lincoln Mark VII had mated with an alien. My parents wanted me to be safe and in a bigger car than the Integra. I wanted a stick, but, oh well. I've learned to love it and appreciate it more because it isn't a very common car. I guess I am a big fan now. I put these articles in my file for when/if this car becomes a classic someday (it's only got 23,500 miles...lol). That way, I'll have reviews and stuff of what people said bout the car other than my own opinion. I know, I'm psycho
Thanks, Nomad. Um... at first I didn't like the car. I wasn't sold on the styling and thought the rear looked like a Lincoln Mark VII had mated with an alien. My parents wanted me to be safe and in a bigger car than the Integra. I wanted a stick, but, oh well. I've learned to love it and appreciate it more because it isn't a very common car. I guess I am a big fan now. I put these articles in my file for when/if this car becomes a classic someday (it's only got 23,500 miles...lol). That way, I'll have reviews and stuff of what people said bout the car other than my own opinion. I know, I'm psycho
07-25-2001, 04:51 PM
#13
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My first car was a 90 Acura Legend. After it died, I still remained loyal to Acura so I knew my next car had to be one. The integra was too much of a teen/ricer's car and they didnt have a 2000 CL so i went for the 3.2TL. Turns out the payments were going to be too much so then I got confused. I took a second look at the 1st gen CL's and realized that they were actually pretty hot lookin. So I went to the dealership and picked up my 98' 3.0CL. And that is the happy story of how we got together
07-25-2001, 08:24 PM
#18
You Fawkin Kiddin Me!
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Thats because they bought them brand new when they first came out in 97 or 98. Full price versus paying 15-18k in 2000 or 2001.
Its the statis symbol and the reputaion taht holds with Acura that causes these grandma & grandpa generation to buy our car... Then you have the young creative minds (like ours) that take these beautiful automobiles and make them into a series of personalized art!!!!
I think its funny pulling next to old people with CLs in my car.. they stare at me as to think god knows what and then act all "snooty"....lol
07-26-2001, 01:25 AM
#19
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I guess I hadn't thought of it from that perspective. I wonder if there are get-togethers at retirement homes for all the Acura owners where they discuss the whippersnappers they see driving luxury autos these days and lament the fact that the target market is them but all they see are KIDS driving them now! 
07-26-2001, 02:22 AM
#20
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Yeah, I think they meet at IHOP every Saturday morning to get the Early Bird Senior Special (oatmeal, fruit puree, and your choice of prune or orange juice). Instead of the cars, they discuss erectile dysfunction, the condo in Florida, and their blood pressure. Hahaha
07-26-2001, 12:16 PM
#21
You Fawkin Kiddin Me!
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not a bad idea... I should recruit the old foggies in my town for next cl & tl meet.. probably get a better turn out than last, but id have to make it for like 6am... 
:p
:p
07-26-2001, 01:27 PM
#22
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EXACTLY! Remember, that Early Bird Special is served only from 6 - 7am. You should know better than to mess with those seniors and their discounts! Don't mess w/ da discounts! LOL
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