This blog post is going to cover a variety of topics, including cars, cards, and something else. What I am going to do is share my thoughts on what it means to ascribe value to something. How much is something truly worth? Can the monetary value of something completely encapsulate its real value?
The thing that got me thinking about all this was a Lego magazine I received in the mail. In addition to cars, cards, and cartoons, I am a big Lego fan. The Star Wars line is undoubtedly my favorite. When I was younger I enjoyed reenacting scenes from the movies and coming up with my own stories. For example, what if the Empire decided to conquer the Throwbots? Would the Insectoids align with the Separatists? I used to play Legos with my sister, who has a lot of Harry Potter sets. I would send my AT-ST to attack her Hogwarts, and things like that.
I haven't bought a Lego Star Wars set for some time now. Part of the reason is that the sets and the figures have become so intricately detailed, they would clash horribly with the sets I already have. The other reason is because Lego sets have become so darn expensive. The magazine I just got features an X-Wing Starfighter for $79.99. I have the original 1999 X-Wing, which retailed for only $30. True, my X-Wing looks pretty flimsy compared to the new one, but it still gets the job done.
I know that Lego bleats continuously that they strive to maintain a 10 cent price per part ratio for all their products, and have been doing so even for the older sets. I guess that makes sense on some level, but at the same time I can't help thinking that the finished product should have some factor in determining the value of the set. For example, one of my most prized Lego Star Wars sets is the Ultimate Space Battle set #7283. It includes a total of five ships and retailed for a price of $50 back in 2005. I don't think Lego is capable of making something like that today. To build the modern equivalent of this set, you would have to spend at least twice that.
Today the Ultimate Space Battle sells online for around $300. For the amount of enjoyment I got from it, I would go so far to call it a bargain in its day. I truly feel sorry for kids nowadays. I couldn't possibly buy all my Lego sets again if I had to. My birthday and Christmas lists would have to be nickel and dimed to make sure everything on it is worth it.
The same value argument applies for cars. Spending more money on a car used to mean that you were getting convenience and luxury items unavailable in cheaper cars. August 2016 average car transaction prices were at a record high as consumers chose larger vehicles with more safety and convenience features. However, there are still some cars whose lists of standard equipment have some glaring shortcomings considering the price. In a comparison test between a $46,000 Chevrolet Camaro and a $81,000 BMW M4, Motor Trend concluded that the Camaro is not only a performance equal to the M4, it trumps the BMW in features and amenities. The Camaro came equipped with features such as a backup camera, heated seats, and satellite radio. To add those options on the BMW would lift its MSRP even higher.
A new Audi A8 which starts at around $81,000 doesn't have a single USB port. My mom's $15,000 Honda Fit has a USB port. Another example of not getting what you pay for is the Rolls-Royce Dawn. One model tested by Car and Driver lacked onboard WiFi and Apple CarPlay capabilities. I understand that not everyone needs WiFi wherever they go, but you would think something like that would be standard equipment for a car that costs over $400,000.
At the end of the day, an object's value is determined more by how much it means to you than it does the monetary number assigned to it. Whether it be a car, a trading card, or a toy, your connection to the object can overcome the number following the dollar sign attached to it. Big purchases should not be taken lightly, and people should not assume that just because something is more expensive means it is that much better. The feel good factor you receive from the object of your desire goes a long way in determining your long term satisfaction with owning it.
