That's a really good question, Gottarondo (about why so many of us are fiercely protective of the Rondo and its image). I don't think it's about the Rondo per se, but about owning a Kia in general.
I can only speak for myself. Okay, I know it's not cool for guys to talk about "feelings," especially in a public forum, but I'm going for it, anyway. The general public still has a rather dismissive opinion about Kia due to its past history of cheap quality and poor reliability. And, yes, I often feel defensive about it. Whenever I talk to a buddy about my Kia, it's always in the back of my mind, "What does he really think? Does he think I'm nuts for buying a Kia? Is he secretly mocking my choice?" So far, no one has actually questioned me for buying a Kia, so perhaps I'm a little too sensitive and paranoid about it. But I know that some people in this forum have had their choice questioned, or they've received some gentle ribbing or at least some raised eyebrows from friends.
The question is, why should what others think matter? That's the age old question.
At the risk of sounding politically incorrect (and I've mentioned this before), when it comes to cars, I would say that this "caring about what others think" is mostly gender-specific. For whatever reason, a guy tends to treat his vehicle as an extension of himself. If his vehicle is criticized, he tends to take it personally; if his vehicle is praised, it's like he himself is being praised. I just don't see too many women getting all that upset if someone says that her car performs poorly, or getting all that excited if someone says that her car is a sweet ride.
So, Gottarondo, when you asked if owners of other cars are the same (in being just as protective), I would say Yes--that is, if we're talking about male car owners. Obviously, it's mostly dudes who hang out in automotive forums like this one, so you're going to get a heavy dose of the male perspective.
Okay, in case anyone is offended with my playing with stereotypes, I'm speaking in general terms and I'm not implying that everyone is exactly the same. That disclaimer was probably unnecessary, but that's the kind of world we live in these days.
BTW, about Safristi at the Canadian Driver forum, if it sounded like I was bashing him, that wasn't my intent. I was actually complimenting him albeit in a rather backhanded manner. I like class clowns!
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