For me, at least 70% is down to how it feels when i drives it, 20% is on equipment, 10% on looks.
I dont mind what brand or model as China cars are getting better, I dont mind high maintenance as long as not crazy high...after all i own a Renault-powered waja.
20% on Gadget;
When we review cars we tend to say this model or that is better equipped and is the one to buy. However, on daily commute do we utilise all these money-spent gadget? I am happy with push start,keyless entry, and reliable GPS. Safety is a different matter, it should comes as standard.
70% on how it feels;
This is down to individual preference. Some are blinded by placebo effect of driving certain make. For me its not about all out speed or all out handling. Its the solid confidence, effortless cruising yet composed body control. This could be why i luv my bro W124 and my Waja. My friend Kia K3 is not bad too and so does another friend 2012 Pug 508. There is a mixed of make and model here but they seems to be able to make me feel cosy in my comfort zone.
Then comes my luv for 4x4 which does not cruise or take corner well. However, this type of vehicle gives u solid confidence on the beaten path. Its hard to explained this feels as it involved lots of money esp in the fuel section but i dont mind fuelling once a while to the brim just to drives it offroad or even balik kampung.
I think for me, a car must be solid and capable. However the most important thing is that it must be able to unleash the inner kid which is trapped in u. We all have this tingling feeling to do something naughty once a while...just admit it. Dont tell me u mod your car with turbo engine and have never ever floor it in the 1st 3 gear?
That something naughty could be the factor which swing me more toward cars with continental ride feel and 4x4.
However some just settle for the feeling of 'If i want to do it then i know i can'
If i were to list down all the cars which i have experienced it will be a boring list as they are just normal cars but the outcome is very interesting as different vehicle category is considered as a 'car' to me. Even different variant for a model will yield different outcome.