(Sigh). So the DSG thing was tongue in cheek. I even said so. Don't get so defensive. I am very aware that a lot of people buy them and enjoy them. I might myself if they were more driver focused as I have said. You're right that many people who are older still enjoy driving. I hope to myself.
It is true that in London most of the fancy cars, including supercars, never get driven properly. And there are a lot of them. Ever been to the Middle East? It's even more the case there. This absolutely does skew the figures. No, not everyone who enjoys driving gets a manual, but I'd say that the vast majority of those who do buy a car purely for status will get an auto. And, like it or not, most M3s and 911s don't get bought by car nuts, at least not new ones.
The US is another place where autos are the norm and have been for many years, although enthusiasts tend to go for manuals.
By the way, I know you didn't say anything about the M3 being a status symbol. I did, which is why I directed it as a question. I don't expect you to have answered my question before I asked it. I guess you just took it the wrong way. I'm sorry that you did. But if you think M3s are all bought by young car nuts then you must live somewhere where starting salaries are very high. (I should spell out, I'm not accusing you of thinking all M3s are bought by car nuts. I'm being facetious.)
To everyone else: sorry about bringing this up. Some people are very thin-skinned.
.
