Having nice things is a display of wealth and status, but which nice things a person chooses to have still depends on what they enjoy and how they want to express themselves. Even among car enthusiasts, which sort of car one is enthusiastic about varies a lot. I know a guy who has a luxury SUV which is extremely comfortable. I, on the other hand, had a car which could go around corners really fast. Whenever my passengers bounced around as the car went over a bump, I would tell them “I paid extra for that stiff suspension.”
I grew up in a big city so I didn’t learn to drive until I was 23, and once I did, I realized how much I had been missing. A car with a full tank of gas really does feel like freedom to me, so I enjoy having a car that is good at being a car. I’m not particularly interested in aftermarket modifications, but I am willing to pay more for a car that is fast, handles well, and looks good.