i ThInK tHaT BuYiNg CaRs ThAt BlOw Up WhEn YoU fLiP ThEm Is A bAd IDeA
realism is a good thing if it's done right in certain aspects of the game, like i want realistic physics. and the way that cops try and kill you, but i don't wanna have cops be too realistic, like enforcing traffic laws and such. and i also wan't driving to feel realistic, but i don't want it too realistic to where we have to have gas and shit.
you just need a good balance between realism and fun. because if you go too real the game will be dull and feel boring after a while, but if you make it too unrealistic you end up with saints row which fucking sucks(IMO).
Realism isnt a key attraction though. Story and features are though.