I must be living in the wrong neighborhood - because the folks that work at the nearby McDonalds are not driving brand new mustangs or BMW's - but rather they use public transportation.
I understand that some folks who are most likely much younger than I am, do not really understand what they can afford when it comes to financing a car. So, take that opportunity to offer constructive, friendly advice.
Starting Score: 682 EQ, 663 TU
I've never owned a car less than three years old.
That used to bug me, but now I love it. I've never been upside down on a car in my life.
I drive them until they drop, or actually until one of my kids' cars drop, and I pass it on to them.
I'm all in favor of letting someone else eat the depreciation. A small investment in a Consumers' Reports Used Car Guide and a couple of hours' time should turn up something that is perfectly fine. In fact, a few of my cars were leased vehicles that had been turned back in. They were pretty low-mileage due to the lessees' terror of putting on too many miles. 
And if I need a new-car smell, I can pick up one of those leaf things that hang from the rear-view mirror at my local Pilot station. 
marinevietvet wrote:
@Cloudlb wrote:it's more than just numbers; it's people buying ridiculous vehicles for their lifestyle because they're pretty, they're trendy, they look good when you compare them to the neighbors. All those bloated SUVs on the road for example. Kids out of college buying (or worse--leasing) BMWs or kids living at home and working at McDonalds buying new Mustangs. Big trucks for daily drivers (lots of those in Texas!). And putting themselves into massive debt for these things, instead of analyzing what they really need v. want.
As a proud Texan I resent that!!!
Just kidding. I have a truck but it's not a big, big truck.
i resent that too! some people just like big trucks or SUV's, it's not a crime. some of us can actually afford them!
there are only 2 of us in our household, but we are going to buy a bigger SUV so that we can travel with our dogs 
Having been forced off the road onto the right-hand shoulder (and behind) by folks sittin' high and proud in their SUV's and deciding to move into the right lane, where I am, I view them with a lot of caution and a bit of bitterness.
When glancing in the right-side outside mirror, the drivers often seem to forget that some of us aren't 12 feet high. Glance down a bit, please. I'm down here, not up there.
You'd think that a four-door Honda Accord would show up pretty well, but apparently not.
And I realize that many SUV drivers know what they're doing and drive safely and courteously, but after a few episodes of terror on morning commutes, they have an asterisk beside them in my brain.
(And my two full-grown Golden Retrievers and beagle-Sheltie mix adored my aging and decrepit (and pretty dang small) 1971 BMW 2002, back in the day. )
I understand not having a car payment and buying a car you cant afford. I did that in my younger days and hurt my credit in the process. But years later with my lessons learned and my credit good and years of driving not so flashy older cars I totally enjoy driving flashy new cars and dont mind paying the premium that comes with new cars. I say if you enjoy it and can fit it into your budget do it! You only live once you might as well enjoy it. Now if you have to decide to make the car payment or eat. The cars not for you.
Hauling - you had one of the very rare BMW 2002's. I was over my friend's house in the summertime and his friend was visiting and he drove a 2002 (prior to this I had had never known about them) mint condition - the car is worth a lot of money!! it's a great car....there were only a few thousand 2002's made!! Collector's item for sure. Lucky you.
And my two full-grown Golden Retrievers and beagle-Sheltie mix adored my aging and decrepit (and pretty dang small) 1971 BMW 2002, back in the day. 
)
