Keeping up with the Jones, is this why they buy new cars so frequently?

[Anonymous]

We purchased two dream new vehicles over the summer. Loved them and dreamed about having something this nice after years of frugal modest cars. But honestly, six months later we're sort of bored with them. Is this bored feeling what fuels the upper middle class to always trade in for the latest and greatest (SUVs especially)? I don't necessarily think we're clamoring for something more expensive, just something different.

[Anonymous]

People who buy cars don’t do this, but plenty of people lease luxury cars for this reason. Every 3 years you get a new one under the lease arrangement. And not sure it’s alley to “keep up with the Joneses” but because they just like having the latest and greatest (and can presumable afford it, so why not).

[Anonymous]

I don't understand how/why you are bored with your cars, OP. Is novelty something you value in a car? Are there actually car features that have come out in the last 6 months that you find yourself wishing to have?

I do not get "bored" that quickly with something like a car. I don't view cars as a form of entertainment -- it's a utilitarian purchase. I want reliability, comfort, safety. Something that is easy to drive and meets my needs in terms of seating and storage capacity. Yes, if I am buying a new car, I will factor in things like the look of the car, the color, fun features like the stereo system or heated seats or whatever -- this stuff makes buying a car more fun and takes the edge of how expensive of a purchase it is. But when the shine wears off on those features, what am I left with? A reliable vehicle that I can use to move my family from one place to another, with the features I valued when I bought it. I don't understand how/why you could get bored with it unless you had like six cars and could view the cars as, truly, just entertaining or a diversion. But that's not an UMC thing, that's something for the super rich. Who, yes, I do think often buy new things out of boredom, a downside of having all of your material needs met at the highest level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We purchased two dream new vehicles over the summer. Loved them and dreamed about having something this nice after years of frugal modest cars. But honestly, six months later we're sort of bored with them. Is this bored feeling what fuels the upper middle class to always trade in for the latest and greatest (SUVs especially)? I don't necessarily think we're clamoring for something more expensive, just something different.

Did you buy a boring car? Next time, if you want a vehicle not to bore you (nothing wrong with being a person who doesn’t view their vehicle as entertainment), get a sports car, convertible, Jeep, whatever it is that excites you. Myself, I’m a Jeep guy. Have driven them for more than half my life (almost 25 years). Never had a dull moment with any of them (frustrating yes, but not dull).

[Anonymous]

You're just shallow and superficial, that's all.

[Anonymous]

What makes it a dream vehicle? If you just bought them because of the badge then yes it can get pretty boring. You will always have to chase the newest model.

As a car enthusiastist, I love cars and driving so only pick vehicles that are engaging and fun to drive regardless of when it was made.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We purchased two dream new vehicles over the summer. Loved them and dreamed about having something this nice after years of frugal modest cars. But honestly, six months later we're sort of bored with them. Is this bored feeling what fuels the upper middle class to always trade in for the latest and greatest (SUVs especially)? I don't necessarily think we're clamoring for something more expensive, just something different.

I don't think you know what "keeping up with the Jones'" means, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're just shallow and superficial, that's all.

This. You bought for perceived prestige and now have learned that feeling doesn’t last. If you trade up it will just happen again.

[Anonymous]

They frequently have new cars because most luxury cars are leases that turn over. It’s a vicious cycle of always having to hand over a few thousand to start a new lease and always having a car payment. Then you turn it in and have to start all over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We purchased two dream new vehicles over the summer. Loved them and dreamed about having something this nice after years of frugal modest cars. But honestly, six months later we're sort of bored with them. Is this bored feeling what fuels the upper middle class to always trade in for the latest and greatest (SUVs especially)? I don't necessarily think we're clamoring for something more expensive, just something different.

Middle class yes. And I suppose lower mid-UMC. Real UMC either do not get rid of cars for 10 years or they buy new ones and frankly could care less what it costs and there is no real impact on their wealth. Yes they could save the movey but they make so much it is not really missed. For example -- trade int he the two year old Mercedes for a new whatever --- maybe they use 30-50k in cash plus trade in. They are not missing 30-50k. Not a big expense.

[Anonymous]

Once you get a taste of filet, it’s hard to go back to McDonald’s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They frequently have new cars because most luxury cars are leases that turn over. It’s a vicious cycle of always having to hand over a few thousand to start a new lease and always having a car payment. Then you turn it in and have to start all over.

Not just leases, there are also tax advantages to buying new annually and every other year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They frequently have new cars because most luxury cars are leases that turn over. It’s a vicious cycle of always having to hand over a few thousand to start a new lease and always having a car payment. Then you turn it in and have to start all over.

Not just leases, there are also tax advantages to buying new annually and every other year.

No there are not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We purchased two dream new vehicles over the summer. Loved them and dreamed about having something this nice after years of frugal modest cars. But honestly, six months later we're sort of bored with them. Is this bored feeling what fuels the upper middle class to always trade in for the latest and greatest (SUVs especially)? I don't necessarily think we're clamoring for something more expensive, just something different.

Middle class yes. And I suppose lower mid-UMC. Real UMC either do not get rid of cars for 10 years or they buy new ones and frankly could care less what it costs and there is no real impact on their wealth. Yes they could save the movey but they make so much it is not really missed. For example -- trade int he the two year old Mercedes for a new whatever --- maybe they use 30-50k in cash plus trade in. They are not missing 30-50k. Not a big expense.

Why do people on this board think that the rich/UMC aren’t spending their money on luxury goods and branded items??? It’s simply not true. Maybe in WASP culture but there are PLENTY of rich/UMC people who don’t ascribe to that level of thriftiness.

[Anonymous]

OP I get a new car at least every 4 years at min.

Because I grew up uber poor and got stuck on the side of the road too many times I care to admit. With plenty of not great things happened during that time.

When I married my DH I was my one no-compromise. If I ever want a new car no questions asked I just go buy one. We are very lucky our finances are nothing like my parents so this is a no-brainer for us.