Where does this notion come from that wealthy people don't drive nice cars?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

Do you even understand the term peacocking? Because your statement suggests otherwise. Your reading comprehension is also terrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I drive a 2007 Honda- multi million net worth. Sorry to deflate OP’s balloon.

Hey, right there with you! 20 year old Honda with $4+ million net worth. Having low maintenance costs, no car loans, low insurance ($700/year) is a beautiful thing. So is not worrying about another dent. That said, it’s getting to the point where the buttons are starting to fall off and the dashboard is cracking. I’ll probably buy a new Toyota with cash sometime soon and drive it for another 20 years.

Wow, there are 3-4 of us here on this thread! I love it!

This is prudent up until you get into an accident and end up in intensive care, or worse, because your airbags don't work.

And I love how you all pretend your used beaters never break down, never need a tow, and never need maintenance. Don't require a cent to run all year for years on end!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

Do you even understand the term peacocking? Because your statement suggests otherwise. Your reading comprehension is also terrible.

I understand you very well. You think your car is making you seem more special and interesting to others, because you want to appear rich in exactly the right way, the frugal wasp way. You want to impress people just as much as the Porsche driver does with your car choice.

[Anonymous]

How in any way is this thread useful for personal finance?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Unless they're 70+ year old baby boomers, which is unlikely, it is just lying poseurs who do not have millions to their names. This thread mirrors all of the threads on vacation homes, so very likely the same chronically online Gen X middle class commentators.

We do not live in a premier neighborhood
We prefer our small and dated sh**shack
We do not have a vacation home
We drive used economy cars
...because we are stacking millions and millions of dollars!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

Do you even understand the term peacocking? Because your statement suggests otherwise. Your reading comprehension is also terrible.

I understand you very well. You think your car is making you seem more special and interesting to others, because you want to appear rich in exactly the right way, the frugal wasp way. You want to impress people just as much as the Porsche driver does with your car choice.

Oh sweetie, I’m slightly embarrassed about how many dents my beater has but I drive it anyway because I care more about saving money for retirement than I do impressing others. I do judge folks who drive luxury vehicles when a standard Toyota or Honda would do the job. Unless they’re really into cars, it just screams look at me, look at me. And for most Americans, they’re buying more car than they can afford at the expense of their retirement. They’re one bad job loss from having to sell the car or get out of the lease. I don’t envy those people. I pity them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I drive a 2007 Honda- multi million net worth. Sorry to deflate OP’s balloon.

Hey, right there with you! 20 year old Honda with $4+ million net worth. Having low maintenance costs, no car loans, low insurance ($700/year) is a beautiful thing. So is not worrying about another dent. That said, it’s getting to the point where the buttons are starting to fall off and the dashboard is cracking. I’ll probably buy a new Toyota with cash sometime soon and drive it for another 20 years.

Wow, there are 3-4 of us here on this thread! I love it!

This is prudent up until you get into an accident and end up in intensive care, or worse, because your airbags don't work.

And I love how you all pretend your used beaters never break down, never need a tow, and never need maintenance. Don't require a cent to run all year for years on end!

I budget around $2k per year for car maintenance and rarely ever hit that level except when something hits the end of its useful life (eg, timing belts, etc). When I do, I pay cash and don’t give it another thought except to consider whether the juice is still worth the squeeze. If you regularly maintain a car with a track record of reliability, then this is pretty normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Unless they're 70+ year old baby boomers, which is unlikely, it is just lying poseurs who do not have millions to their names. This thread mirrors all of the threads on vacation homes, so very likely the same chronically online Gen X middle class commentators.

We do not live in a premier neighborhood
We prefer our small and dated sh**shack
We do not have a vacation home
We drive used economy cars
...because we are stacking millions and millions of dollars!

Keep thinking that, I honestly don’t care. Lots of people driving non-luxury cars and living in non-luxury houses have the money to buy luxury but don’t.

It’s not cosplaying (and not sure why wasps are the only rich people allowed to be frugal). When I started working , a car payment absolutely would make a difference in my finances and savings. That’s no longer the case but I just don’t value a luxury car. Now, my travel budget has gone up a ton over the years. That’s what I value.

I don’t drive a beater. I drive a perfectly reliable 10 year old car. Once it starts giving me trouble, I will buy another. I will wait until that happens, which could be next year or in 5 years. No need to upgrade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

+1

Preening about not buying nice things is a DCUM specialty version of Virtue Signaling. I'm not sure which is worse. The older guy in his Porsche or the older person virtue signaling about their old car.

[Anonymous]

I've never heard this notion. In fact, it is a self-destroying notion as only wealthy people have the financial resources to buy so-called "nice" cars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

Do you even understand the term peacocking? Because your statement suggests otherwise. Your reading comprehension is also terrible.

I understand you very well. You think your car is making you seem more special and interesting to others, because you want to appear rich in exactly the right way, the frugal wasp way. You want to impress people just as much as the Porsche driver does with your car choice.

Oh sweetie, I’m slightly embarrassed about how many dents my beater has but I drive it anyway because I care more about saving money for retirement than I do impressing others. I do judge folks who drive luxury vehicles when a standard Toyota or Honda would do the job. Unless they’re really into cars, it just screams look at me, look at me. And for most Americans, they’re buying more car than they can afford at the expense of their retirement. They’re one bad job loss from having to sell the car or get out of the lease. I don’t envy those people. I pity them.

Oh, God. The Oh Sweetie poster. You don't disappoint with how utterly obnoxious and holier than thou you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

Do you even understand the term peacocking? Because your statement suggests otherwise. Your reading comprehension is also terrible.

I am not the PP, but you absolutely can "show off" in a beater. Showing off what a virtue signaler you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6.3 million net worth and 750k HHi early 40s. We buy cars in the 55-75k range. Trade in current cars every 4-5 years or so and add 10k down each time. Finance the rest so we have a small payment. Literally don’t notice this in our budget.

Why not drive a mid higher end / fun to drive car when it barely makes a dent?

Because some people are cheap or just think it’s brag worthy to drive a 20 year old beater. My parents were like this. We had to ride around in unsafe, embarrassing cars. But hey, at least I’ll inherit a lot of money?? I can afford nice cars, and I buy them. Doesn’t affect our budget one way or another.

I don't think these people are even cheap. I think they are cosplaying wasps.

Or not. I was taught from an early age that a car is a depreciable asset (if you can even call it an asset) and the money is better invested. So was my spouse. A car gets you from Point A to Point B at various levels of comfort, reliability and ostentation. I think there are plenty of insecure strivers here who like to flaunt their wealth (and sometimes fake wealth). That Range Rover or Porsche conveys much more about your values and priorities than my Toyota or Honda ever will.

Except many people here drive the Toyotas and Hondas precisely in order to prove a point about their values and priorities. That's the tone of this whole thread.

Or maybe we drive our Toyota's because they are deeply reliable cars that run well and require very little upkeep. I've had mine for 20 years and it will not die. As a result, my brand loyalty for this car is insane. I'm not "proving a point." I just want a simple car that I can depend on.

That is not how you or the other responders phrased it. It is partly about signaling, even if of course you like the car. When a millionaire is driving an ancient car with some major safety issues (not sure if that was you), they're doing it to prove something, to the detriment of their safety.

DP here. Does that bother you? Who cares?

I’m a PP. Yes, it clearly bothers that poster because it forces them to do some navel gazing about their own choices and values. They like to use the “safety” straw man to draw a distinction here for one PP’s comment. But that’s a red herring. My 20 year Honda is safe and reliable. It doesn’t have the latest side and rear sensors but does very well in crash tests. I can’t say the same about cars like the Porsche 911/930. And guess what? I’m saving a ton on maintenance, insurance, and loans that I get to bank for retirement and inheritance for my kids. They can peacock all they want but I for one am not impressed.

I'm that poster and I've never paid over 25k for a car, so you got me entirely wrong. I think you are peacocking actually.

Do you even understand the term peacocking? Because your statement suggests otherwise. Your reading comprehension is also terrible.

I understand you very well. You think your car is making you seem more special and interesting to others, because you want to appear rich in exactly the right way, the frugal wasp way. You want to impress people just as much as the Porsche driver does with your car choice.

Oh sweetie, I’m slightly embarrassed about how many dents my beater has but I drive it anyway because I care more about saving money for retirement than I do impressing others. I do judge folks who drive luxury vehicles when a standard Toyota or Honda would do the job. Unless they’re really into cars, it just screams look at me, look at me. And for most Americans, they’re buying more car than they can afford at the expense of their retirement. They’re one bad job loss from having to sell the car or get out of the lease. I don’t envy those people. I pity them.

Oh, God. The Oh Sweetie poster. You don't disappoint with how utterly obnoxious and holier than thou you are.

Isn't that the reason most of us read dcurbanmom? That and it's like listening to the interior monologues of my neighbors without ever having to talk to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I don't exist then. I am sure I am not the only person to drive a 20 year old entry-point Japanese sedan while my stock portfolio has ballooned to 20M. I think it depends on what sort of wealth you're talking about: if it comes from salary, and people are surrounded by others with the same salary, that's going to lead to visible signs of wealth. But if they made their money in a more discreet way and do not socialize with others who have that level of wealth (or who like them chose not to display it)... then it leads to driving a dinged up Corolla.

lol Same. We could be friends. Mines 25 years old. For some reason I love that people think I don't have money.

I got a great deal on a used Japanese sedan, precisely because I look like I don't have money. The dealer was mighty sad looking when I pulled out the cash when it came time to discuss "financing". He was downright pissed at me when he handed over the keys. Lol... I love that car almost as much, but not quite as much, as I did the 300,000 mile used Japanese sedan I traded in to buy this one.

Good times. I'm biding my time at work right now, smile on my face, counting down the days till early retirement.