No one really cares what you drive, just as long as it does not drive down property values in the neighborhood by being an eyesore.
When I see a vehicle worth more than my house rolling down the road, I don’t really pay attention to who is driving it. Often, I feel bad that some one’s insecurity has forced them into such an ostentatious display of riches (either real or feigned). I know that they’ll never see me, and that’s exactly how I want it. Here are some reasons why I’m winning:
The car is paid for because I bought it used.
That’s right–no more payments to the bank which means I can direct more funds into savings or discretionary spending. I 100% own this asset. This particular vehicle has decent resale value to boot.
Maintenance is affordable.
Yes, while it is true all vehicles need maintenance and eventually breakdown in some regard, what matters is an ability to fix your car without breaking the bank. I am not a slave to an intricate dealer network that works diligently to separate me from my money.
I don’t want the attention or the head ache.
Whether it’s a jealous neighbor, or an eager cop looking to pick on the fat wallet demographic in traffic, I just don’t need people knowing how much money I can throw away on stuff. I don’t want to have to order special tires that are only manufactured two at a time, or have to drive a loaner vehicle while it undergoes a lengthy maintenance interval that is required by warranty. I really don’t want to cringe every time a kid on the sidewalk recklessly flies by on their bicycle, scared they will plow into the body work. I liken the whole experience to having a very flirtatious partner–more trouble than it is usually worth.
Here is to all my haters.
Yes, your car is probably faster and more comfortable to ride in. Sure, you don’t intermittently smell burning oil through the air vent. You could probably even go to sleep and have the vehicle drive you while watching a movie. I’m okay with a reduced experience, just as long as I know that I captured some semblance of value in a sea of deceptive commercial practices. That when I look at my egg, it’s not staring back at me with a huge “sucker” grin on its face.
