Why do people spend so much time and money on cars? - Page 4

GooseHinson · #31 05-25-2006, 10:03 PM

People spend all kinds of money getting laid (indirectly), getting high, to me a car that can pull a 3 second 0-60 easily beats both out in terms of the thrill and excitement. Unless you truly experience a 9 second quarter mile or going 160+mph you can't really comment on the worth of having a nice car. To me there is no bigger thril in life then speed, and its worth every penny I put into it.

AmazingBlender · #32 05-25-2006, 10:07 PM

Because you touch yourself.

Crimson · #33 05-25-2006, 10:08 PM

I can't think of anything else I would rather spend the money on. I love cars and driving fast, and would rather blow 20k on a nice car then a nicer house or appartment. Im 19 though, single, and happen to drive a 94 corolla because it happens to make sense right now. If I had 30K in the bank, I would gladly spend 10 of it on a car. If i had 100k, I'd spend 30.

theben · #34 05-25-2006, 10:09 PM

hey all,

what do you consider a high % of one's net work to spend on a single car?

what about if you are the head of a family, and your family has several cheap cars (10-20k) and you decide to buy a nice car for yourself? then what do you consider a high % of ones net work to spend on that single nice car?

Borodog · #35 05-25-2006, 10:11 PM

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This wasn't meant to be an attack on people who do this.

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Sure. That's why you called them douchebags.

Some people spend half their work day in their car, and would rather not spend that time in a POS.

ElaineMonster · #36 05-25-2006, 10:17 PM

Kurosh,

I know exactly the people you're talking about.

They are very common in Las Vegas. People like this couple I know:

He drives a SAAB and she drives an SUV. They both work two jobs to keep up with the payments. They sold their house rather than downgrade their cars. They now rent their house from the new owners (weird). He is addicted to video poker and won't bother to learn what machines he might actually have an advantage (or get comps).

They bounced a check to their kid's PTA and had to borrow $150 to cover it.

They like to *look* rich, but they can't keep up with the bills. They are horrible at money management. If you gave them a plan of how to get out of debt and stop working two jobs, but they'd have to drive a 5 year old Honda to do it, they'd freak out and wouldn't do it.

The poor kids (they have 4) are going to grow up feeling rich and used to the rich lifestyle. They won't have any money management skills and they will continue to cycle of debt because they won't know how to live without the luxuries they're used to. It's so sad...

Yeah, anyway, I know what you mean, Kurosh. I don't think you're talking about the people who are car fanciers and can afford it. You're talking about the people who want to keep up with the Jones. You're talking about the ones who finance their plastic surgery, the ones who spend half their income on watches and jewelry, the ones who make the American economy go 'round.

prohornblower · #37 05-25-2006, 10:19 PM

Because this is America and Americans are dumb and shallow.

I fully agree with you. Nothing dumber than financing a $70K Beamer and trading it in for $5K after driving it for 5 years and putting 100K miles on it.

This doesn't apply to people who purchase old beat up cars to fix up as investments. Those people are cool, and smart.

1C5 · #38 05-25-2006, 10:24 PM

Because I like driving a nice car. It gives me joy. I do not find driving boring but maybe I would with a 94 accord.

sushijerk · #39 05-25-2006, 10:27 PM

Elaine,

I think he is talking about people in thier late teens to mid 20s. Guys who have the money to potentially begin setting up good investments but the "hot" car is always the first thing on thier minds. I'm fresh out of college and know many people who decide to splurge on new cars instead of sensible things like paying off student loans or other debts. While they technically can afford it, they've just exponentially increased thier financial pressure instead of beginning to relieve it.

While I am far from a car lover, I can certainly appreciate the beauty/status of a nice car. I've only owned low level family sedans and driving around in my friends sports car is a bit of a high.

surfinillini · #40 05-25-2006, 10:29 PM

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IMO, a car is for getting you from one location to another in comfort and safety.

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I agree...I just bought a new car...I could've pushed it to get a Mazda RX8 or a BMW 3 series, but decided against it and save myself 10-15K...

so instead of a 60 month car note at $550/month, it's only $245/month which I will be able to pay off in 3-4 years...

wow, I actually agree with kurosh on something this is crazy