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Remember when getting a new car was a celebration, instead of being a stigma
6/18/11

Posted on 06/18/2011 3:20:59 PM PDT by DallasBiff

I noticed that a co-worker had gotten a new car while seeing each other in the parking lot and congratulated the person. The co-worker said "thank you", but stated that I shouldn't tell anyone else.

The co-worker in my opinion felt they had a Scarlett Letter attached to them for buying not only a new car but an import model.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: automobile; chrysler; debt; default; ford; gm; government; notnews; obama; palin; revenues; socialism; uaw; vanity
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To: DallasBiff

Do you live in Berkeley? at my work we all walk out to the garage to see anyone’s new car.


21 posted on 06/18/2011 4:20:44 PM PDT by omega4179
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To: patton

Beats me. Newest is my current 2004 Chrysler.


22 posted on 06/18/2011 4:25:49 PM PDT by Peter from Rutland (!@)
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To: Lazlo in PA
Whenever I get something new, I am sure to let people know about it just because.

Me too.

Especially if it's super cheap.

ESPECIALLY if it's super cheap!

23 posted on 06/18/2011 4:33:02 PM PDT by Flycatcher (God speaks to us, through the supernal lightness of birds, in a special type of poetry.)
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To: Flycatcher

Hubby and I like to brag when we really make a great deal on anything. If we get something useful for free we are really wound up. I am always amazed at people who like to brag how MUCH they paid for something- that is so foreign to me.


24 posted on 06/18/2011 4:41:03 PM PDT by Tammy8 (~Secure the border and deport all illegals- do it now! ~ Support our Troops!~)
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To: DallasBiff

Not me. I just got a new Ford Taurus and I love it and I’m NOT keeping it a secret.


25 posted on 06/18/2011 4:45:04 PM PDT by pgkdan ( Time for a Cain Mutiny!)
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To: omega4179
Do you live in Berkeley?

If you haven't noticed, America has become Berkeley, IMO.

26 posted on 06/18/2011 4:45:28 PM PDT by DallasBiff
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To: DallasBiff

I’m not adverse to buying an import, but my next vehicle will be a Ford, just to reward them for not taking 0bama’s blood money.


27 posted on 06/18/2011 4:49:00 PM PDT by Ronald_Magnus
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To: Tammy8
Lol!

I'm with you! When someone attempts to boast about how MUCH he paid for something, I can't refrain from laughing in his face.

Yeah, I suppose we're cursed by vanity too, but at least we get GREAT DEALS ON THINGS!!!!

28 posted on 06/18/2011 4:49:48 PM PDT by Flycatcher (God speaks to us, through the supernal lightness of birds, in a special type of poetry.)
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To: DallasBiff

BUY AMERICAN

A hopeful start. Make buying American something people actually think about. Even if it to avoid stigma. Very good start.

29 posted on 06/18/2011 4:54:23 PM PDT by Cringing Negativism Network (BUY AMERICAN. The job you save will be your son's, or your daughter's)
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To: richardtavor

A coworker once told me about an uncle who lived in New York City. At that time he wouldn’t pay more than $100 for a car. Yep, it was a long time ago. the man would do absolutely nothing as far a repair. When the car died, he left it where it died. And bought another for $100.

The last new car I bought was in 92. Since then I’ve looked for higher mileage vehicles with specific engines. The last vehicle I bought was a 1987 pickup with about 95,000. Before that it was a 1991 SUV with the same engine and about 140,000 miles. I stay away from anything with elaborate electronics that came later.


30 posted on 06/18/2011 5:29:40 PM PDT by meatloaf
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To: DallasBiff

The co-worker is weak and shallow. It’s their money. Spend it however they want, period.


31 posted on 06/18/2011 5:49:15 PM PDT by 23 Everest ( 831 Bonnie)
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To: DallasBiff

I have sort of mixed feelings about this. Owning “stuff” in and of itself is nothing to be proud of, and the pursuit of “stuff” for the sake of “stuff” is not much of an accomplishment, either.

For a very long time, talking about possessions and money was the height of gaucheness and a sign of a bad upbringing. People simply did not discuss money or what they owned.

Character mattered. Family mattered. Manners and honor mattered.

So if it happens that people stop talking about the stuff they buy (too often on credit) and return to the things which actually matter, I will not mourn.


32 posted on 06/18/2011 6:08:29 PM PDT by mountainbunny
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To: DallasBiff
New cars are made by people who are employed. When you buy a new car, you are creating employment.

So what's the problem?

Seems all good to me.

33 posted on 06/18/2011 7:09:57 PM PDT by FreeReign
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To: DallasBiff

If someone disapprovingly asked why one bought a car, quote Gov. Christie, “It’s none of your business.” Then walk away.


34 posted on 06/18/2011 7:15:09 PM PDT by healy61
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To: DallasBiff
That co-worker shouldn't have been embarrassed, so long as it wasn't some POS from Socialist Motors, it's a good thing that you can afford to buy a new car in this economy. As far as I'm concerned,

it's Ford, or it's Foreign
35 posted on 06/18/2011 7:19:00 PM PDT by Oceander (The phrase "good enough for government work" is not meant as a compliment)
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To: mountainbunny

My folks never talked about the “stuff” they had. But my dad loved his cars. New or not. I have so many photos of him and my mom standing next to cars going back to the ‘40s.

Mom next to her new Buick. Then her Buick next to Dad’s older (but still shiny) station wagon with Dad. Then Mom & Dad by the cars, etc.


36 posted on 06/18/2011 7:22:25 PM PDT by 21twelve (Obama Recreating the New Deal: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2185147/posts)
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To: Tammy8
I'm known at work to brag a bit about my bargain finds whereas a former co-worker bragged about his $1500 kitchen patio doors,etc. He declared bankruptcy,got to keep his house, and a year later bought a new Lincoln Town Car!

So why do I bother worrying about actually paying my bills?

37 posted on 06/18/2011 7:29:48 PM PDT by hoosierham (Waddaya mean Freedom isn't free ?;will you take a credit card?)
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To: hoosierham

We have nice stuff. I always look for a heckuva bargain. Always pay cash. If I can’t afford it I don’t need it.
Along with you I have watched people buy huge houses, take out large sums of money from them to buy expensive boats, cars, etc. Walk away from their house and figure out a way to buy another one just like it.
It amazes me because we live within our budget. Shrug.


38 posted on 06/18/2011 8:48:30 PM PDT by sheana
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To: Flycatcher

47 mpg $1000. 95 Geo Metro.
23 mpg $30k new 2000 Chrysler 300M
Favorite by far, $140k Dragonfly trimaran sailboat made in Denmark.

No math necessary


39 posted on 06/18/2011 9:42:47 PM PDT by Senormechanico
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To: Senormechanico
My favorite?

A 16-foot 98-pound canoe that I bought used for $200.

I can't even begin to tell you all the fun my family and I have had with that monstrous canoe!

40 posted on 06/18/2011 9:49:30 PM PDT by Flycatcher (God speaks to us, through the supernal lightness of birds, in a special type of poetry.)
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