Posted on 06/18/2011 3:20:59 PM PDT by DallasBiff
Do you live in Berkeley? at my work we all walk out to the garage to see anyone’s new car.
Beats me. Newest is my current 2004 Chrysler.
Me too.
Especially if it's super cheap.
ESPECIALLY if it's super cheap!
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.
Not me. I just got a new Ford Taurus and I love it and I’m NOT keeping it a secret.
If you haven't noticed, America has become Berkeley, IMO.
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.
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!!!!
A hopeful start. Make buying American something people actually think about. Even if it to avoid stigma. Very good start.
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.
The co-worker is weak and shallow. It’s their money. Spend it however they want, period.
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.
So what's the problem?
Seems all good to me.
If someone disapprovingly asked why one bought a car, quote Gov. Christie, “It’s none of your business.” Then walk away.
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.
So why do I bother worrying about actually paying my bills?
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.
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
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!
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