Another new car thread....We've been saving for over three years and I've picked out a used 2014 Cadillac SRX, we have it for a week end test drive. It is really between an Explorer Sport and the SRX should we choose to upgrade and the prices are essentially equal. The wife is questioning if getting the SRX is pretentious.
She has an 03 Vibe with 190k on it, so time for an upgrade for her but she is worried what her co workers will think. She works with lots of single people who are always struggling to stay ahead, and she has me questioing this decision now to. We have saved enough to pay cash and this was always my justification in spending so much on a new car, but now I'm not so sure. I really think we are getting a good deal on the SRX but with it being a Cadilac, it can come off different then driving a Ford.
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Our family has a (used) Cadillac and a (new) Ford truck. Not much help, but I feel like the the new truck is a nicer vehicle than the old Escalade. I think it varies on what people's views are.
If this is what you were saving up for specifically, go for it! If you think getting the cheaper car and putting the extra $ left over towards something else, that might might be an idea. But if this is your dream car, do it! Screw what other people think!
I agree with Thneed. As I get older, I find myself worrying less and less about what others may think about me and the things I do. It feels good. You've obviously worked hard for something that you want, so you shouldn't feel guilty about it.
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Will this be an issue in the future in terms of cash flow if you paid cash in full now? No? Then, I don't see a problem.
If you worked hard and earned it, then I say go for it. What people spend on is really their own business, and none of our concern. To be butt hurt over someone else's purchase highlights their own flaws, not yours.
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This is an easy decision, buy the car. However, the first day she takes the car to work she must bring Crave cupcakes. When she hands out the cupcakes to everyone (individually) just make sure she explains to her colleauges that the cupcakes are meant to make them not feel jealous about the new car.
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Another new car thread....We've been saving for over three years and I've picked out a used 2014 Cadillac SRX, we have it for a week end test drive. It is really between an Explorer Sport and the SRX should we choose to upgrade and the prices are essentially equal. The wife is questioning if getting the SRX is pretentious.
I think the SRX is a nicer vehicle, and depreciation on Cadillacs is pretty high so you can get some pretty good slightly used ones for a good price.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Derek Sutton
She has an 03 Vibe with 190k on it, so time for an upgrade for her but she is worried what her co workers will think. She works with lots of single people who are always struggling to stay ahead, and she has me questioing this decision now to.
I totally understand this, I think for some people it's a normal reaction, feeling a bit guilty for having something that others don't. But I don't think it's pretentious at all. Being pretentious involves both trying to impress (and you're not buying it to impress anyone, you're buying the best value for the money you can) and trying to impress by looking better than you actually are. It's pretentious to buy a car you can't afford to look like you are more successful than you actually are.
By paying cash you, by definition, are not being pretentious.
__________________ Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position.
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Unless you have crazy neighbors who would key your car to shreds and you have no garage to protect it... that might be a factor in the purchase decision.
Pretentious Purchase?
