Pretentious Purchase?

[SebC]

Originally Posted by calumniate

Does this make the op a yop gobbler or a latte sipper? Either way, for shame

Is it bigger than a SmartCar? Then yop gobbler!

[Sliver]

I can relate to your wife on this one. I think she'll have big time buyer's remorse if you get the Cadillac. Sleepless nights, regrets, etc. Particularly if she's senior relative to the other employees she's concerned about alienating. You want your employees to feel like you're in the trenches with them; not that they're working hard for your luxury purchases. That can be demoralizing. Sounds like she is sensitive to this and I don't think there is anything wrong with considering external perceptions of buying a luxury car and then opting for something a little more modest. This will eat her up dude and it won't be worth it.

[taco.vidal]

I think much of the public in Calgary would think its pretentious if they saw you driving it on the streets of Calgary.

But if your wife works with struggling single moms who take transit or drive 20 year old beaters, then they might view a new Cadillac crossover differently.

Its easy to say "buy what makes you happy" but if the reality is that you're coworkers are likely to be jealous or petty, then you may not end up being so happy with any attitude your wife gets at work. Your wife should know her coworkers well enough. Do they make a stink when a coworker buys an expensive new purse or pair of shoes or takes a warm winter vacation that other can't? Does that cause gossip in the office? Things to consider.

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

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.

[Table 5]

The person who is insecure enough to get jealous over a Cadillac crossover will probably still feel jealousy over a new Explorer. Get what you like.

[calgarygeologist]

In my opinion, the SRX is the furthest vehicle from pretentious. No one cares or notices the SRX. The SRX is an old and outdated platform with an underpowered engine. If the Explorer you are considering is an Ecoboost buy that instead.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Table 5

The person who is insecure enough to get jealous over a Cadillac crossover will probably still feel jealousy over a new Explorer. Get what you like.

But it isn't about pandering to her coworkers' insecurities. It's about acknowledging her own and buying the vehicle that will make her feel better. She already knows she won't feel good about owning the Cadillac, which is why I think the Ford will be better for her.

[Regulator75]

Most people won't be jealous, they'll just assume you're making large payments and are probably financially stunted.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Wear a clip on tie when you drive it. Have your wife wear clip on earrings.

[Northendzone]

I felt the same way when we bought the vehicle I currently drive-a 2009 ford explorer limited withe some nice shinny 20 inch wheels - part of the battle is convincing yourself that you deserve a nice vehicle.

As an aside, I'd recommend the ford explorer, it is new and presumably has a longer warranty than the caddy.

While you make a decision, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

[sun]

Did Eleanor Roosevelt ever say that? Always thought it was a David Foster Wallace quote from Infinite Jest, but I suppose he maybe got it from her...

Annoying to google things kinds of things so I can't find a real source from her aside from buzzfeed-esque deals.

[Rerun]

A lot of people are saying "Get the car you want". I say get the car your wife wants. She's the one that will be driving it to work every day. A happy wife means a happy life.

[Enoch Root]

I am in the 'buy what you like' camp because people will judge you regardless of what you do so you might as well do what you like.

Having said that, I think Sliver and others have a point and the last thing you want is to spend the money and then regret it.

I like the cupcake idea but I would do it slightly differently...

Have your wife bring in the cupcakes (or whatever) and then explain that they are because you guys have saved for a very long time for this and you are really excited and are celebrating your hard work and reward.

If anyone were still jealous or bitter at that point, well there is probably little you could do about those people, no matter what you do.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by fotze

Is the Cadillac more expensive than the Ford?

No it isn't it, it is about 4k cheaper.

[terminator]

By the Cadillac of cross overs! Srx dude. Who cares what others think. The caddy is número uno. I always regret trading me caddy in

[Locke]

Buy the one that has the better residual value for higher re-sale.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

Doe she work with jack klompus?

I need some boxes out of my garage...

[spetch]

Not sure if they fixed the problem but there may be a loud creaking going over any bumps in your front end if you go with the SRX. I had a 2012 and every time the weather got cold I would get that annoying sound.

Just wanted to give you a heads up as you wouldn't be able to test that out until winter.

[Arya Stark]

People will always attach a thought to a brand so get whatever you guys want. My friend owns a jaguar which isn't worth more than $4,000 and he always gets comments about his jaguar people associating with him being a "baller".

Those people just are dumb and nothing you do or say will change that.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by Rerun

happy wife means a happy life.

this.

let her pick the one she wants, smile and write the cheque. easy peasy.

speaking from experience on this one dude...

[Derek Sutton]

Yah, she really likes the SRX and how it drives, it is the right size for the two of us vs the Explorer that I wanted. She orginally liked the Edge and Murano which equally equiped, are both right around the same price and never considered the SRX, but come Monday....