MouthBQ98 said:
Vehicles have, for most people, become a display of social class or category and indicate purchasing/borrowing power to peers. Vehicle choice is not so much pragmatic but rather for self rewarding indulgence and as a display to peers, though few really look at that objectively.
They are relatively set to sell and trade and are commoditized. They also are easy to superficially restyle or add new technology to in order to attract the consumer into a constant upgrade habit.
It's stunning to see how many people purchase a rapidly depreciating major capital item so blithely, but that is our culture. Some people arguably are buying certain vehicles as part of a business expense for certain functions but for most personal purchases it is self indulgent or social signaling.
Agree with all of this. But to be fair I know a lot of people that spend thousands, if not tens of thousands, a year on golf, country clubs, fishing/hunting, etc...
If someone has a true passion for cars and it is part of their lifestyle or a hobby, I try my best not to judge. That said I would guess 80% of people do not fit this description and are likely overextended on credit or on a path to being permanently upside-down on auto debt.