[quote=jpinpb] . . . Back maybe 30 years ago, if someone had, say, a Mercedes, well, then, you think that person has money. Today, whenever I see an expensive car, I just think that person has a lot of debt. It is not impressive to me. And I think many times that is one of the purposes of some people is to get a car to impress. I think they are fooling themselves.[/quote]

So true, jp. Especially since, if one REALLY wanted a Mercedes, (or any other luxury vehicle) they can get a used one older than five years (the “certified-used” threshold) and let the first (and second, if applicable) owner take the hit on the bulk of the depreciation. These “older” models often “look” perfect, due to quality paint jobs and quality leather interiors and can make the same “impression.”

I see absolutely no reason at all to purchase a vehicle newer than five years old, of any make. Why mortgage your life away or “burn” your cash, even if you have cash to burn??